2 Philippine bishops attending WYD in Portugal

MANILA, Philippines — Two bishops are among the estimated 1,500 Filipino pilgrims who will join the World Youth Day (WYD) in Portugal.

Daet, Camarines Norte Bishop Rex Andrew Alarcon, chairman of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines-Episcopal Commission on Youth (CBCP-ECY), and Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma are now in Lisbon, Portugal for the WYD from Aug. 1 to 6.

“Bishop Rex will also conduct one of the Rise Up Encounters for the delegates of the WYD,” CBCP-ECY executive secretary Fr. Jade Licuanan said.

Among the highlights of the event is the participants’ interaction with Pope Francis.

The 86-year-old pontiff will attend the opening ceremony of the WYD on Aug. 3 and celebrate the concluding mass on Aug. 6.