SH pilgrims went through challenges to welcome Pope Francis in the late afternoon of last Thursday (3), on the Meeting Hill, during WYD Lisbon 2023. The program on the central stage featured Portuguese cultural performances, including a fado group. According to the Internal Security System, it is estimated that more than 500 thousand people were gathered to welcome the Holy Father.
Already placed on the railing, a few meters from the main stage, the young people Quétia Belo, Cecília de Aguiar and Eric Rodrigues, from the mission of Brasília, detailed that coming to Lisbon was an act of faith. “We did several actions, I gave music lessons, but the important thing was to trust God and come here, letting St. Joseph provide everything,” says Cecília.
The pair arrived at the Hill of Meeting at around 12pm, five hours before Francis’ arrival at the site. With a Brazilian flag propped up on the railing and a selfie stick, the couple of SH pilgrims ate lunch amid the joy of waiting.
Gabriela Chehab, voted for the mission of Paderborn, Germany, it was not the first time she had seen the Pontiff with her own eyes. However, the second time managed to exceed expectations.
“It was even stronger because of the young people, hearing so many languages and knowing that everyone was talking about the same subject,” she says. “I thought about giving up coming to the Day for various reasons, but I’m glad I didn’t, as it’s been a magical experience.”
Pope Francis still meets with young people this Friday at 6pm for the Way of the Cross, and for the Vigil on Saturday (5).
Service
Halleluya Music Festival
When: August 1st to 4th, 2pm to 11pm
Where: Alameda Dom Afonso Henriques, Lisbon – Portugal
Follow: @halleluyalisboa