All parishes have received information about this event. If you will be aged between 18-30 on 1st July 2013, can commit to regular preparatory meetings, and are actively involved in the life of your parish, you are eligible for this once in a lifetime trip. To register your interest, you MUST apply through your Parish Priest and have his consent.
This stage of registration closes on 22nd February 2012 - get in quick!
For more information about World Youth Day, read on for reports from pilgrims who travelled to Madrid (2011) and Sydney (2008) or visit the official website of WYD 2013 at http://www.rio2013.com/en.
Contact the Youth Pastoral Team if you have any questions.
Further details will be posted on this page when we have them.
Image: Getty / BBC
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World Youth Day 2011
Madrid, Spain
9th -23rd August 2011
25 pilgrims represented the Archdiocese of Glasgow at World Youth Day in Madrid from 9th-23rd August 2011. Having spent the 'days in the diocese' at Burgos, they travelled South to Madrid to share with a million and a half other young people in a truly splendid experience.
Many thanks to GJ Canave and Nicola Mulheron who have prepared some photo and video footage which you can view below: an ample account of what we experienced in Spain this summer. Enjoy!
Many thanks to GJ Canave and Nicola Mulheron who have prepared some photo and video footage which you can view below: an ample account of what we experienced in Spain this summer. Enjoy!
Nicky Collum is a parishioner of Holy Cross, Crosshill and a WYD pilgrim:
Sitting atop a list of things to bring to world youth day was the personal quality of “An open mind and heart – prepare to be dazzled, impressed and challenged to see God in yourself and other people.” A small piece of preparatory advice issued by our leaders which rested somewhere in my mind between sun cream, Scotland flag and rosary beads. I was in no doubt of the spiritual challenge of this pilgrimage as these and the words of a group leader rang in my ears. “A pilgrim is someone who travels FROM GOD and WITH GOD in order to become closer TO GOD.” As we boarded the bus from Glasgow and left behind our respective parishes and communities where God was most present to us it soon became apparent that our common goal as pilgrims would bond us and help us to experience the real sense of joy and enthusiasm for our faith, that the highs and the lows of our pilgrimage would bring.
The first leg of our pilgrimage took us to Burgos, a city north of Madrid, where we stayed for a week before travelling to Madrid and it was here that those initial words of preparation started to make sense. Despite the linguistic talents of a few, we neared Burgos as a group of non Spanish speaking, weary Scots who were more interested in finding a bed than sampling Spanish culture. However, as we arrived to banners and smiling faces we forgot the long journey and small issue of a language barrier and were soon feasting on the Spanish delicacies our new friends had prepared for us. Rejuvenated by the welcome and astounded by the hospitality of our friends from the parish of San Juan Evangelista we quickly settled into life and enjoyed feeling a part of the community. Quickly we became familiar with all the other nationalities of pilgrims who had flooded the city and began to enjoy the fiesta feel, fuelled by faith, which had gripped Burgos. Flags waved, people sang, groups danced and silence was observed as we prayed together as a truly international community of faith. During my time in Burgos I was certainly ‘dazzled’ and I couldn’t wait to experience this kind of celebration of our faith on an even greater level in Madrid.
When we arrived in Madrid for the second stage of our pilgrimage the physical challenges were more obvious. Home comforts were definitely a distant memory and the reality of basic accommodation, where hot showers and air conditioning were considered an unnecessary luxury, was at first a shock to the system. We quickly reminded ourselves that we were on a pilgrimage, not a holiday! From that point we started to embrace our simple surroundings and began to appreciate how little we actually needed. We leaned on each other, shared experiences, worries, laughs, and even the odd tear as together we grew stronger as the challenges increased.
Crowds and a Spanish heat wave couldn’t dampen our spirits as the fiesta got into full swing. Swarms of people and flags bearing the colours of countries far and wide, some of which I had never heard of, made a bee line for Plaza de Cibeles for the opening mass of WYD. I have never experienced Mass on such a grand scale, even at the recent events in Glasgow and London, and was stunned and impressed as a deep silence hung over the crowd as the Blessed Sacrament was exposed. The Welcome of The Holy Father and The Stations of the Cross events brought with them similar challenges and highs. However, the lasting memory of all of these events was the devotion to and enthusiasm of the faith of the young people gathered. As I watched people scale trees, climb fences, tower bins and hang from buildings to share in celebrations of Catholic faith I could not help but be inspired and affirmed in my faith.
As I gathered with one and a half million other pilgrims in Cuatro Vientos airfield for the Vigil with The Holy Father and the closing mass of WYD 2011, my own personal limits were tested to the maximum by a variety of wildlife, the searing heat and a violent thunderstorm. I still can’t believe I stayed, although I do know how and why! As the storm took hold and a break in proceedings ensued we sat silently, far from our parishes and wrapped in our survival bags awaiting a sign that the Vigil would continue. Suddenly songs of joy and dancing broke out. The devotion, determination and passion of the assembled crowd was illuminated by this resilience in the face of adversity. This has to be one of the most powerful experiences of my life and made real the earlier description of a pilgrim, “FROM GOD...WITH GOD...TO GOD!”
