Just 6 Months Away From the Event of the Year This August 15, thousands of pilgrims will flock to Madrid
Madrid, February 15, 2011 - The WYD countdown continues! This week, we will reach a very important milestone: the six-month mark in the countdown to World Youth Day in Madrid. Over 260,000 people have registered so far, from more than 100 countries worldwide. On August 15, thousands of people will flock to Madrid to begin an unforgettable week. Accommodations are already being prepared to host them during the third week of August in Madrid.
This week, there will be a special tour via Internet with reports on the events the Pope will preside during WYD with smaller groups (with volunteers, seminarians, young college professors...). Auditions for the World Youth Day Choir and Orchestra are also coming to a close. You’ll be able to find out more on the website this week.
There’s a home for you here
Madrid’s families are making room in their homes to host WYD pilgrims. Nearly 1,200 families have already offered to host World Youth Day participants. The capacity of these houses is over 3,800 places, around 3 people with each family that has volunteered. Families who have not yet offered to host someone, and would like to, can do so over the course of the coming months.
Marisa has offered to host 4 pilgrims in her home in Madrid’s Chamartin District: "It's the least I can do for people who are coming from so far away to be with us." Madrid’s parishes have been at the heart of an activity that has been months in the working and that has extended the invitation to Madrid citizens to offer their homes to host young people from around the world, who will come for a life-changing experience.
There are also nearly 1,800 venues (public and private schools, gymnasiums, churches...) that have offered to host young people overnight, allowing them to catch up on rest during what will prove to be an intense week. Nearly 80% of the 709 parishes in the region of Madrid have opened their doors to WYD.