Hollywood Actor Offers Open InvitationTo Travel With Him To Spain

Los Angeles, CA, Febuary 9, 2011 - Eduardo Verastegui, Hollywood actor and producer, Latino Superstar and Humanitarian Activist, is offering an open invitation for anyone wishing to travel with him and his non-profit organization, Manto De Guadalpe,as they attend World Youth Day with Pope Benedict XVI in Madrid, Spain this coming August.


The pilgrimage takes place August 15th through the 24th,during which time they will visit holy shrines in Spain, attend the World Youth Day festivities with millions of other young Catholics, and will conclude by visiting the famous Marian apparition site in Fatima, Portugal. The pilgrimage will offer inspirational and educational talks led by Verastegui and other renoundedspeakers. Daily Mass, rosaries, spiritual direction, along with opportunities to receive the sacrament of Reconciliation, will all be an integral part of the mission on this trip.

WHOLE LIFE

This pilgrimage will have a “Whole Life” theme as it focuses on the beautiful gift of life that is meant to be celebrated at all stages and on the dignity of every human person created in God’s image from the moment of conception.

MANTO DE GUADALUPE

Verastegui’s organization, Manto De Guadalupe, has taken several successful mission trips to Haiti, Darfur and Mexico to serve the poor and has recently opened a woman’s clinic in Los Angeles which offers free medical services and assistance to pregnant mothers in need.

YOUTH IN EUROPE

Manto De Guadalupe will be traveling with Youth In Europe, a Catholic Pilgrimage organization founded by Steve Kerekes. Youth in Europe has over 20 years of experience including major beatifications, canonizations, and the last seven World Youth Days. It is their mission to offer authentic pilgrimage experiences and the look forward to World Youth Day as well as the newly announced beatification of Pope John Paul II in Rome this May. Youth In Europe is excited about this opportunity to work with Eduardo Verastegui and Manto De Guadalupe and believes this trip will be a rewarding experience for all who attend.

For more information about this trip, please visit: www.WorldYouthDay.com/mg

For press or media interviews with EduardoVerastegui, please contact Ed Vizenor.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Ed Vizenor
Ed@WorldYouthDay.com
www.WorldYouthDay.com/mg

Official World Youth Day Video

 

Phenomenal Video on 26 yrs of WYD, 

brought to you by Grassroots Productions

Beatification of Pope JPII - May 1st, 2011

The first miracle in the process towards cannonization has been approved and Pope Benedict XVI has confirmed that the late Holy Father, John Paul II, will be beatified on Divine Mercy Sunday, May 1, 2011. Pope Benedict, himself, will celebrate the mass and ceremony in Rome. Thousands of pilgrims are expected to come from all over the world.

Last Friday, Pope Benedict confirmed that the Vatican-appointed committee of cardinals, bishops, doctors and theologians had determined that Sister Marie Pierre Simon's recovery from parkinsons disease was, in fact, "miraculous" and "scientifically inexplicable".

Shortly after the announcement, the WYD committee announcement that John Paul II will be numbered among the patrons of WYD 2011. The future Blessed will be among the famous Spanish Saints who are called to intercede on behalf of WYD 2011.

More info can be found at:
http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/john-paul-iis-beatification-approved-for-may-1-divine-mercy-sunday/

WYD Theme Song Released

On the eve of the Feast of Our Lady of Almudena, the WYD theme song was released. It was written by Auxiliary Bishop of Madrid, Msgr César Franco, and composed by Fr. Enrique Vázquez, who is a priest and religious music composer. "Firm in the Faith", the title of the song, was performed by the Youth Orchestra of the Community of Madrid and the Youth Choir of the Escolanía de El Escorial.

The song has seven verses and the original version is in Spanish. Translated from Spanish, the chorus says:

Firm in the faith, we walk in Christ,
Glory always to Him! Glory always to Him!
We walk in Christ firm in the faith
 
For more details, and to listen to the song, click here:
 
http://www.jmj2011madrid.com/en/news/1-n/350-himno-estrenada

Sneak Peak at the 2011 WYD Theme Song

The theme song, which will be released November 9th, is a very important part of preparing for WYD. The Youth Orchestra of the Community of Madrid is in the process of recording the hymn which will set the mood for WYD 2011. Follow the link for a sneak peak:

http://www.madrid11.com/en/news/1-n/318-300-dias

Volunteers Still Needed as Training Begins

"We need more than 20,000 volunteers for a party of 2 million people." These were the words used in the massive campaign to encourage young people to sign up as volunteers for the World Youth Day (WYD) event. Since then, over 6,000 people have asked to be a volunteer.

