world youth day lisbon 2023

Within the hallowed space of the Shrine, as the Eucharist was celebrated, the girl, who had lived in darkness for two years, experienced a miraculous awakening. Upon receiving Communion, she opened her eyes to a world she had yearned to see once more. This poignant event unified young hearts from every corner of the world, cementing a shared devotion to Jesus Christ, nurturing friendships, deepening knowledge, and harmonizing spirits.

This divine intervention resoundingly underscores the potency of prayer as a conduit to the Divine, a wellspring of solace, and an agent of profound transformation.

Amidst the myriad of encounters at this global gathering, the resonating power of prayer emerged as an overarching theme, etching its significance onto my very soul. Over 1.5 million young people representing diverse backgrounds and cultures participated in this event. The instrumental role played by HCFM in supporting the Congregation of Holy Cross, particularly in the meticulous planning and execution of the vocation booth, sponsoring the vocation promoters, and providing 20,000 rosaries—was a special and cherished attraction.

Amidst this luminous tapestry of faith, I extend a heartfelt call to the compassionate benefactors of Holy Cross Family Ministries. Your steadfast support has enabled young souls, including myself, to partake in the transformative World Youth Day experience. These gatherings not only nurture faith and deepen our understanding of the Catholic Church but also facilitate connections that transcend borders. Through your unwavering generosity, you empower us to uphold the legacy of World Youth Day and similar initiatives that nurture the spiritual growth of young souls worldwide.

Blessings,

Father Pinto Paul, C.S.C., Ph.D.

International Director