500 pilgrims, including CDF, prepare for World Youth Day 2023 in Lisbon.

July 18, 2023

From Sunday 23 July 2023, over 500 pilgrims will be led by Archbishop Peter and the auxiliary bishops of Melbourne as the journey to World Youth Day 2023 begins.

World Youth Day was initiated by Pope John Paul II in 1985 and has since become a significant gathering of Catholics from around the world. It aims to provide an opportunity of fellowship, celebration of faith, and deepening of spiritual lives. This year will mark the largest ever pilgrimage from Melbourne to a World Youth Day overseas; and CDF is proud to be involved.

For the first time, the Archdiocese is offering an Emerging Leaders Program, which is a unique opportunity for approximately 80 Catholic school teachers and leaders from parishes and organisations to be formed in the way of Christian discipleship and leadership. Throughout the program, participants will have the opportunity to learn from experts in their fields, both Australian and international, who will join the group in Rome and Assisi to present guest lectures and workshops, before pilgrims make their way to Portugal.

CDF's very own Brendan Hoy (General Manager Client Services), David Brown (General Manager IT), Aaron Gupta (Senior Relationship Manager) and Rohan Lemos (Executive Manager National Core Banking) will take part in the intensive 17-day formation program. The preparation has already begun, with pre-pilgrimage activities, ensuring a comprehensive and holistic formation experience for all those involved.

“The dedication from our team has been inspiring as they prepare to immerse themselves in this once-in-a-lifetime experience and share it with us upon their return."

Matthew Cassin, CEO of Catholic Development Fund

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CDF team pictured left to right; David Brown, Rohan Lemos, Ancita D'Cunha, Aaron Gupta, and Brendan Hoy.

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“I’m very grateful for the opportunity to take part in the Emerging Leader's program this year. I’m excited to be in such historic locations and look forward to learning, growing and challenging myself through the activities planned,” says Rohan.

Also among the pilgrim group are people who will lead and support young pilgrims as leaders, musicians, medical personnel and administration staff. CDF’s Ancita D’Cunha (Executive Assistant to CEO) has been assisting the administration team over the past few months and will also be joining the CDF team in Portugal this year.

CDF CEO, Matthew Cassin says, “We are proud to have five members of the CDF community travel to World Youth Day this year and gather with pilgrims from across the world in a celebration of faith. The dedication from this team has been inspiring as they prepare to immerse themselves in this once-in-a-lifetime experience and share it with us upon their return.”

We wish the CDF pilgrims every blessing in the coming weeks as they embark on the formation program and World Youth Day 2023 experience.

Follow their journey at @CatholicDevelopmentFund or @MelbWYD

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