Volunteers from all across Spain came to Madrid this week for the first Training Program Workshop. These, along with international volunteers, will be using their many talents to make World Youth Day successful through it's volunteers. There are various different areas in which young people can volunteer to serve. Many volunteers are still needed in order to make WYD run smoothly. For those who are interested in knowing more or offering their time/talents, go to www.madrid11.com/en/volunteers. Applications will continue to be accepted so spread the word.

You Choose How to Help

World Youth Day launched a new site called http://www.muchasgracias.info/, which is designed to process donations from individuals who want to contribute financially to WYD.

With just one click, donors can decide exactly how they want their donation to be used: decorations for religious ceremonies, transportation for the disabled, assistance for youth from poor countries, or one of over fifty other options. Borja Ezcurra, WYD Director of Sponsorships, stressed, "It is not only important to help World Youth Day, but to also feel part of it." The website is available in both English and Spanish.

WYD is financially supported by two pillars: the contributions of the participants which makes up two thirds of the cost of the event and assistance from companies and individuals, which covers the remaining one third.

full article: http://www.madrid11.com/en/news/1-n/277-muchas-gracias

Facebook Contest: Read the Holy Father's Message and Win Front-Row Tickets to the Vigil

As we anxiously await the Holy Father’s arrival in Madrid next August, Benedict XVI has already submitted his WYD message to the youth. The WYD organization invites you all to read it so that you may be enriched by his words. We would also like for you to share it with all of your Facebook friends as part of our newest contest.

It’s very simple:

First of all, to participate you must be a member of the official WYD Madrid11 Facebook application: http://apps.facebook.com/amadrid/frases.php.
Read the Pope’s message and select your favorite quote (choose wisely, because you can’t change it!).
Share the selected quote through the tab [Message] you will find in the application. There will be an option to write the quote and share it on your profile, once a day, for one week.

From here, it’s your friends who will decide. The five phrases that receive the most “likes” will move on to the final round. From these five finalists, one winner will be chosen and receive a pair of tickets to be in the front row at the Vigil with the Pope at Cuatro Vientos on August 20, 2011.
Join the official application, participate, and secure your spot in front of the Holy Father!!

Act now, because you will only be happening for a short time!!!

About the Pilgrimage Company We Recommend

Holy Father's WYD Message to the Youth

In a recent papal audience, the Holy Father touched on the theme for WYD 2011, "Planted and built up in Jesus Christ, firm in the Faith." Col 2:7. He asks the young people to root themselves in Jesus Christ and the faith in order to live life positively.

Pope Benedict XVI's Message for WYD 2011

With less than a year to go before we meet in Madrid to encounter Christ, the Holy Father has written a message inviting the youth of the world to WYD 2011 and to reflect on the importance of the theme, "Planted and built up in Jesus Christ, firm in the Faith". (Col 2:7) In his message he touches on the source of our deepest aspirations. He also recalls his experience during his youth, relating it to what we often go through. For the full message to read and reflect on:
 
http://en.madrid11.com/JMJ2011ING/REVISTA/articulos/GestionNoticias_373_ESP.asp

One Year and Counting!

The events of World Youth Day XXVI in Madrid Spain are less than one year away. As August 2011 approaches, the people of Madrid are preparing to welcome hundreds of thousands of pilgrims from other nations. One way the committee is asking people to prepare is spiritually. They have many resources with information on our faith, as well as documents that you can use to read and reflect. Follow this link for information that will help you prepare this next year:

http://en.madrid11.com/JMJ2011ING/REVISTA/cabecerasypies/PortadaEnCamino.asp?vmenu=ENCAMINO

Entertainment Deadline Approaching

Entertainment proposals for World Youth Day venues will continue to be accepted until September 30, 2010. For those interested in giving their time and talent, the criteria is as follows:
Must have Characteristics:
1. To be lively, contemporary and an important expression for today's young adults.
2. Must be inspired in Christian virtues: faith, hope, and love, as well as joy, fortitude, promote dignity and beauty of human love, commitment to build a more just society, love of real liberty, and the responsibility of each one.
3. The language used must manifest a universal beauty, accessible to people of different cultures.

