Blogg
Large
Photos Coventry
Evening Telegraph 11 August 2011 http://www.madrid11.com/en
Pdf version to print pdf
Free morning. Depart Madrid. Home!
The end!! A manic morning was had by all as we tried to pack and work out why cases wouldn't close despite their not being anymore in them (or so people said!). Once we had accomplished this people were able to go for lunch and get some last minute bits and bobs before heading to the airport! Nobody can quite believe that two weeks have come and gone!
A very tired coach load of people were greeted by family at Christ The King at 10pm!
On a personal note I cannot tell you all just how amazing this experience has been for all those involved. To all those reading this that helped us to fundraise in anyway, a million thanks. You have helped to provide the young people of your parish and school with a life changing experience. To our priests, Fr. Tom and Fr. Des, and the leaders, Geraldine, Laura, Naomi, Amy, Liam and Kate, the word thanks does not do justice to the hard work, dedication and care you have given to our pilgrims over the last two weeks. Finally to the Pilgrims, what can I say? You gave yourselves fully to the pilgrimage, your enthusiasm and excitement was a joy to see. You have made new friendships and deepened those friendships that already existed, but most of all, you did what the Pope asked of you and that was to stay firm in faith that is rooted in Christ. Take time to reflect on the message given to us on the night of the vigil despite the wind, rain, thunder and lightening and don't keep Christ to yourself, share your journey with others and invite them too, to be rooted in faith!
Carmel Keane
Free Day in Madrid. Celebration evening meal Hard Rock Cafe
The group enjoyed a free day today. Everyone had a good lie in after such a long and busy weekend and then we could found doing shopping, going to the water park, visiting the football stadium generally relaxing. At 7.10pm we met in the lounge of the Hostal so that we could get the coach to the Hard Rock Cafe together. The meal was fantastic and very welcome to some hungry pilgrims who devoured ribs, burgers and chicken! Most poeple couldn't finish the desert (no problem for Owain though who managed to eat his and three others!) After we had finished dinner, the young people made some lovely speeches and thanked the leaders for all they had done and James, Daniel and Kevin performed a song that they had written about our experience in Madrid. Once back in the centre everyone enjoyed going out for an hour and a lovely evening was had by all.
9:00 am The Pope arrives in Cuatro Vientos 9:30 am MID Final Mass. 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 place where the next edition of World Youth Day will be held.
5:30 pm Encounter with Volunteers. Pope Benedict XV1 will have a brief meeting with the World Youth Day volunteers at the IFEMA Fairgrounds.
6:30 pm Papal Farewell. There will be a brief Farewell Ceremony at the Barajas Airport
The pilgrims were in good spirits
this morning as people awoke to laughter and singing.
The Holy Father arrived back on site at 9.30 this
morning in preparation of mass. Mass was lovely although
the language barrier made it difficult for some to
follow! Fr Tom and Fr. Des managed to get down to the
front to concelebrate mass which made us all very proud!
Sadly Andrew wasn't feeling any better this morning and
had to make his way back to the hostel early with
Geraldine. The Crowd were excited and cheered when the
Holy Father announced the next WYD in Rio in 2013!! We
then had a difficult walk and train or bus journey back
to the hostel in 42 degree heat, although it has to be
said we made it back in record time! We all headed
straight for showers and sleep and met again at 8 in the
lounge of the hostel where we ordered pizza and shared
our memories of WYD! God is certainly good! Our last day
tomorrow and we intend to really make the most of it!
10:00 am Mass for seminarians in the Cathedral of "La Almudena"
4:00 pm Preparatory ceremony in Cuatro Vientos. Young people will arrive little by little at the aerodrorne and take their places. Meanwhile, different activities Young people will arrive little by little different will take place on the stage (testimonies of young people, musical interpretations, prayers to the Virgin, etc.) to prepare for the Vigil.
7:40 pm Pope visits the "Fundaci6n Institute San Jose". A center for the sick run by the Hospitaller Order of St John of God
8:30 pm Vigil with the Pope. The Pope will arrive at the Cuatro Vientos aerodrorne, and Eucharistic adoration will begin An address is planned by the Holy Father.
11:00 pm Night in Cuatro Vientos. WYD participants will spend the night in the Cuatro Vientos aerodrome. For those who so wish, there will be several tents where they will be able to adore the Most Blessed Sacrament.
