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Day 1, Monday
Arrive in Lisbon to meet your Guide and fellow UNITED pilgrims at the airport. Board the group transfer to your chosen lodging (hostel or 3-star hotel). After getting to know your roommates and settling in, join the group for a Welcome Dinner. The evening is free to begin exploring Lisbon. |
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Day 2, Tuesday
Follow your WYD Guide on a walking tour of Lisbon, from the scenic Jardim de Sao Pedro de Alcántara to the city's bustling plazas and along the riverfront - stopping in Lisbon's most beautiful and historic churches all along the way. In the late afternoon, gather at the main event site for the WYD Opening Ceremonies & Mass, celebrated by the local Archbishop. |
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Day 3, Wednesday
Bright and early, meet your fellow UNITED pilgrims to walk together to your English-language Catechesis site. The morning typically begins with worship music to wake you up. A prominent Cardinal/Bishop gives a catechetical talk, after which Mass is celebrated. Confession is usually available throughout the morning. In the afternoon, choose from among the dozens of Youth Festival activities taking place throughout the city. Speakers, musicians, and other performers are scheduled until late into the evening. |
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Day 4, Thursday
As a group, walk to your English-language site for a second day of Catechesis and Mass with a different Cardinal/Bishop. Then, it's time for the Pope's arrival into Lisbon! Choose between lining the streets and waiting at the main event site to welcome our Holy Father. After his arrival, the Pope gives his remarks, and pilgrims chosen from around the world make presentations on behalf of their countries. |
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Day 5, Friday
Meet with your fellow UNITED pilgrims for a final day of English-language Catechesis led by a third Cardinal/Bishop. Afterward, choose from among dozens of Youth Festival events to fill your afternoon. In the early evening, move to the main event site to pray the Stations of the Cross led by our Holy Father. |
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Day 6, Saturday
Pilgrims from the United States typically gather this morning for a national Pilgrim Mass. Then, it's time to set off on the Pilgrim Walk (usually 10-15 miles) to the site of the Prayer Vigil. Upon arrival, set up camp and prepare for the all-night event. The Pope gives his official WYD address and leads pilgrims in prayer and adoration. Music and performances open and close the night. |
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Day 7, Sunday
Wake up to musical performances meant to rouse sleeping pilgrims. The Holy Father celebrates the closing WYD Mass, and delivers a special homily for young pilgrims. At the conclusion of the Mass, the Pope announces the year and location of the next international World Youth Day celebration. Pack your belongings and begin the Pilgrim Walk back to your hotel. The afternoon and evening are free for you and your fellow pilgrims to rest, eat, and enjoy relaxing in the city. |
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Day 8, Monday
Retreat from the fast pace of WYD to reflect on your pilgrimage experience in Santarém and Fátima. Spend the morning in Santarém at the Shrine of the Holy Miracle, the site of a Eucharistic miracle. Then, continue to Fátima for a full afternoon at the Shrine of Our Lady of Fátima, one of the most important and most recognized Marian apparitions in the world. Return to Lisbon for a free evening. |
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Day 9, Tuesday
Take off on a day of exploring holy sites in charming towns near the Atlantic coast. See 150 years of artistry built into the Monastery of Santa Maria da Vitoria in Batalha; step into the Cloister of Silence in the Monastery of Alcobaça (pictured above); and discover the importance of a simple hoofprint at the Shrine of Our Lady of Nazare. Return to Lisbon for the group's Farewell Dinner and a final free evening. |
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