"I often think back on the World Youth Day held in Sydney in 2008. There we had an experience of a great festival of faith in which the Spirit of God was actively at work, building deep communion among the participants who had come from all over the world. That gathering, like those on previous occasions, bore rich fruit in the lives of many young people and in the life of the whole Church. Now we are looking forward to the next World Youth Day, to be held in Madrid in August 2011."
Pope Benedict XVI, from the Vatican, 6 August 2010
The XXVI World Youth Day in Madrid
The Alliance of the Holy Family International (AHFI) with its youth sector, the Mary Help of Christians Crusade (MHCC), would like to welcome you to another International World Youth Day celebration. Join us as we begin our Pilgrimage across Europe into Madrid, Spain, for WYD 2011. Our journey begins Tuesday 9th August 2011 and ends Monday 22nd August 2011.
Our Pilgrim package has been designed to provide you with a unique and spiritually rejuvenating experience. The Oblate Apostles of the Two Hearts (OATH) have prepared a program that incorporates travel and sight-seeing, with daily prayer and the Sacraments, leading up to an exciting encounter with other youth from around the globe, and our Holy Father,
Pope Benedict XVI.
Expect to become part of the most memorable spiritual journey of a lifetime. We are currently accepting late registrations but you must act soon for time is running out... August is just around the corner!
Young people, don't miss out on this grace-filled and life-changing experience! Come & see the unfolding of God's Divine Plan and Providence leading you to discover all the more His awesome, loving and merciful presence in your life!
REGISTER NOW!
Download Pilgrim Package details
Download Registration Forms
If you require further assistance, please contact us at mhccwyd@gmail.com or call us at (302) 670-7270.
"Dear young people, the Church depends on you!
She needs your lively faith, your creative charity and the energy of your hope. Your presence renews, rejuvenates and give new energy to the Church. That is why World Youth Days are a grace, not only for you, but for the entire People of God!"
Pope Benedict XVI, Message for the WYD, Madrid, August 2011
WYD Pilgrim Itinerary
August 9, 2011
As we arrive in the morning into Lisbon, Portugal coach buses will transport us to Fatima. Once we arrive at Fatima, we will check into our hotel and enjoy dinner together for the official Welcoming and Orientation of delegates.
August 10, 2011
We begin our walking pilgrimage to the Basilica of Our Lady of Fatima, one of the most visited Marian shrines in the world today. After lunch we will walk to the sacred site of Seers Village, Aljustrel, the homes of the three shepherd children.
In the evening, we will head back to the hotel for our group dinner and the AHFI Program.
August 11, 2011
We board our motor coaches again for our pilgrimage through Spain to the sacred site of Lourdes. We will visit pilgrimage sites en route to our hotel in Lourdes.
August 12, 2011
We will proceed to the Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes where the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to Saint Bernadette Soubirous, featuring the site of the holy grotto and the healing spring of water that continues to bring hope to the sick.
August 13, 2011
We again board our motor coaches for the trip back to Spain and on to Madrid where the preparations for World Youth Day have transformed the city.
August 14, 2011 (Feast of St. Maximilian Kolbe)
outside of the city, our pilgrimage passes us through El Escorial (the permanent residence of the Spanish Royal family) and into Avila where we visit the Carmelite Convent of Saint Teresa of Jesus while enjoying the surrounding Spanish countryside.
August 15, 2011 (Solemnity of the Assumption)
We head out into the Spanish countryside again for a pilgrimage to Toledo! After lunch, we head back through Madrid and the city center for a brief tour.
August 16, 2011
Today is the first day of the AHFI WYD Program. In the morning we will tour the Royal Palace and Cathedral. After lunch we join with other delegates in the Plaza de Cibeles so that pilgrims and groups registered in WYD can collect their accreditation and backpacks in the places indicated by the organization.
Mass for World Youth Day begins at 8 pm (provisional time) with a Mass in Madrid´s Cibeles Square, presided over by the archbishop of Madrid and concelebrated by the bishops and priests participating in WYD.
August 17, 2011
We head into Madrid city center for Catechesis Animation (9:00am – 12:00pm). Aside from the WYD main events, many different activities will take place throughout the day as part of the Cultural Program. The program will include concerts, exhibits, guided museum visits, plays, and much, much more.
August 18, 2011
We continue our WYD Catechesis Animation (9:00am – 12:00pm) in the Madid city center. Pope Benedict XVI enters the city of Madrid and drives through the streets in his Popemobile to reach the Nunciature. At 7:30 pm, we go to the Papal Welcome Ceremony with youth at Cibeles. In Plaza de la Independencia, Benedict XVI will pass through the Puerta de Alcalá with youth from all the continents. After this event, he will ride in the Popemobile to Plaza de Cibeles.
August 19, 2011
Third day for Catechesis Animation (9:00am – 12:00pm). Aside from the WYD main events, many different activities will continue to take place throughout the day as part of the Cultural Program.
At 7:30pm we will walk on Via Crucis to see Statues from traditional Spanish Holy Week celebrations, used to illustrate each station of the cross. The statues come from all over Spain.
August 20, 2011
We will join the rest of the delegates for the Pilgrimage Walk to Cuatro Vientos. Arriving at Cuarto Vientos by 4:00 pm we will attend the Preparatory Ceremony. Young people will arrive little by little at the aerodrome and take their places. Meanwhile, different activities will take place on the stage (testimonies of young people, musical interpretations, prayers to the Blessed Virgin Mary, etc.), to prepare for the Evening Vigil with the Pope (8:00pm). Overnight Sleep Out
August 21, 2011
Our final day together and we will meet for our farewell mass (Final WYD Mass at 9:30am). The Pope will concelebrate Mass with thousands of bishops and priests, and he will address young people and those who are not so young, to send them out to the world to witness to their faith, as the Lord did with his Apostles. At the end of the conclusive Mass, the Holy Father will announce the hosting city for the next World Youth Day in 2014!
August 22, 2011 (Queenship of BVM)
Rise and shine for an early breakfast and departure from Madrid Barajas International. Those flying out of Lisbon will have to leave on a separate coach.
¡Adiós y que dios los acompañe!