“If any one had ever said to me you would be standing on the same sanctuary as the Holy Father reading at Mass, representing your country, parish, Diocese, school and family, I would have thought they were crackers. But this has actually happened to me.

Word Youth Day, Lisbon, 2023 – the first World Youth Day I attended,  and a life-changing experience. I was one of two current Oaklands students at the event. Our group was made up of 50 pilgrims including Bishop Philip.  Arriving in the city we were surrounded immediately by thousands of young Catholics, clergy, and others from all corners of the world. I quickly lost count of how many different people I talked to, seeing the sights of Lisbon, taking numerous selfies, swapping anecdotes, and sharing our faith.

One memorable evening, my group went to a concert at the Benfica Stadium. There, multiple young people from different countries, many different languages joined in singing together. It was amazing to  sit in a football stadium with over 65,000 people and  join in this unforgettable experience.

The pinnacle of the week was the final Mass. We camped out overnight in a field by the water, attended an evening vigil, and were up with the sun.  I am not sure if it was an alignment of the stars, the power of
the Holy Spirit or luck, but I was chosen to read one of the Prayers of the Faithful.

I sat on the main stage among the other readers and important clergy – and the Pope himself! It was such a privilege, not only to read in front of the Pope but also to the 354,000 pilgrims at the event and the millions watching online. Despite only having two hours sleepand being quite nervous, the reading  went without a hitch.

The one thing I will definitely take away from this incredible experience was the kindness of all the people I met. Everybody was so welcoming and excited to discuss our faith. The priests were happy to answer our questions, and some told us about different ways of supporting the youth in the church – one did DJ-ing and another wrote rock style praise and worship songs!

It was also lovely to attend World Youth Day with our Bishop who talked to us about Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati whose relics we were venerating. It was different to hear about a recent Blessed – someone we could
relate and connect to.

It sounds cliché, but this WYD truly has been one of the best experiences of my life. My Journey as a Catholic has been shaped by my school, family, parish and friends. Word Youth Day was one of the milestones on this journey.  Celebrating World Youth Day has deepened my connection with my beliefs and what my faith means to me.”