Last Minute Preparation Tips for Africans Participating in World Youth Day in Portugal

Once again, Angela is on the committee preparing young people participating in the 2023 WYD from her country Ghana. In a June 27 interview, she has shared with ACI Africa some of her memorable experiences from the two WYDs she has taken part in, and has also provided some tips for young people, especially African, going to Lisbon.

• Reflect on the theme

Remember this is a pilgrimage. Have spiritual expectations from the trip. One of the ways to do this is to deeply reflect on the theme, which has been derived from Like 1:13 is “Mary arose and went”. This is a very active theme. Reflect on it and pray constantly about it.

• Have a prayer request

Prepare a prayer request. Pray for other people as well. God will surely answer them in the way that is best for you.

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• Learn a few Portuguese expressions

There is still time to learn a few expressions that will make your experience in Portugal a bit easy. I have learned some words and expressions as well.

• Study the maps

Millions of people are (to participate in) the WYD in Lisbon and the streets are likely to be crowded. It happened when we went on the pilgrimage with Pope Francis during the 2016 WYD. Many young people were lost in the big crowds. You too face the risk of getting lost and struggling to find your way back to your group. That’s where learning a few words about direction comes in. That way you can ask for help. It will also help to study the maps, which are always handed out in good time.

• Be open to learning and making new friends

This may be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience so many cultures all in one place. Be open to learning as much as possible. This will broaden your understanding of the world. You will see the richness of the Catholic Church in the diverse ways in which other people celebrate Holy Mass and engage in other kinds of celebrations. You will be exposed to new music, new food, new dance moves, and so many other cultures.

This is also a good opportunity to make new friends and network. Open up yourself to friends from other worlds and express a commitment to stay connected with them even after the event is ended.

• Immerse yourself in activities

A lot will be going on in Lisbon. There is so much to see in a very short time. Try to immerse yourself in as many activities as you can. Remember that you didn’t leave your country to go and sit in one place, or to sleep the whole day in Lisbon.

• Go to Fatima

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I think your tour to Portugal will be incomplete if you don’t slot in some time to visit Fatima, one of the most important Catholic shrines in the world. I am sure that visiting Fatima will be a life-changing experience. Take your time to research what you require for a trip from Lisbon to Fatima and spare some resources for it.

• Share your experiences with others 

Let your family and friends in on your trip by documenting and sharing your experiences every step of the way. You may take photos and videos and share them. Also, prepare to share your amazing experience with them when you come back from the WYD.

Agnes Aineah is a Kenyan journalist with a background in digital and newspaper reporting. She holds a Master of Arts in Digital Journalism from the Aga Khan University, Graduate School of Media and Communications and a Bachelor's Degree in Linguistics, Media and Communications from Kenya's Moi University. Agnes currently serves as a journalist for ACI Africa.