Lisbon, Portugal, Feb 9, 2021 / 07:00 am
The Catholic bishop overseeing preparations for World Youth Day 2023 in Lisbon, Portugal, has said that the event will be an opportunity to renew hope in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.
Bishop Américo Manuel Alves Aguiar, president of the WYD Lisbon 2023 Foundation, told CNA that he hoped that the gathering would touch as many young people as possible.
Referring to the meeting's official theme -- "Mary arose and went with haste," from St. Luke's Gospel -- he said: "I wish that the Lord touches the heart of the biggest possible amount of young people and that they might let this announcement echo in their hearts, standing up and leaving with haste to meet others."
"I wish WYD Lisbon 2023 to be from and to all the people and that it can mean an opportunity to renew the hope in the post-pandemic period."