As preparations continue for the World Youth Day 2023 in Lisbon, Portugal, young people from around the world have been given the opportunity to draw inspiration from thirteen holy men and women who are being held up as examples of holiness. Cardinal Manuel Clemente, the Patriarch of Lisbon, says that these patrons "have shown that life in Christ fills and saves the youth of all times."

In a recent press statement, Cardinal Clemente explored the contribution that each of the thirteen holy individuals can make to the lives of young people. He highlighted the Virgin Mary as the patroness par excellence for the World Youth Day, as she was the young woman who accepted to be the mother of the incarnate Son of God.

Pope St. John Paul II is another inspiring figure, as he brought the World Youth Day events to life, which have brought together and encouraged millions of young people from the five continents. Cardinal Clemente also pointed out that all 13 holy individuals "dedicated themselves to the service of youth," including St. John Bosco and St. Vincent.

Lisbon is home to seven saints who serve as role models for young people, including St. Anthony, St. Bartholomew of the Martyrs, St. John de Brito, Blessed Joana of Portugal, Blessed João Fernandes, and Blessed Maria Clara del Niño Jesus. Additionally, the Cardinal highlighted four young Blesseds who died at a young age in the past century, including Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati, Blessed Marcel Callo, Blessed Chiara Badano, and Blessed Carlo Acutis.

Each diocese around the world has chosen patron saints to help their young people journey towards WYD Lisbon 2023, and the international event is expected to attract hundreds of thousands of young people from all over the world. The World Youth Day 2023 is scheduled to take place from 1st to 6th August, and the Pope is likely to join the gathering.

About World Youth Day

The first World Youth Day took place in 1986 in Rome, and since then it has been held in various cities across the world, including Buenos Aires, Santiago de Compostela, Czestochowa, Denver, Manila, Paris, Rome, Toronto, Cologne, Sydney, Madrid, Rio de Janeiro, Krakow, and Panama.