On Saturday, 31 May, under a sun-kissed sky and amid an atmosphere of boundless enthusiasm, more than seven thousand people gathered to celebrate the Diocesan Jubilee of Lisbon, entitled “Vem Ver” (“Come and See”). A true feast of faith, the event welcomed people of all ages—from children and teenagers to adults and the elderly—into a vibrant tapestry of activities, reflection, games, testimonies, prayer, and celebration.
A Day to Be Lived with an Open Heart
The entire Estoril area was transformed into a space for spiritual and communal encounter. From early morning, participants immersed themselves in sports tournaments, street missions, charitable visits, workshops, conferences, and creative games. The day culminated in a symbolic and moving gesture: the naming of one of Cascais’s busiest roundabouts in honour of Pope Francis, in the presence of D. Rui Valério, Patriarch of Lisbon, and Carlos Carreiras, the Mayor of Cascais.
Another highly anticipated moment was the “Walk for Peace”, which brought together hundreds of participants in a spiritual and symbolic embrace of fraternity.
Youth: Pilgrims of Hope
Among the most engaging activities was the peddy-paper (urban orienteering) entitled “We Are Light, Pilgrims of Hope”, which saw the enthusiastic participation of over 1,500 adolescents aged 12 to 15. Along the streets surrounding the Church of Boa Nova, through riddles, challenges, and symbolic figures, the young participants encountered the Jubilee 2025 mascot Luce, along with his companions: Fe (Faith, in Spanish), Xin (Truth, in Japanese), and Sky (Heaven, in English).
One of the teams, “Xin”, was led by Sisters Carla Guterres and Maria Imaculada, who facilitated a profound activity centred around the theme of “dirty and clean shoes”. Two sacks of sand symbolised life choices—the dirty shoes representing sin and the difficult paths that draw us away from God. “Look at your shoes… you’d like them to always be clean, but sometimes they get dirty,” explained Sister Carla.
Through the example of Saint Peter—the fisherman who denied Jesus three times, yet was later forgiven and became a witness to the Resurrection—the young participants were invited to reflect on how, even when we stray from Christ, we can return to Him, washed anew by His merciful love.
Mission: Hope and Solidarity
At the heart of the Jubilee, the young people were invited to “choose a mission”—from food bank activities to work in solidarity institutions and street outreach missions. These actions were united by the motto “Hope and Solidarity”, which inspired two hours of concrete and heartfelt service.
Other initiatives offered the opportunity to visit local seminaries and religious congregations—from the Salesians to the Dominicans, from the Conceptionist Franciscan Sisters to the Sisters of the Love of God—all of whom opened their doors to share the beauty of their vocation.
A Gesture for the Earth
Creation, too, was honoured during the day. On Tamariz Beach, dozens of young people took part in an environmental clean-up effort, followed by an interactive educational game on the 17 Sustainable Development Goals. It was a tangible way to care for our “Common Home”, in the spirit of Pope Francis’s encyclical Laudato Si’.
An Oasis for the Soul
In the Estoril Gardens, a beautifully arranged Chapel of Adoration and Confession was open throughout the day. The Blessed Sacrament was exposed from 10:00 in the morning until 17:30, and again from 20:00 to 23:00. A serene and welcoming space, open to all, where many came to encounter the heart of Christ—supported by priests available for the Sacrament of Reconciliation, and by both religious and lay persons offering spiritual accompaniment.
Art, Music and Witness
Meanwhile, the Estoril Gardens also hosted the “Art and Hope” space, featuring an open-air exhibition that brought together artists and believers, alongside a special exhibit dedicated to Charles Péguy, the poet of hope.
Seven musicians composed original pieces on the theme of hope, which will be compiled into a commemorative Jubilee 2025 album.
Simultaneously, the School of Hospitality and Tourism hosted a series of conferences and workshops under the theme “Hope and Love”. Among the speakers were Sara and João Chambel, who spoke movingly about the loss of their daughter; Henrique Leitão, who bridged the realms of science and faith; Brother David of Taizé, who reflected on the question of peace; and many others who shared how hope can transform family, work, disability, and vocation.
The Little Ones: “Kings of Creation”
Even children aged 3 to 11 were given a day to remember through the activity “Kings of Creation”, held at the Colégio da Boa Nova. With games and thematic paths tailored by age group, the 1,300 children—accompanied by families or catechism groups—reflected on caring for creation, also inspired by Laudato Si’.
The Heart of the Jubilee: The Eucharist
The climax of the day came at 18:00, with the Eucharistic Celebration held in the gardens of the Casino, presided over by the Patriarch of Lisbon and concelebrated by five bishops, 170 priests, and 30 deacons, in the presence of some 30,000 faithful. An ocean of believers united in the name of hope.
Following Mass and dinner from the various street food stalls, the evening transformed into a celebration of music and fraternity, with performances by the Hakuna Group Music and the legendary Rui Veloso, who captivated both young and old. The night continued joyfully with a traditional arraial, Portugal’s festive open-air gathering.
A Full Day. A People on the Move. A Living Church.
31 May 2025 will long remain etched in the memory of the Diocese of Lisbon as a day of celebration, prayer, and mission—an early glimpse of what the Jubilee 2025 hopes to be for the entire world: a call to be reborn in hope, together.