Types of entertainment can include: music and dance, theater, exhibitions of painting, sculpture, photo, decoration and design, displays of Church's social work in the five continents, historical reviews, cinema and audiovisual productions, biographical itineraries of saints and missionaries, and in general, activities that address issues of current importance from a Christian perspective.

Selection Criteria:
1. Present Importance and Relevance
2. Artistic Quality
3. Universality
4. Technical organizational and financial feasibility

Sending Proposals - Must send Project details including:
1. Name of Project
2. Promoting Institution
3. Person Responsible
4. Postal Address/Telephone/Fax/Email
5. Artistic Discipline
6. Brief description (250 words) of content
7. Duration and Date Proposed
8. Type and size of premises and necessary technical installations (audio, video, etc...)
9. Form and project must be sent by September 30, 2010
10. By Email: cultura@jmj2011madrid.com (Word or PDF)
11. By Post: "JMJ - Programa Cultural", Plaza de San Juan de la Cruz 2b, 28003 Madrid Spain

WYD: Pope is the guide to lead us to Christ!

Registration Now Open for WYD 2011

Pope Benedict XVI officially opened the WYD 2011 registration by becoming the first to register for World Youth Day 2011. Madrid has set out to ensure 40% of all participants register, compared to the 25% typical of previous WYD celebrations. Participation in the central events are free, but participant registration enables the WYD planning committee to better understand and address the needs of the pilgrims.

By registering, participants are also helping to predict more accurate numbers, assisting in the organization of the catechesis and cultural activities. Solidarity is another component of the WYD registration process. Upon registering, each participant is given the option to add 10euros or more to the Solidarity fund, which is used to facilitate the participation of young people from countries with economic difficulties and to ensure that people from all parts of the world have the opportunity to participate.

Registration is available online 24-hours a day at: http://en.madrid11.com/JMJ2011ING/REVISTA/cabecerasypies/PortadaInscribite.asp?vmenu=INSCRIBETE

Registration options include accident insurance, access to public transportation, a backpack (with a t-shirt, hat, Madrid guidebook, handbook of all WYD activities, and other useful items) free entrance to all WYD cultural activities, and priority access to all areas reserved for registered participants at central acts and ceremonies.

Currently around 600,000 pilgrims from other countries have announced their plans to register for WYD. If this happens, a record number of participants are expected to participate. For those who pay their registration by March 31, 2010, there is a 5% discount on the registration payment. Join the number of registered participants and help the WYD planning committee cater to your needs.

Stations of the Cross

Friday night's main event during WYD is a re-enactment of the Passion of Christ. In Madrid, the Stations of the Cross will begin at Plaza de Cibeles and will end at Plaza de Colón. The celebration will show different scenes that can usually only be found in the streets of Spain during Holy Week. Fourteen pieces from ten different cities will illustrate the Stations of the Cross.

Francisco José Portela, Art History Professor at the Complutense University in Madrid, says, "these sculptures represent the value of Spanish imagery over the last four centuries". He also points out, "These pieces bring extremely sacred art out into the street".

Fr. Javier Cremades, who is responsible for coordinating WYD central acts, explains, "This celebration will represent the thousands of processions that take place throughout all of Spain." Fr. Cremades says, "This is not a collection of artistic works put on public display, but rather an opportunity to pray in the presence of religious treasures".

Stations of the Cross (Scene - City - Artist):


1 The Last Supper - Murcia - Francisco Salzillo
2 The kiss of Jude - Malaga - Antonio Castillo Lastrucci
3 The denials of Peter - Orihuela - Federico Collaut-Valera
4 Jesus is condemned to death - Madrid- Anonymous
5 Jesus carries his cross - Madrid - José R. Fernández-Andes
6 Jesus falls the first time - Madrid - Nicolás Fumo
7 Simon of Cyrene helps Jesus - León - Anonymous
8 Veronica wipes the face of Jesus - Jerez - Francisco Pinto
9 Jesus is stripped of his garments - Granada - Manuel Ramos Corona
10 Jesus is nailed to the cross - Zamora Ramón -Álvarez
11 Jesus dies on the cross - Malaga - Copia de Mena
12 Jesus is taken down from the cross - Cuenca - Luis Marco Pérez
13 Jesus in the arms of his mother - Valladolid - Gregorio Fernández
14 Jesus is laid in the tomb - Madrid - Gregorio Fernández

Theme Song for WYD 2011 Approved

World Youth Day (WYD) Madrid now officially has a theme song. The anthem has been praised by members of the Pontifical Council of the Laity and the Vatican ministry responsible for WYD and approved to be performed at the celebration in Madrid.