The big one, the day we have all been
waiting for! The all night vigil with over a million
young people all waiting in anticipation for the words
of Pope Benedict XVI. and we were not disappointed. Even
the thunder storm couldn't put the pilgrims off despite
Carmel and Fr Tom wondering whether we should lead the
group back to the hostel! We took cover under plastic
sheets and sang our songs to keep everyone going. When
the rain eased a few of the group showed they could be
resourceful and managed to find things we could use as
shelter. We were so proud of the young people and their
determination to not give up despite the pilgrimage
becoming very difficult! His Holiness didn't't
disappoint with his words if encouragement of faith to
young people: 'How can a young person be true to the
faith and yet continue to aspire to high ideals in
today’s society? In the Gospel we have just heard, Jesus
gives us an answer to this urgent question: “As the
Father has loved me, so I have loved you; abide in my
love” (Jn 15:9). ' 'If you abide in the love of Christ,
rooted in the faith, you will encounter, even amid
setbacks and suffering, the source of true happiness and
joy. Faith does not run counter to your highest ideals;
on the contrary, it elevates and perfects those ideals.
Dear young people, do not be satisfied with anything
less than Truth and Love, do not be content with
anything less than Christ.' 'Dear friends, may no
adversity paralyze you. Be afraid neither of the world,
nor of the future, nor of your weakness. The Lord has
allowed you to live in this moment of history so that,
by your faith, his name will continue to resound
throughout the world. During this prayer vigil, I urge
you to ask God to help you find your vocation in society
and in the Church, and to persevere in that vocation
with joy and fidelity. It is a good thing to open our
hearts to Christ’s call and to follow with courage and
generosity the path he maps out for us. ' After his talk
we tried to get some sleep although some were more
successful than others in this feat! We were glad that
Geraldine and Andrew and Amy managed to get in after a
difficult late start!
On the
Way to the Vigil:
At the
Vigil:
10.00 am Catechesis sessions.
11:30 am Papal Meeting at the Monastery of El Escorial. Meeting with young religious sisters in "Patio de los Reyes
12:00 am Papal Meeting at the Monastery of EI Escorial. Meeting with 1,000 young college professors in the Basilica.
7:30 pm Via crucis. Statues from traditional Spanish Holy Week celebrations will be used to illustrate each station of the cross. The statues come from all over Spain.
This morning was our last catechesis
session and we went to the same venue as we did before.
The band that was on this morning Was the best so far
and most of our young people could be seen dancing away
at the front of the auditorium and Alice managed to lead
a couple of hundred pilgrims round in the conga!
catechesis was led By Archbishop Kevin Dolan from New
York and he gave an inspiring talk about being rooted in
faith with Christ Jesus despite the pressures of the
modern world. Mass followed with all the Priests and
Bishops present and the group were delighted when
Archbishop Bernard spotted us and gave us a wave! After
Catechesis the group had some free time before meeting
to go and witness the stations of the cross. Some of the
group went to the main square where the Pope was to
watch the stations and some of the group took shelter
from the heat and went to the convention centre where
they were shown on the big screen with an English
translation. Both groups had a prayerful experience and
enjoyed seeing the stations of cross that had come from
all over Spain and the different groups of young people
that were asked to carry the WYD cross from station to
station showing the diverse cross section that are
gathered here in Madrid to celebrate their faith with
the Holy Father.
Stations of the Cross:
Stations of the Cross:
Thursday
18 August
12:00 pm The Pope arrives at the Barajas Airport.
Welcome Ceremony at the State Hall
12:40 pm The Pope enters the city of Madrid. Drive
through the streets of the city in Popemobile to reach
the Nunciature.
7:30 pm Papal Welcome Ceremony with youth at Cibeles. In
Plaza de la Independencia, Benedict XVI will pass
through the Puerta de Alcala with youth from all the
continents. After this event, he will ride in Popemobile
to Plaza de Cibeles.
Peace was resumed this morning thankfully as
most of the group made an early start to the Cathechesis
session. 8 of the group however had to stay behind as
they had an anxious wait for their A Level results with
Carmel. BIG HUGE congratulations to Daniel, Kevin,
James, Robyn, Helen and Rosie who all got fab results
and places where they wanted for next year.
Congratulations also to Roisin, Matthew, Richard and
Libby who got their AS Results. Phew an anxious morning!
The rest of the group had a great morning and we all met
back up this afternoon to go to the welcome ceremony for
the Pope. It was exciting seeing so many people waiting
to welcome the Holy Father and he didn't disappoint as
he spoke to pilgrims in many languages telling us to
'stay rooted in our faith for now and for always, may
God bless you all'. Sadly the protesters are back but
our location is fantastic and they are down in the main
square so we are all safe and well and some of the
leaders have taken the A Levelers for a celebratory
drink!
