WYD in Lisbon: Our Envoy Continues to Report

So, we continue our week at World Youth Day, and the days here are full and passing by so quickly. Throughout this whole time, you can feel the special and unique atmosphere. At almost every moment, we meet other groups wherever possible - on buses, in the streets, everywhere.

Since our last update, we have experienced so many incredible things! Our visit to Fatima was a deeply spiritual experience. We prayed and learned about the story of the children from Fatima and the apparition of Mary. After that, we returned to Lisbon and had some free time in the evening for a meal.

The following day, we went on a trip to a town called Sintra, where we enjoyed breathtaking views in the morning. In the evening, we rejoined all the other groups for the official reception for the Pope. It was so exciting! Young people from all over the world, carrying flags and wearing colors representing their countries, all united for one purpose - to meet the Pope and be united in Jesus!

The Pope's words at the opening event were moving and touched our hearts - he emphasized that the Church is a place for everyone, and Jesus accepts each and every person as they are. During the event, we took pictures with so many groups that we lost count. It's unbelievable to see such enthusiasm when people spot the Israeli flag and realize that there are Christians living in our country.

After that, we had some more free time and dinner.

This morning, Fr. Piotr, who arrived in Portugal last night, joined us. We started the morning with a lesson from him - we were very happy that he came! Afterward, he said goodbye until the evening, and we decided to enjoy some of Lisbon's beaches and sun, relishing a free morning by the sea. Unlike in Israel, the water here is freezing, but there's still nothing like being by the sea!

Now, we are on our way to the Stations of the Cross - all the young people and groups in Lisbon are coming together to pray the Way of the Cross.

So far, everything is going great, and more groups are joining as the days go by! We're eagerly looking forward to the climax, which will be on Sunday - the big Mass.