The theme song was composed by Enrique Vázquez Castro, a Spanish priest and renowned liturgical music composer. Vázquez Castro studied piano and composition at the "Jesús Guridi" Conservatory of Music in his hometown, where he earned his degree in Composition and Instrumentation in 2000. He was awarded second place at the 8th Francesc Civil Composition Competition for his composition "Ahots urdiña" (1995), and first place at the Cristóbal Halfter XVIII Composition Contest (1996) for his original piece "Itsaropen izarra." He also served as musical director for the National Church of Santiago and Montserrat in Rome while pursuing advanced studies in theology at the Pontifical Gregorian University.

The lyrics were written by Monsignor César Franco, auxiliary bishop of Madrid. The stanzas of the hymn emphasize the closeness of youth to the holy humanity of Christ in the typical style of Spanish mystical traditions.

The theme song consists of seven verses and a chorus based on the WYD theme, "Planted and built up in Jesus Christ, firm in the faith", which was taken from the letter of St. Paul to the Colossians. The chorus reads:

Firm in the faith, we walk in Christ,
Our friend, our God.
All glory to Him, all glory to Him!
We walk in Christ, firm in the faith.

Now that the theme song has been approved, it will be translated into the official languages of WYD and recorded in three versions: one liturgical, one instrumental for large choirs, and one pop version with guitar accompaniment.

The theme song will make its debut on the feast of the Virgin of the Almudena on November 9, 2010 at the cathedral in Madrid. It will also be distributed worldwide on the Internet, both as an audio track and a music video.

Volunteers Needed for WYD 2011

On May 18 the campaign for recruiting volunteers will officially begin. For all those who would like to give their time and talents to serve the youth of the world and the city of Madrid, send your requests to voluntariosinternacional@jmj2011madrid.com. More info will be available at http://www.madrid11.com/. Or click on this link for the complete form: http://en.madrid11.com/JMJ2011ING/REVISTA/cabecerasypies/PortadaVoluntarios.asp?vmenu=OTROS

Your Video Shorts Needed

World Youth Day needs short videos about what you are doing to get ready for WYD. What are you doing to fundraise? To prepare spiritually? Videos will be used on the official WYD website, so you could be famous!!! Send videos to: comunicacion@jmj2011madrid.com.

Info for Facebook Users

For all those who use Facebook, you can go to the official World Youth Day page for English speakers. This is an interactive page where you can see all new information, but also ask questions or give suggestions. Some of the things you will find on there will be: A place to give advice and recommendations for the official WYD merchandise, current discussions, info on how to connect with other Catholics in your area, and so much more.

For more info and to join, go to http://www.facebook.com/worldyouthday.

Patron Saints Chosen for WYD 2011

The organizers for World Youth Day 2011 have released the list of the patron saints for the event, which “encompasses the history of the Church in Spain, from the first saints of Madrid.”


According to a press release, “The Holy See has confirmed the proposal of the patron saints for World Youth Day (WYD): St. Isidore, St. John of the Cross, St. Maria de la Cabeza, St. John of Avila, St. Teresa of Avila, St. Rose of Lima, St. Ignatius of Loyola, St. Rafael Arnaiz and St. Francis Xavier.”

“The list of the patrons encompasses the history of the Church in Spain, from the first saints of Madrid (St. Isidore and St. Maria), through the founders of the Discalced Carmelites and the Society of Jesus (St. Teresa and St. Ignatius), a great missionary to the East (St. Francis Xavier), the summit of mystic literature (St. John of the Cross), the force behind diocesan priestly spirituality (St. John of Avila), the first saint of Hispanic America (St. Rose of Lima), and a young person from our times (St. Rafael Arnaiz), who was recently canonized,” the statement said.

“All of these saints are of Spanish origin, in order to root WYD in the culture of the host country, as was done at WYD in Cologne, where the saints chosen were related to the Christian history of Germany,” organizers explained.

