Young pilgrims from Canada and Australia begin the journey toward the upcoming World Youth Day in Lisbon, as huge numbers from various of the countries’ dioceses look ahead to the week-long celebration.
By Francesca Merlo
Over 3,000 Australian pilgrims have set out for Portugal to take part in the highly anticipated World Youth Day. This vibrant contingent represents one of the country’s largest groups ever to attend the international event, with strong representation from the Archdioceses of Sydney and Melbourne, each bringing over 500 pilgrims.
Archbishop Christopher Prowse, chair of the Bishops Commission for Evangelisation, Laity, and Ministry, expressed his joy at witnessing the enthusiastic response of young people to Pope Francis’ invitation.
“It’s almost four decades since St Pope John Paul II instituted these great events and they continue to inspire the…