WYD DON BOSCO 23

FAQs

>FAQs

Welcome to the FAQ section of WYD DON BOSCO 23! We understand that you may have some questions about our organisation, and we want to make sure you have all the information you need to get the most out of your experience.

Here you will find answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about WYD DON BOSCO 23 and WYD Lisbon 2023. If you do not find the information you need here, do not hesitate to contact us for further assistance.

Registrations

What is WYD DON BOSCO 23?

It is the name of the organization responsible for inviting and participating young people from various Salesian environments around the world in WYD Lisbon 2023.

Where will the SYM Festival take place?

It will be at the Salesianos do Estoril (about 20 km from Lisbon), on the 2nd of August.

Does the registration for WYD DON BOSCO 23 include participation in WYD?

Yes, when the SYM group registers for WYD DON BOSCO 23, they are also registering for WYD Lisbon 2023.

Until when can I register?

Through WYD DON BOSCO 23, you can register until the 30th of June.

How can I register?

The registration process takes place in 3 steps:

Stage 1 – Individual registration
You register using an online form provided by your SYM centre or Salesian house.

Stage 2 – Group registration at WYD DON BOSCO 23
The local pastoral coordinator sends the registrations to the designated provincial responsible, who will then register the group with WYD DON BOSCO 23.

Stage 3 – Registration on the WYD Lisbon 2023 Platform
The secretariat team of WYD DON BOSCO 23 will validate the data received and continue the registration process for WYD Lisbon 2023.

What is the registration fee?

Prices vary between €130 and €255. The final value depends on the package you choose. You can consult the offers available here

What is the difference between the enrolment packages?

Package P1 includes everything you need for your WYD week: Pilgrim kit, insurance, transport, food, Salesian accomodation, entrance to the SYM Festival and the Salesian Kit.

In package P2 you will find: Pilgrim kit, insurance, transport, food, entrance to the SYM Festival and the Salesian kit.

Package P3 includes: Pilgrim kit, insurance, transport, entrance to SYM Festival and the Salesian Kit.

Is there a limit to the number of participants?

No. But we will have to pay attention to the capacity of reception in the Salesian houses and look for other spaces if necessary. The sooner you register the better!

Can I participate alone?

Participation in WYD DON BOSCO 23 activities is done through the Salesian house to which you belong. If you are the only member of your group interested in participating, ask the pastoral coordinator of your Salesian house to register you.

How do I pay for my registration? What are the means of payment?

The payment of the enrolment fee is made in your Salesian house. The pastoral coordinator should indicate the best method of payment.

What is the minimum and maximum age to participate?

WYD Lisbon 2023 is for pilgrims between the ages of 14 and 30, pilgrims of other ages are allowed to register.

I do not belong to the Salesian Movement. Can I register through WYD DON BOSCO 23?

WYD DON BOSCO 23 is responsible for inviting and participating in WYD Lisbon 2023 for young people from different Salesian environments around the world, and it aims to invite and encourage participation in WYD Lisbon 2023 by all young people from Salesian environments (schools, parishes, social services, youth centers, sports and artistic activities, among others…), so if you are in any way connected to a Salesian house or if you have already been, we would be delighted to have you participate with us.

What do participant kits include?

The WYD Lisbon 2023 Pilgrim Kit includes official WYD Lisbon 2023 products and will take into account the model of all WYDs.

The Salesian pilgrim kit (SYM Kit) includes a t-shirt (specific to our movement) and other products related to SYM and Don Bosco.

If I register and then don't go, will I get my money back?

No. From the moment the group leader submits and pays your registration, it will be definitive.

What is the SYM Festival?

It is a typically Salesian time of celebration, with music, entertainment, sports and games. Some activities are prepared by the organization and others by the participating countries.

There will be the possibility to pray and celebrate the sacrament of reconciliation in the chapel.

The SYM Festival takes place on the afternoon of the 2nd of August, at Salesianos do Estoril.

In my country I attend a Salesian house, but I registered for WYD through the diocese. Can I participate in the SYM Festival?

Yes, there is an option to buy the SYM Festival entrance ticket only.

What is the SYM Forum?

It is a time of encounter with the Rector Major of the Salesians, the Mother General of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians and other superiors of groups of the Salesian Family. It is an opportunity for the young guests to reflect, debate and pose questions to the Rector Major and Mother General. At the end, a message is created for the young people of the SYM. The meeting ends with the celebration of the Eucharist.

The SYM Forum takes place on the morning of the 2nd of August at the Salesianos de Lisboa.

What is the SYM Kit?

It is the kit offered to young people participating in WYD Lisbon 2023, through the organization WYD DON BOSCO 23. This Salesian pilgrim kit includes a t-shirt (specific to our movement) and other products related to SYM and Don Bosco.

I'm going to join the organization WYD DON BOSCO 23. Can I do my program independently or will all the activities be in a MJS group?