Getting Ready
10:00 am Catechesis sessions. WYD participants, organized by language groups, will have catechesis session with bishops from all over the world. The sessions will take place in churches, schools, auditoriums and sports centers of Madrid.
This morning we made our way to our
first catechesis session, it was with the Arch Bishop of
Sydney which was lovely for those that attended the last
WYD. A Christian band of monks entertained us as well as
the Sisters of Life who shared their stories and mission
with us. Arch Bishop Bernard Longley sat with us after
he was spotted in the crowd of ten thousand and Thomas
and Owain ran after him. We celebrated mass at the end
and everyone made their way for lunch before having a
few hours in the afternoon to ourselves. In the evening
we joined the Arch Bishop and the rest of the Birmingham
group in O'Niels Irish Bar for a catch up. It was good
to mingle and share stories and the Arch was more than
happy to pose for some snaps. Sadly some protesters have
arrived in Madrid and there were some unpleasant scenes
to be watched in the main square which was eventually
blocked off to the Pilgrims as the police swiftly moved
in to sort the rioters out. This however didn't deter
Fr. Tom from getting food as he proceeded to lead
Carmel, Geraldine and Thomas to the square where the
police happily let us through to the deserted square to
get some KFC! Fr Tom clearly thought he was invincible!
Tuesday
16th August
8:00 am Arrival at Madrid. From the early morning, the
pilgrims and groups registered in WYD will be able to
collect their accreditation and backpacks in the piaces
indicated by the organization.
8:00 pm WYD Opening Mass. 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.
so far .......... WOW what
a day! the atmosphere in Madrid is out of this world
as the streets are filled with people from all
nations! People are singing in all of the different
languages and chanting their mantras for the Pope!
Some of the group have gone swimming and others have
been swept up in the vibe of the WYD and have bought
flags and face paint to sing our songs and chant our
mantras with the best of them!! We are really excited
now and so happy to be here! We are all meeting at six
to walk to the opening mass which is this evening and
will be celebrated by the Arch Bishop of Madrid. Fr.
Tom and Fr. Des will con celebrate so we are looking
forward to seeing them on the big screen! In other
news... Carmel injuries have began. Carmel fell down a
hole, but don't worry we got her out! We will keep you
updated on Carmel Accident Watch, currently we have
sent the young people out with concrete to fill any
holes! Carmel is refusing medical attention however
Geraldine is now qualified in amputation so no fear!
Whilst she is refusing medical attention of any kind
she is still insisting that her twisted ankle is a
major injury... lets pray it is not! We will keep you
all (and Carmel's ankle and knee) in our prayers at
the opening mass.
The opening mass cont........
So I (Carmel) came downstairs to see the group had been 'creative' with their T-Shirts, their faces, legs and anything else they could decorate in order to show the youth of the world and the Pope that we are in town! Fr. Tom and Fr. Des had already gone as they had priority seating if you don't mind (I did!) so the rest of the group together with Laura's guitar we made our way through the busy streets of Madrid to the Opening Mass. The Mass was a good experience although we were a little disappointed that they had under estimated the number of people here and thousands were unable to go to Communion but never the less it was fantastic to properly be able to see the thousands of young people that are here united by one thing!
The opening mass cont........
So I (Carmel) came downstairs to see the group had been 'creative' with their T-Shirts, their faces, legs and anything else they could decorate in order to show the youth of the world and the Pope that we are in town! Fr. Tom and Fr. Des had already gone as they had priority seating if you don't mind (I did!) so the rest of the group together with Laura's guitar we made our way through the busy streets of Madrid to the Opening Mass. The Mass was a good experience although we were a little disappointed that they had under estimated the number of people here and thousands were unable to go to Communion but never the less it was fantastic to properly be able to see the thousands of young people that are here united by one thing!
Photos from O'Neils:
This morning
everyone was treated to a lie in as we met at 10am to go
down to the local church where Fr. Tom had managed to
cobble together enough Spanish to arrange for us to have
mass in English. It was a lovely church where we were
able to use the side chapel to celebrate the Assumption
of Our Lady. After mass, we had a free day to relax
before the chaos of World Youth Day events kick in
tomorrow! Some went off to the park while others pursued
the local shops! We have had our packs delivered for WYD
and are excited with all the goodies inside! Some of the
events look really good fun and really exciting! This
evening some of us went off to experience some real
Spanish culture by going to a bull fight! 20 of the
group bought tickets for this and whilst they enjoyed
the experience, some left after the first fight and I
don't think any of them will be rushing back to see it
again! The rest of us enjoyed our last meal in the
restaurant that has been looking after us although
Carmel was not too pleased at sitting between Fr. Tom
and Fr. Des who both had trout that came still with eyes
and teeth! Kevin must be running out of money as we keep
finding him busking in the street with his tin whistle
and WYD hat, he managed to make 20cents courtesy of
James and Daniel! The other Birmingham group have
arrived and excitement is really mounting for the
arrival of the Pope. Madrid is getting busier by the
hour and we are looking forward to the Opening Mass
tomorrow! We will keep you all in our prayers!
