MATUNGA, SEPTEMBER 5, 2011: The handy kit given to registered World Youth Day pilgrims served as a guide to the numerous catechetical, liturgical, vocational, and cultural programs being offered across Madrid from August 15 to 21, 2011.
The Pilgrim’s Booklet included the life of saints; liturgy of the hours, Eucharist, and Reconciliation; and Way of the Cross for the entire week. The YOUCAT with its four sections on the Catholic faith, mysteries, life and moral teachings, and style of prayer is a succinct summary of the main elements of the Catechism of the Catholic Church in a style that is appealing and intelligible to youth. The Cultural and Liturgical booklet featured a comprehensive list of two hundred and sixty two venues for Catechetical Instruction according to linguistic preferences; and a date-wise table of liturgical and cultural programmes taking place across the city. A rosary and Bible facilitated personal prayer and reflection.
Each kit also included a comprehensive Guide to the WYD, the diocese, and programmes for each day. Travel was made easy with each pilgrim being provided a map of Madrid and the Metro lines, together with a swipe card that permitted unlimited travel by any metro or bus for the duration of the entire week. A food coupon booklet allowed participants to dine in about thousand JMJ certified restaurants across about the city. The pilgrim’s T shirt, cap, and identity card helped identify certified pilgrims at any point of time.
Thanks to the WYD-Madrid organizers, the entire experience has initiated a process of reflection and organization to guide youth ministry until WYD-Brazil in 2014.