WYD 2011
Portugal: a message to first-time participantsFather António Jorge Almeida, member of the permanent group of the national Department for the Pastoral Care of the Youth (Dnpj) said he hopes that the World Youth Day in Madrid “will step up the commitment of the young for God and the Church”. “It’s important for the youth to perceive the event not only as an opportunity to visit Madrid and meet their peers, but also to conceive it from a wider perspective, namely, that of the encounter with Jesus Christ that opens the way to future responsibilities”. In a message to participants attending the world meeting for the first time, the DNPJ coordinator pointed out that “the more they will be capable of integrating within the structures of the Department, of the parishes or of organized groups, the richer and fruitful will be their experience”. In his capacities as director o the Diocesan Secretariat for the Pastoral Care of the Youth of Viseu, father Almeida took part in a formative WYD camp held in Senhora da Ribeira, in the municipality of Santa Comba Dão. The educative initiative witnessed the presence of a large number of youth from Viseu who are preparing for the trip to Madrid: “It was a significant moment, since the reflections were based on the reading of the book titled ‘WYD Generation’ and on the precious sharing of experiences of previous Days”. Father Almeida added: “In the context of group dynamics, ludic activities and moments for prayer, it has been possible to focus on two kinds of expectations. Some of them said they will attend the Day with their own self, with God and with other participants, others, who have already undertaken the path of the Church, wish to consolidate their faith and draw more energy to address their daily problems”. According to the latest data collected by the Embassy in Madrid, Portugal today can count on the presence of 11,400 registered youth.Belgium: four vigils in four citiesFour afternoons of witness, four festive vigils in an equal number of national cities, in a sort of evangelization festival implemented by the Youth Pastoral in Belgium in view of the upcoming World Youth Day in Madrid, attended by some 2,000 young Belgians. The pilgrims, and not only them, will meet in Huy, Ixelles, Ath and Braine-L’Alleud, from August 6 through 9. The days’ activities are centered on different themes: “Thirst of God”, “Building life on the rocks”, “Touching the Resurrected One” and “Building a civilization of love”. Footwalks, time for prayer and sharing, moment of feast and theatrical performances, will characterize the itinerating Festival in Belgium. However, Belgium isn’t the final destination. The initiative continues during the WYD in Spain when participants in “the days of the diocese” (from August 12 to 14) will follow the paths of Costa Brava and Costa Dorada. On August 15 the youth will arrive in Madrid where they will follow the official program. In order to promote high participation in the event the youth pastoral in Belgium has made it possible to register only for the vigil with the Pope on Saturday August 20, and for the final Mass the following day.Spain: 6.137 lodging facilities availableThe youth who will be attending the World Youth Day in Madrid can ask accommodation when they register for the event. To date 6,137 lodging areas have been made available by parishes, public and private schools, sport centres, hostels and families, providing accommodation to 330,604 people. These areas are being prepared to host the young participants who filed their requests from world countries. The youth and their coordinators will be in charge of the necessary procedures such as surveillance (opening and closing), daily cleaning, and providing breakfast for the pilgrims. The team is led by a coordinator appointed by the WYD organization. “Naturally, the WYD organization is in charge of extraordinary expenses” – said the WYD responsible for lodging Luis Lavilla – such as adapting the area for accommodation or installing showers. Furthermore, there is a lodging responsibility insurance for damages”. In the meantime an increasing number of sport champions expressed their wish to support the WYD. After the football stars now also basket champs asked to give their contribution to the Day: “Volunteering in Spain in one of the best in the world. We wish to thank the WYD volunteers for their cooperation – said José Luis Sáez, president of the basketball Federation -who made their participation in the Spain-Lithuania game possible”. The Spanish selected team will play the basket match against the Lithuanian team on August 13, preliminary to the European Basketball Championship in 2011, due to take place in Lithuania from August 13 to September 18.
