A pilgrimage is a journey a pilgrim makes to a sacred place for the purpose of venerating it or to ask for heavenly aid, and ultimately to come to know God better. Christian pilgrimages were first made to sites connected with the birth, life, crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Shortly after, pilgrimages started being made to Rome and other sites associated with the Apostles, Saints and Christian martyrs, as well as places where there had been apparitions of the Virgin Mary. In the past, pilgrims would leave their homes, families, and comforts to walk for hundreds of miles with nothing but what they could carry on their backs. Just as the pilgrims from the early centuries, we modern pilgrims also leave our homes, families and comforts in order to journey to sacred places. (WorldYouthDay.com)

The course of life here on earth is one long pilgrimage. The physical pilgrimage we take to a sacred shrine is a symbol of the spiritual pilgrimage we are on throughout our lives. Each day we have the opportunity to encounter Christ through suffering, joys, interactions with others, and through every aspect of our human experience. By taking what we have learned from our pilgrimage and putting it into practice in our daily lives, we come to a better knowledge of God.

Yes – The Old Testament presents several physical journeys which also have a deeper spiritual meaning. For example:

• The journey made by Abraham to the chosen land. His willingness to obey God makes him a model of faith and obedience.
• The story of the Exodus from Egypt. The Israelites travel through the wilderness to the land of Canaan, experiencing both hardships and God’s care and guidance.

Both emphasise the theme of God journeying with his people and stress the importance of being willing to obey and trust God.

The city of Jerusalem developed into a centre of pilgrimage, a place where God could be encountered in a special way. Pilgrimage to Jerusalem (during the time of the Old Testament) on the three feasts of Passover, Weeks and Booths became a requirement for all male Israelites who would often have been joined by other family members. During periods of exile, pilgrimage to Jerusalem took on additional emotional and spiritual significance. (The University of York)

Yes we do, it’s from 22-35. World Youth Day is targeting 16-30 however welcomes other ages as well.

If you are outside these limits, please contact us directly and we can see if an exception can be made or, we can help direct you to a different pilgrimage that caters to a slightly different age range.

We have carefully constructed a pilgrimage week ahead of World Youth Day to be able to learn, pray and explore places of significance for Catholics and Carmelites, on our journey to Lisbon.

We will be going with both Carmelite friars and religious sisters and have made every effort to keep costs as low as possible throughout the trip.

The Discalced Carmelites were founded in Avila by two doctors of the Church, St Teresa of Avila and St John of the Cross. We will be able to see many sites relating to these two holy saints and to reflect on their lives and teachings. See the itinerary for more information.

Fatima is a shrine dedicated to the Virgin Mary after a series of apparitions happened at this site with both Mary and Jesus appearing. In the most famous apparition, the ‘Miracle of the Sun’, Our Lady of Mount Carmel revealed herself to the three shepherd children. The Virgin Mary visited the children several times before this date and asked them to tell many to come on the 13th of October 1917. On this date, the Virgin Mary would preform a miracle “so that all may believe”. 

Estimates of the number of people present range from 30,000 to 100,000 and atheist and believer alike saw the Sun appear in various and miraculous ways including  it casting multicoloured lights across the landscape, the people, and the surrounding clouds. The Sun was then reported to have careened towards the Earth before zig-zagging back to it’s normal position. 

Yes – we are currently planning on connecting with all other Carmelite groups on the 4th of August.

The final arrangements are still being made for this.

• VISA (if needed)
• Passport/ travel documents.
• Bible
• Pilgrim Passport – we will provide this to you in Lisbon
• Water bottle
• Warm clothes – especially for the vigil
• Sleeping bag (for the vigil)
• Toiletries
• Sunhat
• Sun cream
• Sun glasses
• Phone Charger
• Backpack
• Hiking shoes
• Emergency contact details of group leader

Remember we are doing lots of walking so pack light where you can.

You may want to bring

• Some Euros (a Money belt may be a good place to store this & your passport)
• Inflatable mattress for night Vigil
• Umbrella
• Items to trade with other pilgrims
• Country flag?
• Earplugs
• Safety pins
• Deck of cards, games
• Medications (if have prescription, definitely bring this!)

Don’t bring

• Please don’t bring anything you can’t afford to lose!
• Heavy things
• Electronic things for your hair if you can avoid it
• Illegal items
• Jewellery

When to book your flights! 
We meet on the 24th of July in Avila at the Church and Birthplace of St Teresa of Avila. We have no set meeting time however we will be having dinner together in the evening. You are welcome to arrive at any time but aim to arrive before 18:00 to join us for dinner.

Travel from Madrid to Avila:
Option 1. There is 1 direct bus every day at 15:00 from Terminal 1 (MAD) at 15:00 to Avila. Book on Omio and this is the easiest transport! Omio will only allow you to book 2 months in advance. If you land in another terminal, you can take the free shuttle bus to Terminal 1 and the journey will take a maximum of 20 minutes. See airport connections here. Direct bus cost: £9-10 and bus time: 1hr 50 m.

Option 2. Take the underground train into Madrid to main train station: Madrid Mendez Alvaro (40 mins from T4). The bus station is right next door.
2.a Take a ‘Car Share’ via BlaBlaCar. Cost: 6-10 EUR. Drivers normally post 2-3 days before departure. 
2.b Take a bus from Madrid bus station. Cost 9-11 EUR and 1hr 20 m  approximately. Check your journey on Omio and buses are around every hour.

Option 3. Take the underground train into Madrid to Estación de Madrid-Chamartín-Clara Campoamor (15 mins from T4). Take a train from Chamartín to Avila and is 10 EUR. Check your journey on Renfe. Trains depart at 09:57; 14:22 & 21:53. Journey length 1hr 50m. 

Yes – in some of our locations and accommodation options, you may have your own room. In other properties, you will be sharing. In Lisbon, we will have multiple properties allocated as men and women houses. In these houses, some people may need to share a double bed top-and-tail. This is due to the vast number of young adults coming to Lisbon and as a result of trying to keep the price as affordable as possible.

If you are a UK or an Irish citizen, you do not need a VISA.

If you are unsure, please check here.

Please note, we need a copy of your VISA when you have received it to register you with World Youth Day.

Vegetarian will not be a problem. Please notify us as soon as possible.

For other dietary requirements, yes definitely in Lisbon for World Youth Day. We will need to contact our other food providers for the trip in order to verify whether they can provide for your needs. Wherever possible, we will always to cater for you.