They also announced the Holy See has confirmed the choice of Cibeles Square, one of Madrid’s most renowned locations, as the place where Pope Benedict XVI will be welcomed by the young people on Thursday, August 18. They added that the vigil and final Mass with the Holy Father will be held at the Cuatro Vientos airfield, where John Paul II met with young people in 2003 during his final visit to the country

Sited from: http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/patron_saints_announced_for_wyd_2011_in_madrid/ 

WYD Welcomes the Disabled Community

One of the main goals of World Youth Day Madrid 2011 is to respond to the needs of youth with disabilities. The WYD Disability Team has set out to make the participation of youth with a variety of disabilities possible.

They are developing a series of plans for your reception, organized with the greatest attention to detail possible. Among other areas of concern, they are working to provide appropriate accommodation for participants with various disabilities in terms of housing, transportation and meals. They are currently considering other important questions such as how many sign language interpreters they will need for WYD.

More details will be provided when registering your group for WYD. You will be able to list any type of assistance needed for individuals in your group.

Vote on the Official WYD Hat

Now is your chance to give your opinion about which hat you would like to see offered in the WYD backpack packages. To see the options and cast your vote, click on the following link:

http://www.madridwyd2011.com/JMJ2011ING/REVISTA/articulos/GestionNoticias_278_ESP.asp

Entertainment Proposals due September 30, 2010

Entertainment proposals for World Youth Day venues are being accepted at this time until September 30, 2010. For those interested in giving their time and talent, the criteria is as follows:

Must have Characteristics:
1. To be lively, contemporary and an important expression for today's young adults.
2. Must be inspired in Christian virtues: faith, hope, and love, as well as joy, fortitude, promote dignity and beauty of human love, commitment to build a more just society, love of real liberty, and the responsibility of each one.
3. The language used must manifest a universal beauty, accessible to people of different cultures.

Types of entertainment can include: music and dance, theater, exhibitions of painting, sculpture, photo, decoration and design, displays of Church's social work in the five continents, historical reviews, cinema and audiovisual productions, biographical itineraries of saints and missionaries, and in general, activities that address issues of current importance from a Christian perspective.

Selection Criteria:
1. Present Importance and Relevance
2. Artistic Quality
3. Universality
4. Technical organizational and financial feasibility

Sending Proposals - Must send Project details including:
1. Name of Project
2. Promoting Institution
3. Person Responsible
4. Postal Address/Telephone/Fax/Email
5. Artistic Discipline
6. Brief description (250 words) of content
7. Duration and Date Proposed
8. Type and size of premises and necessary technical installations (audio, video, etc...)
9. Form and project must be sent by September 30, 2010
10. By Email: cultura@jmj2011madrid.com (Word or PDF)
11. By Post: "JMJ - Programa Cultural", Plaza de San Juan de la Cruz 2b, 28003 Madrid Spain

Registration Package Prices for WYD 2011

WYD registration will open 1 July 2010. The registration packages for World Youth Day 2011 have been set for in six forms of entry depending on different needs. The three factors that will determine how much you pay include the services requested (accommodation, meals, etc…) the length of stay and the country of provenance. Those pilgrims living in countries with greater economic capacity will pay more than those from countries with less opportunities. WYD’s main events are free and there is no need to register. However, registration is strongly recommended as an expression of solidarity with other participants, to facilitate logistics and contribute to the cost of the event.

All packages include accident insurance, public transportation during the week of WYD, pilgrim backpack (with the book for the ceremonies, hat and shirt, a guide to Madrid and other accessories), free admission to the Festival’s cultural activities (concerts, exhibitions, visits to museums) and priority access to the areas reserved for registered pilgrims at the Main Events of WYD.

The six types of Registration Packages are as follows:

FULL WEEK (A) – From Monday 15 afternoon until Monday 22 morning
1. Package A1: Includes accommodation and meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
2. Package A2: Includes meals but not accommodation
3. Package A3: Includes lodging but not meals
4. Package A4: Does not include meals or lodging

WEEKEND (B) – From Friday 19 until Sunday 21 afternoon
5. Package B1: Includes lodging and meals
6. Package B2: Does not include accommodation or meals

Package Costs: (Plus a 10€ Solidarity fee)
If registration is paid by 31 March 2011, a discount of 5% will be given.

