World Youth Day in Lisbon is approaching. In many countries, the Schoenstatt Youth mobilize to be present and in preparation of WYD: to raise money, organization of the trip, tickets, clothes, backpacks, prayers, studies, preparation of the program in Schoenstatt prior to WYD, etc.
But how does the Schoenstatt Family participate with the whole Church in the preparation of this blessed event of such magnitude? To get some answers, we talked to Mrs. Rosana Silva, from the Institute of Our Lady of Schoenstatt. She is Brazilian and lives and works in Lisbon, near the Schoenstatt Shrine.
What has been the participation of the Schoenstatt Family in the preparation of WYD 2023?
We have been in contact with the WYD head team and we have had close conversations in which we have received concrete requests for help, both in activities in preparation for WYD as well as in the dissemination of information. We have participated in the activities proposed for the preparation of WYD and we have also participated in various organizational and information meetings.
Will Schoenstatt participate in any program during WYD?
Schoenstatt is in charge of organizing the meeting of the volunteers with Pope Francis after the final Mass on August 6th.
How many Schoenstatters are among the volunteers?
About 150.
The WYD cross and icon visited the Shrine. Can you tell us about it?
The cross and the Blessed Mother’s icon visited the Shrine of Aveiro, which is further north in Portugal. It was a very beautiful experience for the Schoenstatt family and for the diocesan church of Aveiro. There was a prayer vigil, open to all.
What does this WYD represent for the Schoenstatt Family?
WYD represents a great joy, because we will be able to welcome so many young people from all over the world and we will receive Pope Francis in this Marian country. The motto that the Pope himself chose – Mary arose and went with haste (Lk 1:39) – is a sign from Providence that this is a day to rejoice in the glories of our dear Mother, who manifests herself in our Schoenstatt Shrine and in the Fatima Shrine.
WYD also represents a great opportunity to welcome thousands of young people to our Shrine and to make it known. For this purpose, the Shrine will be prepared in accordance with the three graces of the Shrine. Those who arrive will be welcomed in a space of refuge and repose, then they will be able to pray in the Shrine, with a spiritual offering of inner transformation, and then they will experience the grace of sending forth by volunteers who will be present. They will offer the opportunity for conversation, exchange of experiences and also an invitation to the activities of the Shrine during this week of WYD.
Read too: Participate in WYD 2023
For more information about WYD, visit the official website: https://www.lisboa2023.org/en
Source: schoenstatt.org.br
