DILI, 23 August 2025 (TATOLI) – The Pilgrim Cross, one of the symbols of World Youth Day, arrived today at Nicolau Lobato International Airport at 2:30 p.m. on a flight operated by Aero Dili. It was received by the Archbishop of the Metropolitan Archdiocese of Dili, Cardinal Virgílio do Carmo da Silva, along with hundreds of faithful, young Catholics, religious leaders, and civil authorities.
The event marks the beginning of a historic pilgrimage in Timor-Leste, where the Cross will travel through various dioceses and parish communities, carrying a message of hope, unity, and faith.
During the welcoming ceremony at the airport, youth groups sang religious hymns and performed traditional dances, symbolizing Timorese hospitality and the joy of faith.
Cardinal Virgílio do Carmo da Silva described the presence of the Pilgrim Cross and the icon of Our Lady Salus Populi Romani in Timor-Leste as a moment of blessing and grace for the Timorese people –especially for young people, children, and the elderly. “The Cross is our hope,” said the Cardinal during the welcome celebration held at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Dili.
Cardinal Virgílio recalled that this is the second time Timor-Leste has welcomed these symbols of Catholic faith, following their first visit in 2008 when the Pilgrim Cross was in Australia. He emphasized that its presence on the Asian continent is an invitation to strengthen the faith of Catholics in the region.
“World Youth Day 2027 will take place in South Korea, and before that great gathering, over the next two years, the Pilgrim Cross will travel throughout Asia. Its passage is a sign of hope and unity, so that the Catholic youth of the continent – although a minority –may be strong and resilient,” he said.
According to Cardinal Virgílio, this pilgrimage reaffirms that despite religious diversity, the peoples of Asia continue to seek God and live their faith with renewed hope.
According to the National Catholic Youth Commission, the Cross arrived from South Korea and will remain in Timor-Leste until August 30. After its arrival, it was transported to the Cathedral of Dili, where a night vigil was held, featuring moments of exposition and vocational promotion. A solemn celebration will be held at the same location tomorrow.
On August 25, the Cross will be taken on pilgrimage to the Diocese of Maliana in Bobonaro, where a Mass and vigil will be held at Maliana Cathedral. The following day, it will be brought to the Parish of Bobonaro, marking the official opening of National Youth Day with a special Eucharistic celebration.
August 27 will be dedicated to formation and spirituality, including a lecture on the theme “I Thirst,” a sharing session led by the South Korean delegation responsible for the Pilgrim Cross, moments of catechesis, prayer, and the sacrament of confession. On August 28, events will include a charity initiative and a concert in Bobonaro.
On August 29, the Cross will be handed over to the faithful of the administrative post of Remexio in Aileu, with a Mass celebration, before returning to Dili. The official closing will take place on August 30 with a solemn Mass at Dili Cathedral, after which the Cross will continue its pilgrimage to Thailand.
It is worth noting that the 3.8-meter-high Pilgrim Cross, built for the Holy Year in 1983, was entrusted by Pope John Paul II to young people on Palm Sunday the following year to be carried around the world. Since then, the wooden Cross has traveled to five continents and nearly 90 countries.
In 2003, the Pilgrim Cross was joined by the icon of Our Lady Salus Populi Romani, which depicts the Virgin Mary holding the Child Jesus. The icon was introduced by Pope John Paul II as a symbol of Mary’s presence among young people.
Journalist: Afonso do Rosário
Translation : Camilio de Sousa
Editor: Isaura Lemos de Deus/ Rafael Ximenes de A. Belo