Country Classification: Countries are divided into three zones, depending on the purchasing power of the country of residence. They are classified as follows:

Countries A: Germany, Andorra, Aruba, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bermuda, Canada, Cayman Islands, South Korea, Denmark (including Greenland and the Faroe Islands), Spain, Finland, France, Hong Kong (China), Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Lichtenstein, Luxembourg, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, San Marino, Singapore, Sweden, Switzerland, United Arabl Emirates, United Kingdom (including Gibraltar, Jersey Islands, Man Guernsey, Falkland Islands and dependencies) and USA (including Guam).

Countries B: Anguilla, Antigua & Barbuda, Argentina, Bahamas, Bahrain, Barbados, Brazil Virgin Islands (UK), Brunei Darussalam, Chile, Croatia, China, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Greece, Guadeloupe, Hungary, Israel, Kuwait, Macao (China), Malaysia, Malta, Martinique (Fr.) Mauritius, Mexico, Netherlands, Antilles, New Caledonia, Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, Saudi Arabia, Slovakia, Slovenia, St. Christopher (St Kitts) & Nevis, St. Pierre & Miquelon (Fr.), Taiwan, Trinidad & Tobago, Turks and Caicos, Virgin Islands (US)

Countries C: Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Samoa, Angola, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Belarus, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Botswana, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Colombia, Comoros, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Republic of the Congo, Costa Rica, Cote d'Ivoire, Buca, Dominica, Dominican Republic, East Timor, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Fiji, French Guyana (Fr.), French Polynesia (FRA), Gabon, Gambia, Palestine, Georgia, Ghana, Grenada, Belize, Guatemala, Guinea-Conakry, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, India, Indonesia, Iran, Irag, Jamaica, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kiribati, North Korea, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Latvia, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Lithuania, Macedonia, Madagascar, Malawi, Maldives, Mali, Marshall Islands, Mauritania, Mayotte, Federateds States of Micronesia, Moldova, Mongolia, Montserrat, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nauru, Nepal, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Niue, Oman, Pakistan, Palau, Pananma, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Republic of China, Peru, Philippines, Reunion, Romania, Russia, Rwanda, Samoa, Sao Tome & Principe, Senegal, Serbia, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Solomon Islands, Somalia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, St. Helena & Dependencies (UK), St. Lucia, St. Vincent & the Grenadines, Sudan, Surinam, Swaziland, Syria, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Tokelau, Tonga, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, Uganda, Ukraine, Uraguay, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Vietnam, Wallis & Futuna (Fr.), Yemen, Djibouti, Zambia, Zimbabwe

Volunteering for WYD 2011

No World Youth Day would be possible if it were not for the thousands of volunteers who give of their time and talents. WYD 2011 will be the same. Madrid is expecting they will need about 10,000-15,000 volunteers to make the event successful.

Pre-registration for volunteers is now open. For those interested in volunteering for World Youth Day 2011, send your requests to voluntarios@jmj2011madrid.com. Official applications and more details will be available in the future at the official WYD website, http://www.jmj2011madrid.com/.

Pope John Paul II Declared "Venerable"

Pope John Paul II, who began the World Youth Days for the youth of the world, on Saturday 19 December 2009 was declared to have a life of heroic virtue by Pope Benedict XVI. This signed decree gives him the title "Venerable" and moves the late Holy Father one step closer to Sainthood.

In order for beatification, which is the next step, the Pope has to sign a second decree recognizing a miracle attributed to his intercession. The miracle being studied involves a French nun who was cured of Parkinson's disease, which is what Pope John Paul II suffered with in his lifetime. Although there is speculation as to when the beatification of JPII will take place, nothing has been officially announced.

The final step towards his Sainthood, would include a second miracle approved by the investigation team and ultimately by Pope Benedict. Normally, the investigation process would not be opened for five years after the death of the individual. However, the Holy Father made an exception for the late Pontiff a month after his death. Since then, the Vatican has processed his case in record time.

WYD Registration to Open June 2010

World Youth Day registration will open online on 1 June 2010. The various options will be announced within a few days before the registration opens.

Blessing of the WYD 2011 Headquarters

Cardinal Archbishop Antonio Maria Rouco Varela conducted a blessing of the units that will now be the headquarters for WYD 2011. The ceremony took place at St. John of the Cross parish in Madrid on Friday, October 23, 2009.

Cardinal Ruoco told the youth gathered there, "Today begins the race towards WYD, an extraordinary event in which we will be able to experience the universality of the Church, in union with the Pope... with more than a thousand bishops from all over the world, thousands of priests, consecrated men and women, parents, boys and girls, and especially many young people from all over the world."

