World Youth Day 2011
Journey with us to Madrid, Spain August 13-23, 2011
World Youth Day (WYD) is the largest youth event in the world. Organized by the Catholic Church, it brings together young adults from around the globe and is a strong reminder of the strength and confidence that young people bring to the church.
It involves a weeklong spiritual journey where pilgrims from all over the world unite to share their faith. The week includes prayer, song, concerts, drama, sharing, liturgy, catechesis, and an unforgettable vigil and closing Mass with the Holy Father.
In 1984, Pope John Paul II invited young people from all over the world to participate in a pilgrimage at the very first World Youth Day. Since then it has been held in Argentina ('87), Spain ('89), Poland ('91), U.S. ('93), Philippines ('95), France ('97), Italy ('00), Canada ('02), Germany ('05) and Australia ('08).
WYD is an invitation from the pope to the youth of the world, ages 18-34, to celebrate their faith around a particular theme. Everyone is welcome to attend.
Diocesan Schedule for WYD 2011
V August 13, 2011
Depart Pittsburgh International Airport, Arrive in Madrid
V August 14
Day Trip to Toledo, experience history in this former capital of Spain.
Pray in St. Mary’s Cathedral, the Church of St. John of the Kings, and the Church of St. Tome.
V 
August 15
Free day in Madrid to explore and prepare for WYD, Mass in honor of the Assumption of Our Lady.
V August 16
Opening ceremonies begin this afternoon.
V August 17
Morning catechesis, WYD events.
V August 18
Morning catechesis, welcoming ceremonies with our Holy Father.
V August 19
Morning catechesis, WYD events.
V August 20
Morning pilgrimage, evening vigil with our Holy Father.
V August 21
Morning Mass with our Holy Father, pilgrimage back to accommodations.
V August 22
Day Trip to Avila, walk in the path of St. Teresa in this medieval town, celebrate Mass in the cathedral, visit the convents of St. Teresa and the incarnation, monastery of St. Thomas, and Basilica of St. Vincent.
V August 23
Depart Madrid for return to Pittsburgh International Airport
The diocesan package includes roundtrip airfare from Pittsburgh International Airport to Madrid, Spain, all airport taxes and fees, as well as a two day tour of surrounding cities, all WYD programs, double occupancy hotel lodging, and meals each day during the WYD programs (dinner is not included on two day tour of cities).
Total Cost of WYD 2011 Package: NOW $3,600
$300.00 deposit due January 2, 2010 to reserve your spot
You must be 18 years of age or older to travel to Madrid, Spain. Partial scholarships may be made available. Payments will be spread throughout the year. Contact the diocesan Youth and Young Adult Ministry Office for more information at 724-552-2548.
Download the full diocesan WYD ad. Be sure to share it with a friend.
Visit the official website for World Youth Day 2011.
Reflects Unity That Forms A Marian Crown
The logo for World Youth Day 2011 in Madrid was presented in July 2009. The image reflects youth of the world beneath the cross, united to form the crown of Our Lady, patron of Madrid.
The upcoming World Youth Day is scheduled for Aug. 16-21, 2011. 
The logo designer, José Gil-Nogués, explained that the image symbolizes "youth of the whole world united to celebrate their faith together with the Pope, at the foot of the cross, and they form the crown of Our Lady of Almudena, patron of Madrid."
The crown, Gil-Nogués added, forms the "M" of Mary and of Madrid. And the cross, symbol of Christianity, presides over the event.
The message of the logo, the designer continued, is "a catechesis, an opportunity for evangelization: The quick and sure path to reach Christ is the Virgin Mary, Mother of God and of mankind. In Mary's faith, youth have the example and model for reaching Christ and fulfilling the primary goal of World Youth Day: to bring their message to the world."
"The logo has a firm and spontaneous stroke," Gil-Nogués suggested, "like youth of the 21st century. It is close, friendly, open. Joyful, carefree and positive."
"The use of a palette of warm colors -- red, orange and yellow -- transmits unmistakable warmth and friendliness, symbols of the identity of a city like Madrid, a nation like Spain. These colors also reflect the 'divine warmth' of Trinitarian Love."
The logo was selected after a competition among professional graphic designers.
~ From Zenit.org