Olá Pilgrims and Parents/Guardians!

In exciting news, Pope Francis recently confirmed his attendance to World Youth Day. In a video released a couple of weeks ago he said, "I am ready! I already have everything. I can't wait to go!" And we can't wait to welcome him to Lisbon!

In this e-news:
- Important insurance information
- Commissioning Mass

The WYD Steering Committee is now able to confirm that Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools (MACS) and Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne (CAM) will be providing travel insurance via a group travel insurance policy to cover all travellers that form part of our pilgrimage group to WYD23. This insurance will be paid for by CAM and MACS at no additional cost to you.

The insurance coverage will be from your initial departure from Australia (including any pre-pilgrimages via Holy Land and/or Italy) until your return to Australia however will not include any additional personal travel.

Please see below Important Information Regarding this Insurance Coverage.

- AIG Assistance Website and App User Guide – we would recommend that all pilgrims be encouraged to download the App and register prior to leaving Australia;

- AIG Corporate Travel Insurance Lifeline Plus Policy Wording/Product Disclosure Statement

- AIG Travel Claim Form

Pilgrims (or parents/guardians) are encouraged to review these policies closely in order to make their own individual assessment if the insurance will meet their needs. Depending on the individual assessment travellers may seek their own individual additional insurance coverage.

We look forward to seeing all our pilgrims at our Commissioning Mass and Final Pilgrim Gathering.

Sunday 16 July - St Patrick’s Cathedral
11am - 2.30pm

Symbols of Light

Pilgrims are invited to make contact with their local parish or school. Each parish or school community have been provided with a candle that represents their prayerful support of their pilgrims. You are invited to bring collect this candle and bring it with you to the Commissioning Mass, where it will be placed on the altar with the candles of other communities as a sign of the prayers and intentions of the over 130 parishes and communities sending pilgrims to World Youth Day.

Commissioning Mass

Pilgrims are encouraged to arrive at the Cathedral by 10.30am, to allow plenty of time to find their pilgrim group, place their candle, and be seated in time for Mass. Please invite your family and friends, parishioners, and benefactors as together we are commissioned by Archbishop Peter to go on pilgrimage.

Group Photo and Pilgrim Walk

Immediately following Mass Pilgrims will gather for a group photo with Archbishop Peter before making their way as pilgrimage groups on foot to the Catholic Leadership Centre. (576 Victoria Parade, East Melbourne).

Lunch, Pilgrim Briefing, and Collection of Pilgrim Packs

On arrival at the Catholic Leadership Centre, pilgrims will have the opportunity to grab some lunch, before collecting their pilgrim packs, and receive a final briefing of important travel information.

Our day will conclude at 2.30pm.

Under 18 Pilgrims

Parents/guardians of under 18 Pilgrims will need to 'sign in' with their small group leader at St Patrick's Cathedral and 'sign out' when collecting their children at 2.30pm from the Catholic Leadership Centre.

RSVP Today

All Pilgrims are asked to RSVP for the commissioning Mass by 12noon on Wednesday 12 July here.

Pilgrims who are unable to attend the Commissioning Mass will be required to use the same link to inform us of how they wish to collect their pilgrim pack and documentation:

By Authorising another pilgrim to collect your pilgrim pack

In Person: Wednesday 19 July 9.00am - 5.00pm (Cardinal Knox Centre East Melbourne)

In Person: Thursday 20 July 12noon - 8.00pm (Cardinal Knox Centre East Melbourne)