To those present, Cardinal Ruoco encouraged them to carry out their tasks with the dedication of St. Paul and to bear difficulties and crosses with joy in order to achieve the goal.

Source: http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/

WYD Cross starts it's world-wide pilgrimage

Today marked the pilgrimage of the WYD cross around the word in preparation for Madrid 2011. An sms/text message was sent throughout Madrid Spain reading:

"TODAY feast of the Exaltation of the HOLY CROSS.
VIGIL of PRAYER CATHEDRAL of ALMUDENA 20:00. BEGIN the PILGRIMAGE of the CROSS in MADRID and SPAIN...."

It is known as the "Holy Year Cross", the "Jubilee Cross", the "WYD Cross", the "Pilgrim Cross".  Many call it the "Youth Cross" as it was given to young people to take around the world to any place at any time. The Holy Father said this about the cross:

"My dear young people, at the conclusion of the Holy Year, I entrust to you the sign of this Jubilee Year: the Cross of Christ! Carry it throughout the world as a symbol of Christ's love for humanity, and announce to everyone that only in the death and resurrection of Christ can we find salvation and redemption" -- (Rome, 22nd April 1984).

READ HISTORY OF WYD CROSS on VATICAN WEBSITE

The vigil was at the Cathedral of La Almudena in Madrid.  It was standing room only at the Cathedral with an approximate 5,000 youth and families. Madrid's Cardinal Rouco presided over the event and was accompanied by over 30 other clergy.  It was a moving evening that ended with the WYD Cross and Icon being processed thru the streets of Madrid accompanied with a sea of tourches held by local youth. This marks the beginning of what will be a world-wide tour. 

* excerpts taken from Vatican website: click here to visit original source

Director of Communications Chosen

The founder of Rome Reports and professor at the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross in Rome, Santiago de la Cierva, has been chosen to be the Director of Communications for WYD 2011.

During an interview with Xt3.com, Mr. Cierva stated that they will be greatly utilizing the internet and social networks for WYD in Madrid. New technologies will also include convenience in registering online, ability to find and communicate with other young people, ability to learn hymns before attending WYD, etc...

Mr. Cierva stated that their main objective for communication is to do "their work so that what is done is a reflection of the identity of the institution." Another aspect that the WYD committee is working on is minimizing the comfort level so that pilgrims can come to seek true happiness from the Gospel without luxury barriers.

Patron Saint of World Youth Day 2011?

Spain will soon have their beloved young "Beato Rafael" canonized a Saint, making him a likely Patron for World Youth Day Madrid 2011.

“God Alone!” was the motto of this 20th century witness to our faith. Bl. Rafael was an amiable, artistic, and intelligent youth born into an aristocratic family of Burgos, Spain, in 1911. After his studies and a time drafted into military service, at age 23, he entered a Cistercian monastery. Only four months later he had to leave for medical reasons. He spent the last four years of his life between the monastery and the homes of family, until at last he passed into eternal life on April 26, 1938, at age 27.

Visit the Cistercian Monastery Website

His few writings express the depth of his relationship with the Lord, and his countenance showed those around him his great surrender to God’s will through all the trials, frustrations, and would be disappointments of his life’s journey. He knew God as a companion and “his one desire was to love: love Jesus, love Mary, love the cross, love his trappist monastery.”

Pope John Paul II named Brother Rafael as a model of Christian life for the youth at World Youth Day in Santiago de Compostela in 1989. He was beatified in 1992, and now with a second miracle attributed to his intercession he is set to be canonized this October!

In Bl. Rafael’s own words:

“God, for me, is everything; he is in everything and I see him in everything. How useless it is to busy oneself with that which is not God. … Lord, my God! What but you could hold any interest for me? What am I that I should be looking at myself so much? You alone should occupy my life; you alone should fill my heart; you alone should concern me.

God is the reason for living, the reason for existing. God should impregnate even the air we breathe, the light that illumines us. God is the beginning, the centre, and the end of all things… God is in everything: in choir, in the fields, in work, when we eat and when we sleep. It is all one, for all is a reminder of why we came to the monastery, which is to seek him in austerity, in silence, in the church, in the garden, inside as well as outside of ourselves.