Sunday 14th
August. Waterpark.
This morning we were
treated to a lie in (well some of us did while others
were found leaving the hostel at 8 am for the local
flea market!)as the coach didn't leave for the water
park until 11.30! This came as a blessing in disguise
for those that had enjoyed the delights of Madrid
nightlife! The water park was amazing fun for all as
we were able to do some sunbathing, swimming and
experience the thrills of some of the water slides
like the black hole, the kamikaze the zip wire and
splash which daniel was too scared to go on but it
proved no problem for Fr. Tom!!!! We managed to get
some great underwater shots as we posed for the
camera!
Laura also gave us a special treat when she dressed up as Father Des, however mitchell has managed to give himself a black eye whilst trying to be an acrobat! Excitement is mounting for the Holy Father's arrival as we can see lots of stages and big screens going up all over the place! We can't wait!!!!!!!!!!
Laura also gave us a special treat when she dressed up as Father Des, however mitchell has managed to give himself a black eye whilst trying to be an acrobat! Excitement is mounting for the Holy Father's arrival as we can see lots of stages and big screens going up all over the place! We can't wait!!!!!!!!!!
Fr Des made his entrance this morning, wearing a t-shirt with the words 'somedays it's hard to be a hero'!! Today is our last day with our tour guide Louis :( we made our 55 mile journey to Escarial, to an Augustinian monastary which was built by King Phillip II of Spain. We were joined by a second tour guide Karry who showed us around the beautiful palace and took us to what turned out to be the most interesting room, the crypt, where Kings and Queens had been laid to rest.
Catherine and Grace had to leave the room because they were so freaked out and Owen described it as the best part of the trip so far! After looking at a further 300 tombstones. We had a lovely lunch together which we were treated to by Tony Gray (THANK YOU!)
And then made our way to the 'Valley of the fallen, home to the world's biggest cross- built by Franco just after the civil war. (check out the pictures!!) The cross is a war memorial built with granite removed from under the mountain to allow a burial place for the fallen. Around 1 million people died on the land, and the two sides were buried together. Louis found us a very peaceful spot for Mass in the forrest and Fr Tom preached about how we are all children of God and how we chould always strive to remember that.
On return to Madrid, a trip to the park and siesta time was enjoyed by all. We have just had a fantastic dinner and are ready for some free time.
Madris is become more and more busy each day- some of the girls just joined a group from the Ivory coast for a sing song and Anna and Thomas were just asked to be
a part of a Spanish music video by an MTV film crew for a song called 'steal a kiss' by a band named John ideas.
We are all looking forward very much to a day at the water park tomorrow, before another busy week! Carmel still has no voice and everyone is happy!
We love and miss you all!!
Saturday 13th august cont........
We had a lovely evening last night as we all gathered together in an outside bar near the hostel and laura and Alice entertained not just us but the locals who were left shouting for more as they heard the girls sing! Kate and liam managed to entertain everyone again with their dancing to the local Spanish musicians and some of the leaders partied late into the night!
It seemed like a very
early start this morning for some of the group who
enjoyed the night life of Madrid a bit too much last
night.
Today we went to Toledo, where we visited a synagogue- the Santa Maria and a stunning Cathedral. When we got off the coach, we spent about 10 minutes climbing
escaltors- which we were vwery grateful for when we seen just how high the city was!! Toledo was the capital of Spain in medival times and holds a lot of history.
The Cathedral is home to El Greco's most famous painting- the image of Christ just before He is striped of His garments.
The cathedral is an absolute splendour, it took over 200 years to build and is full of many treasures- thousands of different sculptures and fine pieces of art.
We went to a famous synagogue, built in muslim style but used by Queen Isabella- who spent years making people convert to Catholicism.
We were very privilaged today to celebrate Mass together with Fr. Tom and Fr. Des in a side chapel in the cathedral- surronded by some of the amazing paintings of well known saints.
After a beuatiful lunch in a local hotel, we had some time to look around the shops before making our way back to the coach (again very grateful for the escalators!!)
When dinner was over, we enjoyed some free time in the cooling rain in Madrid- an early night for everyone!!
Carmel has now lost her voice!!
