What is World Youth Day and where is the next one taking place?
Begun by Pope John Paul II in 1984, World Youth Day is a gathering of young people from around the world who want to celebrate and deepen their faith. It takes place every three years and each time in a different world city. World Youth Day 2011 is set to start on August 15, 2011 in Madrid Spain.
A video on the history of World Youth Day
Dates
World Youth Day 2011 in Madrid runs from August 15-21, 2011.
Plaza Mayor in Madrid
The Franciscan Connection
Pilgrims from the United States and Canada who are interested in traveling to World Youth Day have the opportunity to do so as members of the Conventual Franciscan pilgrims group. The friars run the Colegio San Buenaventura in Madrid. Pilgrims travelling with the friars will be housed there. The Colegio is a short walk away from Batan metro station, which allows for easy access to WYD events across Madrid.
St. Francis of Assisi
WYD and Franciscan Events
World Youth Day has many wonderful events in store for all the pilgrims around the world. These include a vigil and Mass with Pope Benedict XVI. Please visit the WYD 2011 itinerary page to learn more.
Pilgrims traveling with the Conventual Franciscans will participate in Franciscan events. To take a look at the schedule of Franciscan events please click here.
The Franciscan Pre-Pilgrimage to Barcelona and Zaragoza
The Sagrada Familia in Barcelona
Pilgrims traveling with the Conventual Franciscans have the opportunity to participate in a pre-pilgrimage to Barcelona and Zaragoza from August 10-15. This journey will take pilgrims to amongst other places the Cathedral of Barcelona as well as the Shrine of Our Lady of Montserrat.
Cost
Pilgrims are responsible for securing their own return airfare to and from Spain.
Accommodation at the Colegio San Buenaventura, meals, and World Youth Day Registration: USD $300.
Pre-pilgrimage to Barcelona and Zaragoza (including accommodation, visit to Cathedral of Barcelona, transportation to Zaragoza and Madrid, dinner in Zaragoza, and daily breakfast): USD $300.
All persons interested in participating in World Youth Day 2011 as members of the Conventual Franciscan pilgrims group must register with the friars by January 30, 2011.
