PRILGRIMAGES
PAST PILGRIMAGES
PANAMA - 2019
The Neocatechumenal Way organized a large pilgrimage of about 25,000 of its young members to World Youth Day (WYD) in Panama, with Pope Francis and Catholics from around the world. During this pilgrimage the young people from many countries gathered in Panama City to participate in WYD events, proclaim the Gospel on the streets, sing and celebrate, and share their faith as part of the international Catholic youth festival. The pilgrimage concluded with the Neocatechumenal Way’s traditional Vocational Meeting, where pilgrims reflected on their calling to Christian life, mission, and vocations.
-
GETTYSBURG - 2022
A national pilgrimage brought together thousands of young members of the Neocatechumenal Way who traveled across the U.S., visiting important Catholic sites before gathering in Gettysburg for a final encounter. There, through prayer, catechesis, and a vocational meeting, participants were encouraged to discern their calling—whether to priesthood, consecrated life, or missionary families—deepening their faith and commitment to the Church.
ISRAEL - 2022
The 2022 pilgrimage to Israel organized by the Neocatechumenal Way brought together young people and families from around the world for a deeply spiritual journey through the Holy Land. Participants visited key biblical sites such as Nazareth, the Sea of Galilee, and Jerusalem, experiencing the Gospel in a real and personal way. Through prayer, catechesis, and the celebration of the Eucharist, the pilgrimage strengthened their faith and encouraged personal conversion, while also inviting many to reflect on their vocation—whether to priesthood, consecrated life, missionary work, or Christian family life.
PORTUGAL - 2023
At World Youth Day 2023 in Lisbon, Portugal (August 1–6, 2023), large numbers of young people from the Neocatechumenal Way took part in the international Catholic youth gathering with Pope Francis, coming from communities around the world. As is traditional for the Way at World Youth Days, they held a Vocational Meeting on August 7 at the Promenade of Algés, where more than 75,000 youth gathered to hear the Good News and receive a vocational call to mission, consecrated life, or priesthood from the Way’s international team.
KANSAS CITY - 2023
The 2023 pilgrimage to Kansas City organized by the Neocatechumenal Way was a smaller, more intimate gathering that brought together young people and families for a time of prayer, community, and spiritual renewal. Centered on moments of catechesis, Eucharistic celebrations, and shared experiences, the pilgrimage offered participants the opportunity to deepen their faith and strengthen their sense of community. It also included moments of reflection and vocational discernment, encouraging attendees to listen to God’s call in their lives and grow in their commitment to living out the Gospel.
USA 50 YEARS - 2024
The pilgrimage organized by the Neocatechumenal Way was a nationwide initiative that brought together young people and families from across the United States in a spirit of mission, unity, and evangelization. Pilgrims traveled through different states, often in groups, visiting churches and communities while witnessing their faith through encounters, prayer, and community life. The pilgrimage culminated in large gatherings that included catechesis, Eucharistic celebrations, and vocational calls, encouraging participants to deepen their relationship with God and discern their vocation.
ROME - 2025
In August 2025 in Rome, within the context of the Jubilee Year for Youth, around 120,000 young people from the Neocatechumenal Way’s communities in over 100 countries gathered as pilgrims of faith. They participated in events linked to the Jubilee with Pope Leo XIV, including Eucharistic celebrations, prayer vigils, and a Vocational Meeting on August 4, where the Way’s initiators and leaders called young people to deepen their Christian commitment and discern their vocation amidst the celebration of the Jubilee of Youth.
UPCOMING PILGRIMAGES
SOUTH KOREA - 2027
This future pilgrimage to South Korea will be a powerful journey of faith and mission for the youth of the Neocatechumenal Way. Through prayer, Eucharistic celebrations, and fraternity, they will deepen their relationship with Christ and strengthen their vocation.
Inspired by the witness of the Korean martyrs, they will travel not as tourists, but as pilgrims seeking conversion, unity, and renewal.
