Madrid Spain -World Youth Day Dates: August 16-21, 2011
World Youth Day is an unbelievable weeklong spiritual journey where pilgrims from all over the world unite to share their faith. The week includes prayer, song, concerts, drama, sharing, liturgy, catechesis, and an unforgettable vigil and closing mass with the Holy Father. In 1986, the Pope John Paul II invited young people from all over the world to participate in a pilgrimage at the very first World Youth Day. Since then it has been held in Argentina (’87), Spain (’89), Poland (’91), U.S. (’93), Philippines (’95), France (’97), Italy (’00), Canada (’02), Germany (’05) and Australia (’08).
THEME: The theme of WYD 2011 will be “Rooted and built up in Jesus Christ, Firm in the Faith”.
PILGRIMS: The Diocese of Orlando is inviting young adults ages 18-39 to be a part of our diocesan pilgrimage. The World Youth Day celebration is designed with young adults in mind and they are able to appreciate in a deeper way the experiences of the week. High School age youth are encouraged to participate in the National Catholic Youth Conference pilgrimages which take place every other year in the United States.
PILGRIMAG DATES: August 11-22, 2011: The pilgrimage will be led by the office of Youth & Young Adult Ministry and the office of Vocations. A pilgrimage is truly a spiritual journey, rather than a vacation– an opportunity to share your faith and to connect more deeply with Jesus Christ. It can be an awesome and life changing experience.
PREPARATION: We encourage parish groups and individuals to establish a prayerful preparation for the pilgrimage. There will be gatherings of the diocesan group throughout our final year of preparation as well, including a retreat opportunity. The dates and details of these gatherings will be made available at the earliest possibility.
PRE-REGISTRATION: Parishes and individuals interested in joining the diocesan pilgrimage are asked to complete the Pre-registration form and return the form with an initial deposit of $50 /person, in order to hold space. Pre-registration is encouraged prior to July 1, 2009 in order to arrange for the appropriate amount of housing. We will do our best to accommodate pilgrims after this date but are not able to guarantee availability.
ITINERARY:
August 11: Departure
August 12: Assissi
August 13: Rome
August 14: Rome
August 15: Madrid, day of preparation
August 16: Opening Ceremonies
August 17: Morning Catechesis, WYD events
August 18: Morning Catechesis, Welcoming ceremonies with Holy Father
August 19: Morning Catechesis, WYD events
August 20: Morning Pilgrimage, evening vigil with Holy Father
August 21: Morning Mass with Holy Father, pilgrimage to hotel
August 22: Depart Madrid for return to city
Package Includes
Accommodations 3 star hotels in Rome and Assissi; Hi-tech hotels in Madrid which include laptops and internet access. Double occupancy is assumed.
Food Breakfast & Dinner daily in Rome and Assissi
Breakfast buffet in Madrid and WYD meal package
Tours ½ day walking tour of Assissi
½ day tour of Imperial Rome
½ day tour of Christian Rome
½ day tour of Madrid
Tour to Toledo
Transportation All air travel and transfers are included
Package Costs
Land arrangements: $1359
Air Travel: $1200-$1300 ESTIMATE finalized 1 year before travel
WYD Registration Fee: $200-$300 ESTIMATE available this fall
TOTAL COST: $ 2759-$2959
