If you’re like me, you might be struggling just a tiny bit with envy as you watch Catholic social media explode over World Youth Day this week. Unfortunately, I couldn’t make it to the international event that gathers millions of young Catholics from all parts of the world.
But that won’t stop me from being a part of the celebration! It shouldn’t stop you either. We are blessed to live in a day and age when technology makes far-off places and events more accessible than ever. There are some great resources available to those unable to make the pilgrimage.
World Youth Day Media Coverage:
1. The Lisboa 2023 App
The Pilgrim App is free and available through the official webpage for World Youth Day 2023. Though it is designed to be used by those attending the event, there are so many other features that everyone will find it useful for spiritual growth. You’ll be able to find several prayers and some of the songs they will sing at WYD.
2. Shalom World
Shalom World will be live streaming many of the WYD events. Just click play on the video above, and you will be able to watch what is currently taking place live.
3. EWTN
https://www.ewtn.com/tv/watch-live
EWTN will offer extensive coverage both on the website and television channel. Tune in:
Tuesday, Aug. 1 @ 3 p.m. ET- EWTN’s one-hour Preview Show, which will air just before the Opening Mass at 4 p.m. ET
Wednesday, Aug. 2 @ 4:00 a.m. ET – Special Coverage: World Youth Day Portugal
Thursday, Aug. 3 @ 11:30 a.m. – Welcoming Ceremony
Friday, Aug. 4 @ 12:30 p.m. – The Way of the Cross devotion
Saturday, Aug 5 @ 4 a.m. ET – Live coverage of Pope Francis’ visit to Fatima;
Saturday, Aug 5 @ 2:00 p.m. ET – Vigil Mass
Sunday, Aug 6 @ 3:00 a.m. ET – Closing Mass (encore at 5 p.m. ET.)
4. Salt & Light Media
Salt & Light Media is another wonderful Catholic media outlet that will have live broadcasts and reports on the latest WYD events.
5. WorldYouthDay.com
WYD is open to all young people who want to take part in a festive encounter centered on Jesus Christ together with their peers. This event is an opportunity to personally experience the universality of the Catholic Church, and to share with the whole world the hope of many young people who are committing their lives to Christ and His Church. World Youth Day is a unique way to deepen your faith and grow closer to Christ, through prayer and the sacraments, together with hundreds of thousands of other young people who share your interests and ambitions
6. Check with your local diocese
ries, and gathering of young people to commemorate World Youth Day. Check with our local dioces for more information!
7. Explore The Offical World Youth Day Lisbon 2023 Website
“The edition of 2023 is organized by the Patriarchate of Lisbon. With this purpose, the Cardinal-Patriarch of Lisbon, D. Manuel Clemente, formed the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) for the WYD Lisbon 2023, an executive organ to prepare the organization of the WYD Lisbon 2023 which is formed by the auxiliary Bishops of Lisbon D. Américo Aguiar e D. Joaquim Mendes and by the executive secretary Duarte Ricciardi.
WYD Lisbon 2023 is organized by the Local Organizing Committee, jointly and in close cooperation, with the Government of Portugal and the City Council of Lisbon, Loures, Oeiras and Cascais, and has been granted the High Patronage of the Portuguese Republic.”
We encourage you to find a way to interact with the World Youth Day pilgrims in Lisbon on social media. As you fast and prayer for the youth of the Catholic Church, take time to learn their stories, watch their videos, admire their photos. Prepare to be amazed at the faith of this generation! This is the hope our world needs.