I learnt about the WYD Pilgrimage 2023 to Lisbon through Church. It was initially the invention of Pope John Paul II in 1984 who organised a gathering on Palm Sunday expecting 60000 young people, when in fact 250000 people from around the world converged on Rome. WYD exists to ensure the voice of the young is acknowledged and heard in the Church and people feel supported. Since then, the event has been held in many countries including Poland, USA, Canada, Australia and the Philippines.

Open to only 100 people in NZ I had to apply to go, so there were no guarantees, but grateful to Fr Alister Castillo, and Fr Simon Eccleton for supporting my application. I had to include my reasons for wanting to go……

Even though I have a strong faith and go to Mass every week, my faith took a big dip last year when my Grandma died in the UK from Dementia. We had always been close, but because of Covid restrictions we couldn’t get back to the UK to be with her…..

I am really looking forward to going and being with others my age and experiencing the build up to the pilgrimage with travel through France, experiencing Lourdes, Fatima, Paris and Lyon and all the events leading up to WYD and seeing Pope Francis.

Let the fundraising begin!!

Ben Sutcliffe