World Youth Day is a weeklong spiritual journey where pilgrims from all over the world unite to share their faith. The week includes prayer, song, concerts, drama, sharing, liturgy, catechesis, an evening vigil and closing Mass with Pope Benedict XVI.
In 1984, Pope John Paul II invited young people from all over the world to participate in a pilgrimage at the very first World Youth Day in Rome. Since then it has been held in Argentina (’87), Spain (’89), Poland (’91), U.S. (’93), Philippines (’95), France (’97), Italy (’00), Canada (’02), Germany (’05), and Australia (’08).
The first three days of WYD are “Days in the Diocese,” where participating groups from around the world are sent out to serve in dioceses throughout the host country. Programs vary from diocese to diocese, but may include such things as cultural activities, historical lessons, moments of fiesta, and time for prayer and liturgical celebrations in the holy places and sanctuaries that form part of the religious identity of that particular place.
The official opening of WYD 2011 activities begins with Mass Aug. 15 in Madrid’s Cibeles Square. The archbishop of Madrid will preside at the liturgy with many visiting bishops and priests as concelebrants. A Youth Festival with concerts, exhibitions, displays, guided visits to museums, plays, and much more will round out the first day.
Throughout WYD, pilgrims will have numerous opportunities in participate in catechetical sessions. The sessions are organized by linguistic groups, and feature bishops from all over the world as keynote speakers. These sessions will take place in churches, schools, auditoriums and sports centers in Madrid. The Youth Festival will continue after the catechetical sessions.
On Aug. 18 the Holy Father will greet the pilgrims in Cibeles Square. The next day will be the final catechetical session as pilgrims prepare for Via Crucis, the Way of the Cross. At each station, a statue from the traditional Spanish Holy Week will be displayed to represent the scene. These statues will come from all over Spain.
Saturday, Aug. 20 will be the pilgrimage walk to Curator Vientos for a prayer vigil with the Holy Father, followed by an overnight stay at the aerodrome. The main stage with have a variety of activities and several tents will be set up for adoration throughout the night.
A Mass of Sending concelebrated by the Holy Father and thousands of bishops and priests will be the memorable conclusion to WYD. There Pope Benedict will address young people and send them out to the world to witness to their faith, as the Lord did with his apostles. At the end of Mass, the Holy Father will announce the place where the next edition of World Youth Day will be held.
The WYD trip planned by the diocesan Office for Youth and Young Adult Ministry will include a visit to Fatima in Portugal, Days in the Diocese in the Diocese of Cora Caceres, Spain, and WYD events in Madrid. Information is available on the diocesan website at www.dio.org/youthministry. Or call Holtgrave at (217) 698-8500, ext. 154.