August 1, 2011. (Romereports.com) This will be the stage where the pope will host more than one million young people during World Youth Day 2011 in Madrid. Very simple white stages are the dominant characteristic of the stages in Plaza de Cibeles and Cuatro Vientos. Ignacio Vicens is the Spanish architect responsible for the design. In the Plaza de Cibeles his work makes use of the city hall, which is visible in the background.
The stage at the Cuatro Vientos aerodrome is also unique. Here, the Saturday night vigil will take place on August 20 as well as the Sunday Mass. It has an area of 650 feet that simulates a mountain with a metallic tree next to where the pope will be sitting. The face of which show projections and a light show.
Ignacio Vicens
WYD Stage Architect
"We wanted to make it, especially for Cuatro Vientos, a screen where we could project all sorts of things, as well as a light show, given that it is something going to be used mostly at night."
The other places of honor will hold the youth and the Choir and Orchestra of the World Youth Day.
It will be built with materials that are easy to set up and break down, as well as very cost effective. Some areas are designed to highlight the presence of the pope among the more than one million young people expected in Madrid.
Vatican City, Jul 29, 2011 / 10:21 am (CNA/EWTN News).- The Vatican announced today that Pope Benedict will be praying in August for the success of World Youth Day and for a revitalization of Western Christians' faith.
The Pope's general intention for the month is "that World Youth Day in Madrid may encourage young people throughout the world to have their lives rooted and built up in Christ."
His mission intention is "that Western Christians may be open to the action of the Holy Spirit and rediscover the freshness and enthusiasm of their faith."
Warsaw, Ind., Jul 31, 2011 / 01:04 pm (CNA).- The excitement was palpable as pilgrims gathered from across the diocese for a special Mass and World Youth Day informational meeting at Sacred Heart Parish in Warsaw, Indiana on July 22.
One-hundred-and-twenty youth and adults will be led by Bishop Kevin C. Rhoades of South Bend on a 12-day spiritual pilgrimage through Europe that will culminate in Madrid, Spain, for the five-day World Youth Day event Aug. 16-21 — the 12th event held since 1986.
Mass was celebrated by Bishop Rhoades who was joined at the altar by newly ordained Fathers Terrance and Matt Coonan, Father Drew Curry, Father Paul Bueter and Franciscan Father David Engo, all of whom are scheduled to travel to Spain.
The congregation that gathered had truly begun their pilgrimage of prayer. Warsaw had been hit by severe storms earlier in the day that rendered Sacred Heart Church without power.
Without benefit of air conditioning, lights or audio system, the Mass brought the group back to basics. Fortunately the oppressive heat did not dampen the prayerfulness or joy of these faithful travelers who chuckled as Bishop Rhoades admitted, "This is a good way to start a pilgrimage — with a little hardship."
Miraculously, the power came on part way through the bishop's homily, much to everyone's delight.
During his homily, Bishop Rhoades spoke of the theme of World Youth Day chosen by Pope Benedict XVI from Col. 2:7, "Rooted and built up in Jesus Christ, firm in the faith,"
"Think about those words — We're here because we're rooted in Jesus Christ," Bishop Rhoades said.
"We all need to be built up in Jesus Christ. All seek to follow, but all can grow in faith and be firm. That's why we're going," Bishop Rhoades said, adding that he hoped that the pilgrims would all be changed when they returned from their spiritual journey.
"You're going to experience the Church like you never have," he said.
Bishop Rhoades informed the rapt pilgrims of the historic locations they would be visiting on this trip abroad and spoke briefly of the many saints that enrich the ancient history of Europe, including St. Bernadette of Lourdes, France, St. Ignatius of Loyola, John of the Cross and St. Therese of Avilla.
Turning to the Gospel, Bishop Rhoades identified Mary Magdelene as one of closest disciples to Jesus, who chose her to be the first to see Him in His glorified body after His resurrection. "Then, she went to tell the Apostles. ... Isn't that our vocation? To have a close relationship with Jesus and bring His message of love to others?" the bishop challenged.
He reminded the congregation that it takes courage to share their faith witness.
"I can't think of better evangelists than young people like you," he said.
The bishop offered a special blessing on a collection of pilgrim shells, a tradition of pilgrimage, that will be distributed to the travelers at the beginning of their journey. He prayed, "Bring all to greater holiness," as he sprinkled the shells with holy water.
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WYD Madrid 2011 Rain interrupts pope's speech during Cuatro Vientos prayer vigilby scabious26,184 views
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