From 1 to 6 August, young people from all over the world will gather in Lisbon, Portugal, to express and sing their faith during the 37^th World Youth Day (WYD). There will be hundreds of thousands of them, and among them will be more than 2,000 “Ignatians,” young people who will have experienced MAGIS during the 10 days leading up to the massive gathering.

Wherever we are and whatever our age, we can join with the WYD participants in praying the official prayer. This prayer reflects to the theme chosen by Pope Francis: “Mary rose and set out in haste”, evoking Mary’s visit to her cousin Elizabeth.

Pope Francis will be present at WYD, visiting Portugal from 2 to 6 August.

Our Lady of the Visitation,
you who arose and went with haste into the hill country to meet Elizabeth,
lead us also to encounter all those who await us
to deliver them the living Gospel: Jesus Christ, your Son and our Lord!

We, too, will go in haste, without distraction or delay,
but with readiness and joy.
We will go with peace because those who bring Christ bring peace,
and well-being comes from being generous and loving in our deeds.

Our Lady of the Visitation,
through your inspiration, this World Youth Day
will be a shared celebration of Christ, whom we bring to others, just as you did.

Please make this a time of testimony and sharing, of fraternity and thanksgiving,
with each of us looking for opportunities to give to those who are waiting to receive.
With you, we will continue on this path of encounter
so that our world will join us, too, in fraternity, justice, and peace.

Help us,
Our Lady of the Visitation,
to bring Christ to everyone, in obedience to the Father and in the love of the Holy Spirit!

Amen.