Corpus Christi Pilgrims are ready for WYD!

Will we see the Pope? How will the food be? Will our luggage make it to Lisbon? The pilgrims from our diocese going to Word Youth Day in Lisbon have many questions as their departure approaches, but much excitement is in the air.

On Sunday, the group had a retreat at TAMUCC Newman Center to prepare for the big event. 16 of the 25 pilgrims have never been to a WYD. Most have never seen Pope Francis or any other pope. And almost half of the group has never traveled to Europe!

When asked what they are excited about, the first answer is the visit to Fatima. Then, of course, soaking in the WYD and seeing Pope Francis.

The group will be leaving on July 29. Monique Gonzalez, who participates for the first time in a WYD, shares, “I hope to meet many people from all over the world and just have an experience with our Lord and Mother Mary.” She is excited about visiting our Lady of Fatima “and maybe experiencing a miracle.”

Liana Badillo from Robstown went to WYD 2016 in Krakow, Poland. Lisbon is giving her an extra treat: “In our hometown, my parish is Saint Anthony of Padua [who was born and raised in Lisbon], and so I'm so excited that that’s going to be one of the first places we go to.” She looks forward to the event's international dimension: “We truly get to celebrate together being one, being Catholic and celebrating the love that we have for God.”

Javier Ebertowski is currently doing his pastoral year in St. Pius X Parish in Corpus Christi: “I’ve never been to WYD before, but I've heard that many other young people had life-changing experiences there. And I'm just excited to see thousands, if not millions, of young people, come and gather around for our faith for Jesus.”

Accompany the pilgrims with your prayer and follow them on Facebook and YouTube to “be a virtual pilgrim.” More at diocesecc.org/wyd2023

For teens and young adults who cannot make it to Portugal, there will be a Diocesan event on Saturday, August 5, at the Cathedral and St. Patrick’s Parish. Registration and information at diocesecc.org/events/wydincc