Encounter

Our Itinerary

We travel from the 24th of July to the 6th August 2023.

Summary Itinerary

Monday 24th July

We meet together in Avila for Dinner at 7pm.

Tuesday 25th July

We explore Avila and learn and pray with the Carmelites.

Wednesday 26th July

We explore Avila and learn and pray with the Carmelites.

Thursday 27th July

We explore Avila and learn and pray with the Carmelites.

Friday 28th July

We explore Avila and learn and pray with the Carmelites.

Saturday 29th July

We journey to Fatima. Along the way, we will walk to Alba de Tormes and explore Castelo Branco.

Sunday 30th July

Our programme will revolve around the Fatima Shrine.

Monday 31st July

We will join the International Meeting for Carmelite Youth (Young Adults) in Fatima.

Tuesday 1st August

We will follow the World Youth Day schedule.

Wednesday 2nd Aug

We will follow the World Youth Day schedule.

Thursday 3rd August

We will follow the World Youth Day schedule.

Friday 4th August

We will follow the World Youth Day schedule.

Saturday 5th August

We will follow the World Youth Day schedule.

Sunday 6th August

We will follow the World Youth Day schedule and we will return home.

Avila
Monday 24th July 2023

We all meet together in Avila.

We will have an introduction to our pilgrimage together and then a restful and social evening.

The image to the right is of Igelsia y Casa de Natal de Santo Teresa which is our accommodation in Avila. 

Casa de Natal de Santo Teresa

Avila
Tuesday 25th July 2023

In the morning we will explore the Igelsia y Casa de Natal de Santo Teresa (this is the Church, museum and Birthplace of St Teresa of Avila). 

In the afternoon, we will visit the Palace of Superunda. 

Avila
Wednesday 26th July 2023

In the morning we will visit the Cathedral of Avila and the Bell Tower for panoramic views of the entire city of Avila.

We will visit the Convent of St Joseph which was the first house of the Discalced Carmelites.

You will also have the chance to explore independently or rest and we will later walk to the four posts to watch the sunset.

Avila walls

Avila
Thursday 27th July 2023

In the morning we will walk to the Basilica of Saint Vincent for Mass.

In the afternoon, we will walk to the Monestery of the Incarnation where St Teresa spent most of her life. Later we can walk around the walls of Avila.

Avila
Friday 28th July 2023

In the morning we will go to the Mysticism Interpretation Centre.

In the afternoon, we will have some more free time to explore personally or visit other tourist destinations. 

Our Lady of Fatima

Avila - Alba de Tormes - Fatima
Saturday 29th July 2023

We leave at 6:30am by coach to go for a pilgrimage walk from the Church of St John the Baptist, Garcihernández to the Basilica of Saint Teresa, Alba de Tormes where St Teresa died.

We explore and have Mass before continuing towards Fatima.

We stop for a break at Castelo Branco, Portugal and have dinner in Fatima.

Fatima
Sunday 30 July 2023

We spend all day in Fatima Shrine partaking in the full pilgrim programme including:

  • the Fatima film,
  • viewing shrine chapel,
  • visiting the homes of the shepherd children.
  • the Rosary and candle procession
A stain-glass window in Fatima

Fatima - Lisbon
Monday 31st July 2023

We attend the International Meeting for Carmelite Youth from 10am. 

We will follow the full schedule that is organised by World Youth Day and the General Curia of the Teresian Carmel.

Follow for more information here

Lisbon
Tuesday 1st August 2023

We settle into Lisbon and organise and prepare for upcoming week (including food shopping)!

WYD Central event: Opening Ceremony & Opening Mass

Other events:

  • Lisbon Walking Tour [Optional]
  • Youth Festival events [Optional]
Lisbon Cathedral (picture provided by WYD)

Lisbon
Wednesday 2nd August 2023

World Youth Day starts to build and all the venues are now open.

WYD Central event: Catechises in the morning

Other events:

  • Youth Festival events [Optional]
  • Vocational Fair [Optional]
  • Sacrament of Reconciliation [Optional]

Lisbon
Thursday 3rd August 2023

WYD Central event: Catechises in the morning

WYD Central event: Papal Welcoming Ceremony

Other events:

  • Youth Festival events [Optional]
  • Vocational Fair [Optional]
  • Sacrament of Reconciliation [Optional]
Sacrament of Reconciliation

Lisbon
Friday 4th August 2023

WYD Central event: Catechises in the morning

WYD Central event: Via Crucis. (Stations of the Cross) a re-enactment of the last moments of Jesus’ life.

Other events:

  • Youth Festival events [Optional]
  • Vocational Fair [Optional]
  • Sacrament of Reconciliation [Optional]

Lisbon
Saturday 5th August 2023

WYD Central event: Pilgrimage walk, evening prayer & Vigil with the Pope.

We will be sleeping outside for this so you will need a sleeping bag. Our other luggage will remain in the apartment.

Pope Francis

Lisbon
Sunday 6th August 2023

WYD Central event: Closing Mass with the Pope in the morning

  • Pilgrim walk back to Lisbon
  • Say our goodbyes and depart

FAQ

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.

Yes – we are currently planning on connecting with all other Carmelite groups on the 31st of August.

Find out more here

“Mary arose and went with haste” (Luke 1:39) is the bible quote chosen by Pope Francis as the motto of the World Youth Day that will be held for the first time in the capital city of Lisbon, Portugal. The biblical phrase (a quote from the Gospel of St. Luke) opens the account of the Visitation (Mary’s visit to her cousin Elizabeth), a biblical episode following the Annunciation (the angel’s announcement to Mary that she would be the mother of the Son of God, and the theme of the last WYD, in Panama). 

Mary of Nazareth is the great figure of the Christian journey. She teaches us to say yes to God. She was the protagonist of the last edition of WYD and will be so once again in Lisbon.

In the biblical episode of the Visitation, the action of standing up presents Mary as both a woman of charity and a missionary woman. Leaving in haste represents the attitude depicted in Pope Francis’ indications for WYD Lisbon 2023: «may young people’s evangelization be active and missionary, for this is how they will recognize and witness the presence of the living Christ».

Find out more here

Opening Mass

Presided by the Cardinal Patriarch of Lisbon, Manuel Clemente.

Welcome Ceremony

This is the first moment of encounter between the young people and the Pope.

Way of the Cross

A prayerful & immersive experience where we follow in the footsteps of Jesus.

Vigil

One of the events with the Pope in which we have Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and we pray together.

Missioning Mass

A celebration presided by the Holy Father to end WYD Lisbon 2023. Before the end of the Mass, the Pope will announce the city that will host the next edition of World Youth Day.

Find out more here.

  • 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 apartments.

In these apartments, 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.

"Mary arose and went with haste" Luke 1:39