Pilgrims who are part of a Salesian group must agree with their person in charge of the activities in which they will participate. As MJS, the moments when we must all participate together are:

August 2 – SYM Festival and MJS Vigil

August 5 – Vigil with Pope Francis

August 6 – Sending Mass

What activities are planned for SYM youth?

WYD DON BOSCO 23 is preparing three major events for the 2nd of August:

SYM Forum – Lisbon, in the morning – Registration here

SYM Festival – Estoril, in the afternoon

MJS vigil – Estoril, at night

What is the MJS Vigil?

It is a time of prayer and eucharistic adoration. It will be an opportunity to give thanks for the richness of Don Bosco’s charism, which makes us witnesses of Jesus. This moment concludes with the traditional Good Night given by the Rector Major and the Mother General of the Salesians.

The Vigil takes place on the night of the 2nd of August at the Salesianos in Estoril.

Logistics

What is the type of transport provided?

Each MJS group must organize its own transport to reach the assigned place of accommodation. Free public transport during World Youth Day is guaranteed for those who purchased the package with that indication.

Will the accommodation be in dormitories or single rooms or host families?

Accommodation for participants in WYD DON BOSCO 23 will be in both collective spaces (classrooms, crypts, gymnasiums, pavilions) and host families.

Do I have to bring a sleeping bag?

Yes. Accommodation will be in very simple facilities, so you should bring a sleeping bag and a mattress, as most people will sleep on the floor.

In WYD DON BOSCO 23 activities, will meals be in restaurants in the area?

There will be a mixed system. Breakfast will always be provided at the accommodation. The other meals may be in areas defined by the organization WYD Lisbon 2023, or other restaurants/external partners that are associated with the events. A digital system is being developed so that, during the days, pilgrims can pick up their meal at the place that suits them best.

I have dietary restrictions. Are there alternative menus at the meals?

Portuguese cuisine will be highlighted on the menus. With regard to specific diets, the organization will seek to cover the greatest possible diversity of diets. For pilgrims with food allergies, and since it is not possible to individually guarantee a diet adapted to everyone, we are trying to build options that do not contain the main allergens in their composition.

Communication

How can I access publicity materials to promote the WYD DON BOSCO 23?

On the site you will find various promotional materials for the promotion of WYD DON BOSCO 23 locally, such as the logo, backgrounds and other images.

Where can I find preparation materials for myself and my group?

On the website you will find various materials for preparing for WYD, such as prayer vigils, preparation meetings or other activities. Make the best use of them to prepare yourself.

Can I find information in my language on this site?

The site has information available in six languages: Portuguese, English, Spanish, Italian, French and Polish.

Fundraising and donations

Is there any solidarity fund associated with WYD DON BOSCO 23?

Yes, WYD DON BOSCO 23 participants are invited to contribute to the WYD DON BOSCO 23 Solidarity Fund with a voluntary donation. This fund will finance the participation of underprivileged young people in the WYD DON BOSCO 23, expanding the social and international dimension of the event.

I am not a pilgrim. Can I still make a donation?

The Don Bosco Mission – Salesian Solidarity Fund is raising funds to help young people in need from MJS Portugal to participate in WYD Lisbon 2023. You can also support the volunteering of WYD DON BOSCO 23.

Alternatively, you can contact administracao.wyddb23@staff.salesianos.pt to find out how to help.

I would like to make a donation in kind. Is this possible?

Yes, the organisation WYD DON BOSCO 23 will take care of several thousands of young people who stay overnight, have breakfast in Salesian houses and take part in the SYM Festival, so donations in kind are very welcome.

Other questions

Can I welcome young people from WYD DON BOSCO 23 in my home?

Yes, if you are connected to a Salesian presence in the Diocese of Lisbon or Setubal. Click here to find out about the support requested from host families and how you can apply.

Will WYD DON BOSCO 23 have a Salesian pre-WYD organisation?

No. International SYM groups are invited to experience the Days in the Dioceses in any of the dioceses in Portugal, living the programme proposed by that diocese.

During WYD Lisbon 2023 is it possible to go to Fátima?

Yes. We are organizing a visit for SYM groups that do not reside in Portugal. It will take place on the 7th of August and, in order to participate, registration is mandatory (see Extra Packages).

Is there a possibility to stay one more night besides the 6th of August?

Yes, if you are unable to leave your accommodation on the morning of 7 August, you can stay an extra night by purchasing the corresponding package when you register. The same applies if you arrive one day before the start of WYD.

How cold is it in Portugal in August?

Portugal has a temperate Mediterranean climate. This means that in the month of August the days are quite warm and the nights mild. You should always bring protection from the sun and carry water. A light sweater for the night is also a good idea.

I am a Salesian priest. Can I go to confession at SYM Festival?

Yes, at the SYM Festival there will be a time for confessions in the afternoon and priests will be needed to hear confessions in different languages.

I am a European citizen. Should I bring my European Health and Health Insurance Card (EHIC)?

Yes, you should bring it with you at all times.

What insurance is included in the pilgrim package?

All registration packages include a personal accident insurance, which will be in force during the period of the World Youth Day. We will disclose more information in due course.

On your way!

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