‘There are two types of faith’: exploring young Portuguese people’s participation in world youth day

Abstract

The present study aimed to examine the significance of young Portuguese people's experiences of participating in a global Catholic event, the World Youth Day, by discussing their motivations and learning opportunities. World Youth Day is seen as a major experience full of many small experiences that become part of the lifelong process of socialisation. These may include nonformal and informal educational experiences. The literature has pointed to the religious/spiritual significance of the event, but other aspects have yet to be studied. The present study used a mixed-methods methodology that included a questionnaire (N = 1,351) and 20 semi-structured interviews, to Portuguese young people participating in the event. The results showed that the religious/spiritual dimension was important as motivations and effects, but cultural and social aspects were also very relevant. Membership of a Catholic youth group was crucial in the decision to participate and to the process of learning to live with others. The Pope appeared as a central figure in the event, and the way he communicated with participants enhanced their sense of belonging to the Catholic Church.