Much expectation, anxiety and many projects have been part of the day-to-day routine of the Schoenstatt Family of Portugal during these last months. All of it in preparation to offer the best to the thousands of young people who will participate in the World Youth Day (WYD) with Pope Francis.
In addition to the spiritual preparation, the Movement is looking for financial resources to cover the different activities that will take place in Lisbon on July 31.
What activities will take place?
On that date the MTA Festival will be held, which is an international meeting of the Schoenstatt Youth – Girls’ Youth and Boys’ Youth. The event will take place in the Lisbon Shrine and the program will include a Mass, a procession with the MTA image and a celebration full of surprises at the Shrine square.
Furthermore, between August 1st and 4th, many young WYD pilgrims from different countries are expected at the Shrine. More than 3,000 people are estimated to be visiting the Shrine.
MTA Festival Spirituality Team
“We want to provide a place prepared to make Schoenstatt’s spirituality and our history known by offering a space where everyone can experience the three graces of the Shrine. Because of the proximity to Bethlehem, where the WYD Park of Forgiveness will be located, we expect to have many visitors,” explains the organizing team.
*The “Park of Forgiveness” is the place where pilgrims will be able to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation in one of the 150 confessionals that will be available.*
How to contribute?
Festival logistics team
Der Leiter der Schönstattbewegung in Portugal, Pater Lorenzo Lütjens, bittet im Namen der Schönstattfamilie um einen finanziellen Beitrag von 12 Euro.
The director of the Schoenstatt Movement in Portugal, Father Lorenzo Lütjens, is making a request on behalf of the Schoenstatt Family: a financial contribution of 12 Euros.
The donation will be used to cover the expenses of the festival and the reception area during the week of WYD, such as:
- Equipment rental (stage and sound)
- Rest areas
- Toilets
- Decoration
- Other materials
To help, visit the Schoenstatt in Portugal web page and get more details: www.schoenstatt.pt/festival-mta-jmj