Testimonies and Experiences of the Latin Patriarchate Youth in Jerusalem during their participation in the World Youth Days 2023
By: Miral Atik/ lpj.org - Published: August 08 Tue, 2023
LISBON – From August 1st till August 6th, 2023, Catholic Christian youth from all over the world participated in the 37th World Youth Day, including the youth of Palestine, Galilee, Jordan, and Cyprus.
Decorated in the colors of the Portuguese flag (green, red, and yellow), this year's logo is formed mainly of a Cross, which is the ultimate sign “of the infinite love of God for humankind.” A path emerges from the cross, showcasing the Rosary (as a reminder of Fatima’s Apparitions), Mary depicted as a young girl (to signal Mary’s readiness to live according to God’s will), and a depiction of the Holy Spirit. The logo invites the youth of the Church to not stand still but be builders of “a fairer and more fraternal world”.
Testimonies
Nearly 350 young adults from the diocese of Jerusalem participated in this year’s international Catholic youth meeting: 77 from Jordan, 200 from Palestine, and 50 from Galilee. And for the first time, 20 participated from Cyprus.
- Dana Qamr, from Aqaba’s parish
“This is my first time participating in WYD. Although it can be exhausting, due to the full schedule. Yet it is spiritually rich and touching, which makes me want to attend a second time. It is a rare experience where we meet people our age from different countries, exchange cultures, pray together, and unite in faith. We also got to Visit the Holy shrine of Our lady of Fatima and churches. This meeting helped me mature my faith, examine my consciousness. The presence of the Holy Spirit was felt among us. It is truly a life changing experience that touched both my heart and soul”.
- Rama Hijazin, from Samkieh’s parish
“WYD helped me realize the grace found in praying. During the Stations of the Cross, I was touched deeply upon seeing many people struggling with a disability; sickness or wearisome, fervently pray with a strong faith, joy, and reverence. It made me question my faith, and it lit a fire in me to break the spirit of laziness, to persevere in praying for others, and seek God’s face more”.
(Youth from Jordan)
The Youth “Rise up”
A 3-day conference titled “Rise up” was held during the week, during which the youth were divided into various groups according to the geographical location and common spoken language. Hence, the Arabic-speaking youth from the Middle East met together, celebrated Mass, and took turns in discussing spiritual topics related to them, and this year’s slogan.
(Arab countries, "Rise up" meeting)
This News was originally published on the website of the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem. Please click here to read the full text.