Into the Deep: Marist Festival at Externato Marista de Lisboa

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On July 31, the 230 participants of the International Gathering of the Marist Youth moved to the Externato Marista de Lisboa, where more than 1000 young Marists from all over the world arrived to the World Youth Day, August 1-6.

The educational community of the College welcomed the participants, preparing the premises of the structure to make everyone feel at home. The morning was mainly dedicated to the welcome. From 15:00, the Marist Festival began, consisting of moments of animation on the stage in the central courtyard of the college, many games and workshops, as well as visits to exhibition spaces on Marist life throughout the world.

At 17:30, with live transmission, the International Network of Marist Youth Ministry was launched. This was followed by the celebration of the Mass. Then supper was served in different kiosks in the courtyard area, with typical Portuguese products. Finally, the BandAlegre, a musical group from the Marist Province of Compostela, entertained the youth group until around midnight.

The young people and their companions continued to stay at the Marist school throughout the period of World Youth Day, which will culminate with meetings with Pope Francis, with the vigil on Saturday and the Mass on Sunday, August 6.

The International Gathering of the Marist Youth, which began in Carcavelos and ended in Lisbon, was a very special moment for all Marist youth. All this was possible thanks to the efforts of the two Marist schools of Carcavelos and Lisbon in providing the necessary structures and services for the young people and to the availability of the Marist Province of Compostela, which spared no effort to give this gift to the Marist Family. A special thanks to all the brothers of the Province who were present to animate the meeting, and especially to the Provincial, Brother Máximo Blanco, always present and attentive to every detail.