The group of 40 Cork and Ross pilgrims arrived safely in Lisbon on Monday night. After Mass at the Church of the Descent of the Holy Spirit, Dennehy's Cross, the group travelled by bus to Dublin airport where each pilgrim was gifted a personalised Cork and Ross World Youth Day t-shirt and polo shirt, a bible, a journal and a booklet.
The pilgrims had an early start on Tuesday morning as they set out to collect their pilgrim packs, which consisted of a World Youth Day backpack, t-shirt, rosary beads and reusable water bottle.
They then set off to Lisbon, to the 'City of Joy' where they had free time to explore the religious and encounter events available for pilgrims.
The opening Mass at 7pm marked the official opening of World Youth Day.
Pope Francis is due to arrive iin Lisbon today. His encounter witht he young pilgrims will be the high point of World Youth Day.
Rosaleen Piero Doyle, Rebekah Dilworth, Amy Jenks, Ena O'Driscoll and Michael Collins before the WYD opening Mass.
The group of 40 Cork and Ross pilgrims at World Youth Day
Alan McNamara, Jack Maguire, Emmanuel Onyedikachukwu and Francis Collins flying the Cork and Irish flags at the World Youth Day opening Mass!
Catherine Collins, Mary Anne Collins and Miriam Goulding before the WYD opening Mass.
Mary-Claire Scanlon flying the Irish flag at the opening Mass.
Julianne Collins, Sarah O'Driscoll, Desmond Oluwagbemileke Alapini and Roger Power showcasing their Cork and Ross polo shirts and journals.