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.