The First Report From WYD in Lisbon

We arrived in Lisbon on Monday night after a long day on the road. From the airport, we proceeded to the collection point for the badges and bags, officially becoming part of World Youth Day. One of the event volunteers accompanied us to the accommodation place—a large school where the groups are staying—in a huge sports hall where several groups sleep together.

After some of the group members, for whom this was a first experience, got over the shock, we got ready for sleep. The next day, we started with renewed energy, ready to begin the youth week.

In the morning and afternoon, we walked around the city center and the old town. We visited the city's Cathedral and the church of San Antonio, his birthplace. Of course, throughout the day, we met all the other groups that came for the youth week. As always, the Israeli flag attracted everyone's attention, and we felt truly honored by the number of photos requested.

During the day, there were also concerts in the square, where groups gathered to enjoy music together, dance, and savor the experience and atmosphere. Despite our small number, our group always managed to attract others to dance and sing together.

In the evening, there was the opening Mass in a huge park, where millions of young people came to officially kick off the youth week. The Mass was celebrated by the local bishop. After the late-ending mass, we started walking back to the accommodation place, and on the way (which took quite a long time), we connected again, took pictures, and sang together with the other groups. We finished the day tired but satisfied!

Today, we start the morning with a trip to Fatima. The experience so far has been amazing! For the young people, it's a special event to meet so many young Christians in one place, sharing the same faith. This is not something you see every day, especially not in our country.

I'll continue to update later!

Watch and read also: HERE.