Daniel J. Elsener President | Marian University

A group of 38 students from Marian University in Indianapolis, Indiana, will travel to Lisbon, Portugal, for World Youth Day (WYD) 2023. This event, held every two to three years by the Pope, gathers young adults worldwide for prayer, worship, and celebration of the Catholic Faith. The Marian University Knights aim to deepen their faith through various activities such as a day in Fatima and an Overnight Vigil Mass with the Pope.

"Marian students long for this faith connection," said Kyle McCreary '25. "They want to be transformed and molded into better mediators of Christ’s love and compassion." This pilgrimage marks the first student-led journey in Marian University's history. The students have been fundraising towards a $150,000 goal by April 1st and have raised over $60,000 so far. Each student's cost is $4,200.

Fundraising efforts include working concession stands at football games, selling various items like socks and candles, participating in charity breakfasts with the Knights of Columbus, and selling desserts during Lent.

Supporters can contribute through several avenues: Day for the Knights (DFTK), an all-day fundraising event on March 30 at Marian University; direct donations via Crowd Change; or sharing prayer intentions with the pilgrims.

Reflecting on the journey's impact, McCreary stated: “Creating the chance to say ‘yes’ to this formative opportunity in a Catholic University... will have a ripple effect more fruitful and impactful than we could ever foresee.”

The student pilgrims express gratitude for both monetary support and prayers. For more information about their journey or to listen to related interviews and articles:

- [Catholic Radio Interview](https://catholicradioindy.podbean.com/e/faith-in-action-world-youth-day-2023/)

- [The Catholic Moment article](https://indd.adobe.com/view/0cef00d5-d623-4c01-9178-82bc312914d5)