what is wyd?

World Youth Day (WYD) is the gathering of young people from all over the world with the Pope. It is also a pilgrimage, a celebration of youth, an expression of the universal Church and everyone is welcome!
It is celebrated at the diocesan level each year, and every two, three or four years as an international gathering in a city chosen by the Pope, bringing together millions of young people to celebrate their faith and sense of belonging to the Church.   
Since its first WYD in Rome in 1986, it has been a place of birth of transformation, fostering a personal encounter with Jesus Christ. World Youth Day also seeks to promote peace, unity and fraternity among peoples and nations around the world. 

what happens in lisbon?

Lisbon is an amazing city, both friendly and safe, ancient and modern. Beginning with the Cathedral and the Castle as well as fabulous views and the Tagus River, there is so much to explore in this city not forgetting not one but two World Heritage Sites. The people, heritage and culture make Lisbon an unforgettable city! 
During the week of WYD young people from all over the world are welcomed to the city. In addition to the moments of prayer, sharing and leisure, the young people participate in various initiatives organised by the WYD team, in different locations across the host city. The highlights are the celebrations where the Pope is present, such as the welcoming and opening ceremony, the Way of the Cross, the Vigil and, on the last day, the closing Mass. 

what is the theme?

Mary arose and went with haste (Lk 1:39) is the scripture chosen by Pope Francis as the motto of the XXVIII World Youth Day. The biblical phrase opens the account of the Visitation (Mary’s visit to her cousin Elizabeth), 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. At the Visitation, the action of standing up presents Mary as both a woman of charity and a missionary woman. Leaving in haste represents the young people in particular, being challenged to be courageous missionaries.
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Where does Jesus send us? There are no borders, no limits: he sends us everywhere.
​The Gospel is for everyone, not just for some  (Christus Vivit 177)