Thursday, 18 August 2011
9:30 - Departure by plane from Ciampino Airport for Madrid
12:00 - Arrival at Madrid-Barajas International Airport
Welcoming ceremony at Madrid-Barajas International Airport
19:15 - Walking with young people through the Puerta de Alcalá to Plaza de Independencia
19:30 - Welcoming celebration by the young people at Plaza de Cibeles
Friday, 19 August 2011
7:30 - Private Mass at the Chapel of the Apostolic Nunciature of Madrid
10:00 - Courtesy Visit to Their Majesties the King and Queen of Spain at Palacio de la Zarzuela
11:30 - Meeting with the women religious at Patio de los Reyes de El Escorial
12:00 - Meeting with young university professors gathered in the Basilica de San Lorenzo de El Escorial
13:45 - Luncheon with the young people at the Hall of Ambassadors in the Apostolic Nunciature of Madrid
17:30 - Official meeting with the Prime Minister of Spain in the Apostolic Nunciature of Madrid
19:30 - Way of the Cross with young people at Plaza de Cibeles
Saturday, 20 August 2011
9:00 - Sacrament of penance to some young people taking part in the 26th WYD at the Jardines del Buen Retiro
10:00 - Holy Mass with seminarians at the Cathedral of Santa María la Real de la Almudena
12:45 - Luncheon with Spanish Cardinals, Bishops of the Madrid Province, the Auxiliary Bishops of Madrid and Papal Entourage at the Residence of Cardinal Archbishop of Madrid
17:00 - Meeting with the Organizing Committee of the 26th WYD at the Apostolic Nunciature of Madrid
19:40 - Visit to Fundación Instituto S. José for disabled youth
20:30 - Prayer vigil with young people at Cuatro Vientos Airport of Madrid
Sunday, 21 August 2011
9:30 - Holy Mass on the occasion of the 26th World Youth Day at Cuatro Vientos Airport of Madrid
12:45 - Luncheon with the Spanish Cardinals and the Papal Entourage at the Apostolic Nunciature of Madrid
17:00 - Departure from the Apostolic Nunciature of Madrid
17:30 - Meeting with volunteers of the 26th World Youth Day at Pavilion 9 of the new Trade Fair-IFEMA
18:30 - Farewell ceremony at Madrid-Barajas International Airport
19:00 - Departure by plane from Madrid-Barajas International Airport for Rome
21:30 - Arrival at Rome/Ciampino Airport
Pope Benedict's homilies and talks on occasions like these are always excellent and well worth following as the days unfold. You can follow them all here:
http://www.madrid11.com/en
As a taster, click here to read the Pope's message in preparation for WYD.
World Youth Day benefits not just those in attendance, but the whole world. It is part of the New Evangelisation, helping a new generation of young people to love our Lord and their Catholic faith. As Pope Benedict says in his message,
'Dear young people, the Church depends on you! She needs your lively faith, your creative charity and the energy of your hope. Your presence renews, rejuvenates and gives new energy to the Church. That is why World Youth Days are a grace, not only for you, but for the entire People of God.'
