Hundreds of thousands of young people took part in a variety of Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) initiatives during World Youth Day (WYD) in Lisbon, Portugal, from August 1 to August 6, 2023. The pontifical charity ensured that persecuted Christians from around the world were not forgotten, reminding those present of their brothers and sisters who are, so often, true heroes of the faith.
Exhibitions, conferences, documentaries, calls to prayer, and sharing. These were some of the many activities planned by ACN for the hundreds of thousands of young attendees who turned Lisbon into the Catholic capital of the world during WYD, thereby providing an opportunity to shed light on the reality of persecuted Christians around the world. The initiatives and events were very well received by the pilgrims, especially the City of Joy space, which proved to be one of the most popular among visitors, as was the exhibition in the cloisters of the old Graça Convent, where the reality of the persecuted Church was translated into first-person accounts of people who, in different countries, are examples of fidelity to Christ. Another event that proved popular with young people, receiving thousands of visits every day, was the exhibition of religious artefacts damaged by ISIS during the years when it controlled large areas of Syria and Iraq, which was held in the Basilica of Our Lady of the Martyrs, in Chiado.
“We must not forget…”
The importance of these exhibitions and the realities they tried to pass on to youth from around the world was highlighted by the director of the Portuguese office of ACN during a briefing with journalists, on Saturday morning. “Despite the fact that we are experiencing a moment of joy, faith and sharing, we must not forget the places where the Church is persecuted,” said Catarina Martins de Bettencourt. The director also stressed ACN’s commitment to the countries where Christian communities face difficulties and reminded journalists that in countries such as Lebanon and Syria, young Christians who were unable to attend WYD in Lisbon held parallel events. “There are many young people in the world who could not be here, and whom we are supporting,” she said, adding that they had been able to “celebrate in an atmosphere of faith and joy,” and gathered for a vigil and Missioning Mass at the same time as those events were taking place in Lisbon.
The privilege of solidarity
Also present at the briefing was Joaquin Javaloyes, a Spaniard who volunteers with ACN. The young man highlighted how important it was to stand in solidarity with persecuted communities, saying that he found it a privilege to be in contact with those who live in countries where there is no religious freedom, or where Christians face great difficulties. In his opinion, “the testimonies of our brothers and sisters are comparable to pages from the Gospels. God speaks to me very clearly in the field of cooperation. He calls me to love, to the cross, and to resurrection. He fills me with youth, joy, courage, and care,” the young Spanish volunteer explained.
Cinema and testimonies
ACN also participated in Lisbon’s WYD through a series of documentaries that were exhibited at Cinema São Jorge, followed by short conferences, highlighting the experience of priests and laypeople who are committed to the work of the Church. Two Christians also spoke about their own experiences. Joseph Fadelle, from Iraq, shared the difficulties he faced when he converted to Christianity. Having been born and raised in a Shia Muslim family, he was arrested and tortured in Iraqi prisons after coming to Christ. He later managed to escape to Jordan with his wife and two children, where an uncle and one of his own brothers tried to murder him, while the highest religious authority issued a fatwa against him. The hundreds of young Catholic pilgrims who packed the conference hall also had the opportunity to hear from Rafi Ghattas, a young Palestinian Christian who explained what it is like to live in the Holy Land, the land of Jesus, where Christians currently form less than 1% of the population.
Cabo Delgado present
ACN’s presence at WYD was also marked by the message sent to the charity on the very first day by Bishop António Juliasse Ferreira Sandramo, of Pemba, about the conflict in Cabo Delgado. Even though the issue is no longer being spoken of in the media, the war is causing untold suffering to young Mozambicans. The bishop issued an appeal, through ACN, for the young people in Lisbon to denounce the situation and express their solidarity with the people of Mozambique.
“Dear young people, WYD pilgrims. In Cabo Delgado there is a war that the world does not speak of. We have already counted around one million internally displaced and around five thousand dead.”
A young girl from Cabo Delgado shared her testimony with the world during the Saturday night vigil, telling the pope about how she and her family had to escape into the bush when terrorists attacked their village, twice.
ACN also created a virtual chapel during WYD, inviting young people to pray and light a candle in memory of all those who suffer around the world for their faith. Over 1,600 candles were lit during WYD week.
