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/.