Today we went to Toledo, where we visited a synagogue- the Santa Maria and a stunning Cathedral. When we got off the coach, we spent about 10 minutes climbing
escaltors- which we were vwery grateful for when we seen just how high the city was!! Toledo was the capital of Spain in medival times and holds a lot of history.
The Cathedral is home to El Greco's most famous painting- the image of Christ just before He is striped of His garments.
The cathedral is an absolute splendour, it took over 200 years to build and is full of many treasures- thousands of different sculptures and fine pieces of art.
We went to a famous synagogue, built in muslim style but used by Queen Isabella- who spent years making people convert to Catholicism.
We were very privilaged today to celebrate Mass together with Fr. Tom and Fr. Des in a side chapel in the cathedral- surronded by some of the amazing paintings of well known saints.
After a beuatiful lunch in a local hotel, we had some time to look around the shops before making our way back to the coach (again very grateful for the escalators!!)
When dinner was over, we enjoyed some free time in the cooling rain in Madrid- an early night for everyone!!
Carmel has now lost her voice!!
Again, an early start but today we went for a tour of Madrid- what a beautiful city! We visited one of the world's most famous art galleries, the Prado museum, home to paintings by famous artist's such as Goyas, Rembrant and El Grecos. There was a mixed reception from the group, but mostly positive! With great excitement afterwards when we visited the second largest bull fighting arena in the world, and the very famous Real Madrid football stadium.
After an expensive trip to McDonalds for lunch, some of the group took a trip to the beun de retiro, a huge park in the centre of Madrid. It was about 40 degrees and some of the group went boating on the lake, before jumping in to cool off. Kate has been embracing the Spanish wildlife so much that a pigeon used her as a toliet lol! Fr Tom and Fr Des took their priestly duties seriously this afternoon with a visit to the cathedral. And some of us went for a look around the shops!
Dinner tonight was interesting-we thought it was strange to be given fruity milk for a starter but we went along with it anyway!! The ribs were lovely though followed by fresh fruit!
Laura made a new friend tonight, a little boy named Alfredo who insisted she opened the guitar case so he could play!! he was three years old and could speak Spanish and English!
10.15pm
This evening we made our way to the cathedral for night prayer, Carmel was shocked as we were evicted half way through, but we did find somewhere else to sit and it was lovely, we sang a couple of hymns, and made some new friends who kind of joined in! We heard the story of the road to Emmaus, and Carmel encouraged us to pray for each other throughout our pilgrimage journey. It was a lovely setting as we sat watching the sun set and Fr Tom blessed us all at the end of an amazing day.
We have been very blessed with a fantastic group, and we feel very privileged to be together in this beautiful city!
We wondering what time the boys will get in tonight and hoping they'll be up in time for our trip to Toledo tomorrow!
Carmel has banged her knee but no visits to the Doctors yet!!
Early start today for a trip to Avila and Segovia, Louis our tour guide greeted us outside out hostel at 8.45am. After a sing along on the coach, we arrived in the stunning setting of the basilica of St Theresa and the home where she grew up. We visited the cathedral which was full of beautiful sculptures and paintings and found out about the story of St Theresa.
Back on the coach for an afternoon in Segovia- a gorgeous place which is home to a very old Roman aquaduct, after a few pictures we went off to have some lunch (not being able to speak Spanish is starting to make life difficult!!) we then took a stroll to Alcazar- the castle which Walt Disney based his theme park Disney palaces on!! The weather was beautiful- infact very hot and we did wonder how many more times Laura was going to ask if we had suncream on!
After another journey on the coach, we arrived back at the hostel in time to get ready for dinner (pork and potatoes with a strange minty sorbet for dessert!)
Believe it or not, the over 18's were tucked up in bed an hour before their curfew.
Carmel still has no injuries!
On the coach!!! after a lovely Mass at Christ the King, we all said our 'see you soon's (only a few parents cried!!) Alice is studying her Spanish dictionary, James is crying already- don't worry Mrs Reidy we'll look after him!! And Fr Tom is busy stealing iPods so he can listen to his favourite Jessie J song 'Ching Ching ching'.
We're on a really posh coach, like the one on coach trip and some of the youth are busy playing cards across the table!!!
Everyone is very excited, we'll keep you updated- let's hope that we all make it through airport security!!! Thank you for your love and prayers!!
6.30pm
We have arrived safely at our hostel, and after climbing a lot of stairs, we made it to our rooms which are small but very clean with a complementary chocolate! We made it to dinner but were quite late- we have been very lucky to be greeted by Olga Cordero (a Spanish teacher from Cardinal Newman!) who has been amazing! After dinner we just had enough time to explore a little bit before bed.