We should be persuaded that God is with us at every moment. Let us put aside impressions that deceive our senses, cast away from ourselves the self-centredness that does us so much harm, and let us throw ourselves into the arms of God as we are, with our weaknesses and virtues, sins and miseries. Let us entrust our souls to him, in joy or in sadness. If we truly do this and succeed in giving our lives totally to him and make him the All of our lives, we shall have achieved true peace of heart, and we shall be closer to heaven than to earth.”

Visit the Monastery Website

Blessed Rafael, pray for us!

Sources
http://www.ocso.org/HTM/net/straf-en.htm
http://cistercianvocation.wordpress.com/2008/04/26/blessed-rafael-god-alone/

Start of Pilgrimage for WYD Cross and Icon

September 14, 2009, the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, the pilgrimage of the WYD cross and icon in the Archdiocese of Madrid will begin.

The prayer vigil will be held in the Almudena Cathedral at 8:00pm. From then, until March 2010, the Cross and Icon will journey to the parishes in the Archdiocese of Madrid, in preparation for WYD.

The pilgrimage will continue with visits to Soto del Real Prison, the "Juvenalia" Youth Fair, and Javier in Navarre, the birthplace of St. Francis Xavier. The Diocese of Alcala de Henares, Diocese of Getafe, the Military Archdiocese of Spain, and dioceses along the way of the Camino de Santiago (Way of St. James) will also be participating.

from Agenzia Fides, http://www.fides.org/

WYD 2011 Logo chosen!

It's official. The logo has been chosen for WYD Madrid 2011.

"It depicts the youth of the world coming together to celebrate their faith with the Pope, at the foot of the Cross and forming a crown of the Virgin of Almudena (patroness of Madrid).

After reviewing all the submitted possibilities, the official WYD 2011 logo has been chosen. Jose Gil-Nogues, a graphic designe working in Madrid and Oviedo Spain, created the logo according to the stipulations presented by the committee.

The crown shows an M for Mary, and also Madrid. The Cross, the sign of the Christian, presides at this meeting of the Pope with the youth."

Red, orange and yellow were used to show the warmth of Madrid and the Spanish culture. The colors were also chosen to reflect the warmth of God's love.

* Excepts from Ci News, http://www.cinews.ie/

Preliminary Sites for WYD 2011

In a press conference held at the Archdiocese of Madrid offices, some preliminary venue sites were announced by WYD Director of Communications, Santiago de la Cierva, and Auxiliary Bishop Cesar Franco.

Sites that will host a large number of WYD events include Alcala, Gran Via, Puerta del Sol, Almudena Cathedral and Paseo de la Castellana.

Plaza de Cibeles will be the location of the opening mass, celebrated by Cardinal Antonio Maria Rouco Varela.

Seminarians will also have a special encounter opportunity that will take place at the Seminary of Madrid.

The height of WYD, the final Mass, will be hosted at Cuatro Vientos Air Base at 9:30am on August 21, 2011. This will all be the location for the Vigil with the Holy Father.

from Agenzia Fides, http://www.fides.org/

Australia hands-off the WYD Cross and Icon to Madrid youth

Pope Benedict XVI addresses the Spanish pilgrims as they gather to receive the WYD cross from the Australians. He reminds them that World Youth Day is an opportunity to experience our belonging in the Church. He encouraged the youth to fully live the World Youth Day, doing all that is possible that they may feel a part of the Church, praying together and opening the doors of parishes, associations, and movements so that everyone may feel at home and to attract many young people that seek the meaning of life!

Hope in the WYD themes

A new youth director has been appointed for the PCL. He references the importance of hope in the World Youth Day themes.

Pope Chooses Themes for Next Three WYDs

On December 16, 2008, the Vatican announced the themes for the next three World Youth Days, which will help young Catholics prepare for the international gathering in 2011.

Pope Benedict XVI chose, "We have set our hope on the living God" (1 Tm 4:10) for the 2009 Diocesan level celebrations.

In 2010, also at the Diocesan level, the theme will be, "Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?" (Mk 10:17)

"Rooted and built up in Jesus Christ, firm in the faith" (Col 2:7) was chosen for the 26th World Youth Day hosted in Madrid, Spain. The Vatican press release said that these themes were chosen by the pope "to help build a spiritual itinerary that will lead to the international WYD scheduled to take place in Madrid."

from Catholic News Service.com

Announcement of Location for WYD 2011

The Spanish Youth rejoice after the World Youth Day final Mass in Sydney, as Pope Benedicts announces that the next International World Youth Day will take place in Madrid Spain!