The symbols of the World Youth Day (WYD) arrived, on Sunday, in the district of Braga. They came from the district of Viana do Castelo and started their pilgrimage in the district through Esposende.
The Marian Icon and the Cross were received by the young people, giving testimony of a “Living Church, in anticipation of what the World Youth Day in Portugal will be”, said the diocese in a note published on its official website.
The fanfare of São Romão do Neiva started the transmission of symbols on the passage to Esposende. The delivery was made on the bridge over the Neiva River, which connects the Archdiocese of Braga to the Diocese of Viana do Castelo.
“United, young people from both dioceses joined together at the time of handing over the Icon and the Cross, accompanied by the emotion of the entire community. Then they went in procession to the Church of Antas, where a ceremony took place. The symbols will travel to the 14 archpriests of Braga until March 3rd, when they will leave for the Diocese of Aveiro”, explained the archdiocese.
To celebrate this moment with the young people, the archbishop of Braga, José Cordeiro, the auxiliary bishops Nuno Almeida and Delfim Gomes, as well as the bishop of Viana do Castelo, João Lavrador, accompanied by priests and the diocesan committee, the president of the WYD Foundation, Américo Aguiar, auxiliary bishop of Lisbon.
In addition to the president of the diocesan organizing committee, Canon Avelino Amorim, and the representatives of the archpriest organizing committee, Father Filipe Diniz, director of the National Department of Youth Ministry and coordinator of the pilgrimage of the symbols of WYD Lisbon 2023, also participated, in addition to civil authorities.
