Thousands head for WYD Madrid

Thousands of young pilgrims from the UK and Ireland are heading to Madrid, Spain to join in the largest youth event in the world - World Youth Day (WYD) which takes place from 11-22 August in the presence of Pope Benedict XVI.

Organised by the Catholic Church, WYD brings together young people from around the globe to celebrate and learn about their faith. It will be the largest event Madrid has ever hosted, with over two million young people expected in the city.

More than 121 young people from Westminster Archbishop Vincent Nichols, who will be joining the World Youth Day pilgrims, said: "I am delighted that so many from our diocese will be taking part in the twenty-fourth World Youth Day, the theme of which is "Rooted and Built Up in Jesus Christ, Firm in the Faith" (cf Col 2:7)."

"For those pilgrims attending World Youth Day for the first time, you may be excited and, possibly, a bit nervous and not know what to expect, but you can be assured that as part of our diocesan family you will receive support and friendship along the way. It will be a great gift for us to come together in communion with our Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI."

"I pray that the Holy Spirit will help us in Madrid to rediscover our faith if it is lost, strengthen it if it has become weak, and help us to savour it as fellowship with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ."

Michael Morris, one of Westminster's pilgrims, is from Our Lady of Lourdes, Harpenden. He said: "In Madrid, a crowd of two million young people will show to the world beyond all doubt that the Church is alive. I cannot think of anything which could top that feeling of God's love around me and my fellow pilgrims, as it's learning from other people's experiences and sharing your own that allows you to stand firm in your faith. I am so happy that I will be one of the young people that said 'Yes' to the Pope's invitation to join him in Madrid."

Another pilgrim, Kevin Bohan, from Eastcote parish, said: "My faith had been such a big part of who I was as a teenager, but it took a backseat in my 20s and during my time at University. Then I was asked by my parish priest to help to set up a new Confirmation programme, and to lead some of the sessions. It's amazing the transformation I have felt helping the children and having the opportunity to once again really engage with what I believe - it was like a re-awakening."

Kevin added: "Preparing for the pilgrimage has already surpassed my expectation for my faith journey. I cannot wait for Madrid!"

The Westminster pilgrims left London on 11 August for Salamanca to take part in the Days in the Diocese - events run across Spain for pilgrims. They travel to Madrid today. Please keep them in your prayers.

To keep in touch with Westminster pilgrims see their blog at: www.rcdow.org.uk/wyd/blog/

For the official WYD site see: www.madrid11.com/en