Burkina Faso’s youth prepared and ready for World Youth Day 2023 in Lisbon.

Vatican News.

In a statement received by Agenzia Fides, Father Valéry Sakougri, the national youth chaplain, explained that the country’s young people have been prepared spiritually and adequately equipped to view WYD 2023 as an opportunity to cultivate a stronger missionary commitment for the benefit of the Church and the country.

A time of inner renewal

“For some of our young people, it will also be a celebration of fraternity, where new friendships will be made. For others, it will be a time of deepening, where they can reflect on their own history, with themselves and others. It is a time of inner renewal that will enable young people to make new decisions and imagine new horizons,” said Fr. Valéry.

Burkina Faso’s preparations have been underway for over a year and have been spearheaded by a robust organising committee which has created awareness and communicated vital messages to dioceses and parishes.

Prayer, information and formation

“Over the one year, preparatory meetings were held each month to resolve practical, visa-related, technical, spiritual and moral issues of the youth. Every last weekend of the month, the young people gathered with the chaplains to pray and prepare for their pilgrimage through catechesis, games, learning the WYD anthem, and inter-generational meetings,” explained the Chaplain.

The official delegation from Burkina Faso comprises 47 people, led by the Archbishop of Koupéla, Gabriel Sayaogo, five priests, four nuns and 37 young Catholics.

(AP - Agenzia Fides)