From August 2 to 6, World Youth Days will take place in Lisbon, Portugal. The Sanctuary of Lourdes is part of a stopover town.
As announced, Lourdes is a stopover city on the Youth Journey as part of World Youth Days (WYD), which takes place every four years. The sanctuary already welcomed the first WYD pilgrims on July 18th. Officially, young people will be received on their way to Portugal on their outbound flight from July 21 to 24, and on their return from August 7 to 9. During these entire days, 160 groups of 26,000 people are expected to arrive at the sanctuary. Pilgrims from all over the world. On the busiest days, about 4,000 youngsters will be in the shelter at one time.
“It is a completely exceptional event,” confirms Michel Dupin, Dean of the Sanctuary. “An event that revolves around Europe, and will take its final stage in Portugal.” A way to confirm that Lord is an integral part of the WYD system.
A crucifix was made and displayed for the occasion within the sanctuary done by the Canacolo community of Llannedare.
Strong organization
In this context, the direction of the sanctuary wished a particular organization. Thus, the Prairie Tent was specifically designated as a space for youth. “It’s an idea that originated with WYD,” admits Don Maxence Bertrand, pastor in charge of youth. This space will remain in place after the event. “We wanted a flexible place, there would be space to play sports with boxes with balls and nets. But there would also be something to rest or read.”
The tent will accommodate groups, especially in the morning before going on a parade to the cave for an international youth crowd. An afternoon will be devoted to discovering the sanctuary on six dedicated routes. The brochures have been prepared in several languages.
As for lodging, the Sanctuary and Town Hall offer several places to accommodate everyone.
For example, the Padre Pio Room and Espace Robert Hossein will be loaned respectively from Saint-Pierre and Lourdes. Some places of worship will also be used. Local volunteers and from elsewhere will be invited to welcome these visitors.
The rector stresses the importance of offering hospitality to these young people during their journey: “There is clearly an important economic dimension, the proposal for a shelter is appreciated.”