As a young person, living in what is becoming a more secular society, I had a limited view of faith and found it difficult to see how I could play a part in making the Catholic faith a bigger part of the lives of young people in my community. At catechesis we were afforded the opportunity to listen to Bishops speak on current issues and ask questions which relate to our experiences as young Catholics in a modern world. With no expectations upon arrival, I was surprised to find that my concern is one which is shared by many young Catholics worldwide and in fact provided a basis for many of the questions asked by the young people. The best response, given by a St Lucian Archbishop, was an analogy referring to our basic living accommodations as he asked us to think about our new friend the moskito. Although small in size its effect on us could be large. In other words although we feel small our capacity for good is large and the effect that can have on others is limitless. With the experiences we have shared we can return ready to flourish and share our faith with others because we ARE one seed but we are one seed which is planted and built up in Jesus Christ, firm in the faith.
The first leg of our pilgrimage took us to Burgos, a city north of Madrid, where we stayed for a week before travelling to Madrid and it was here that those initial words of preparation started to make sense. Despite the linguistic talents of a few, we neared Burgos as a group of non Spanish speaking, weary Scots who were more interested in finding a bed than sampling Spanish culture. However, as we arrived to banners and smiling faces we forgot the long journey and small issue of a language barrier and were soon feasting on the Spanish delicacies our new friends had prepared for us. Rejuvenated by the welcome and astounded by the hospitality of our friends from the parish of San Juan Evangelista we quickly settled into life and enjoyed feeling a part of the community. Quickly we became familiar with all the other nationalities of pilgrims who had flooded the city and began to enjoy the fiesta feel, fuelled by faith, which had gripped Burgos. Flags waved, people sang, groups danced and silence was observed as we prayed together as a truly international community of faith. During my time in Burgos I was certainly ‘dazzled’ and I couldn’t wait to experience this kind of celebration of our faith on an even greater level in Madrid.
When we arrived in Madrid for the second stage of our pilgrimage the physical challenges were more obvious. Home comforts were definitely a distant memory and the reality of basic accommodation, where hot showers and air conditioning were considered an unnecessary luxury, was at first a shock to the system. We quickly reminded ourselves that we were on a pilgrimage, not a holiday! From that point we started to embrace our simple surroundings and began to appreciate how little we actually needed. We leaned on each other, shared experiences, worries, laughs, and even the odd tear as together we grew stronger as the challenges increased.
Crowds and a Spanish heat wave couldn’t dampen our spirits as the fiesta got into full swing. Swarms of people and flags bearing the colours of countries far and wide, some of which I had never heard of, made a bee line for Plaza de Cibeles for the opening mass of WYD. I have never experienced Mass on such a grand scale, even at the recent events in Glasgow and London, and was stunned and impressed as a deep silence hung over the crowd as the Blessed Sacrament was exposed. The Welcome of The Holy Father and The Stations of the Cross events brought with them similar challenges and highs. However, the lasting memory of all of these events was the devotion to and enthusiasm of the faith of the young people gathered. As I watched people scale trees, climb fences, tower bins and hang from buildings to share in celebrations of Catholic faith I could not help but be inspired and affirmed in my faith.
As I gathered with one and a half million other pilgrims in Cuatro Vientos airfield for the Vigil with The Holy Father and the closing mass of WYD 2011, my own personal limits were tested to the maximum by a variety of wildlife, the searing heat and a violent thunderstorm. I still can’t believe I stayed, although I do know how and why! As the storm took hold and a break in proceedings ensued we sat silently, far from our parishes and wrapped in our survival bags awaiting a sign that the Vigil would continue. Suddenly songs of joy and dancing broke out. The devotion, determination and passion of the assembled crowd was illuminated by this resilience in the face of adversity. This has to be one of the most powerful experiences of my life and made real the earlier description of a pilgrim, “FROM GOD...WITH GOD...TO GOD!”
As a young person, living in what is becoming a more secular society, I had a limited view of faith and found it difficult to see how I could play a part in making the Catholic faith a bigger part of the lives of young people in my community. At catechesis we were afforded the opportunity to listen to Bishops speak on current issues and ask questions which relate to our experiences as young Catholics in a modern world. With no expectations upon arrival, I was surprised to find that my concern is one which is shared by many young Catholics worldwide and in fact provided a basis for many of the questions asked by the young people. The best response, given by a St Lucian Archbishop, was an analogy referring to our basic living accommodations as he asked us to think about our new friend the moskito. Although small in size its effect on us could be large. In other words although we feel small our capacity for good is large and the effect that can have on others is limitless. With the experiences we have shared we can return ready to flourish and share our faith with others because we ARE one seed but we are one seed which is planted and built up in Jesus Christ, firm in the faith.
David Mathers from Our Lady and St. George's parish in Penilee has completed his second WYD experience:
This was one of the most rewarding experinces in my life so far in many ways. I had been to World youth day in Sydney in 2008, which meant so much to me and the experince from that helped me through my journey to Madrid.
I feel more in touch with my faith now, more than ever and want to share what i have learnt with my church and community.
This global effect World youth day has brings together all corners of the earth and gives the youth of the world a chance to share their gifts through music, art and prayer.
I experienced all of this and i must say from this experience, World Youth Day does make a difference to the world!
I feel more in touch with my faith now, more than ever and want to share what i have learnt with my church and community.
This global effect World youth day has brings together all corners of the earth and gives the youth of the world a chance to share their gifts through music, art and prayer.
I experienced all of this and i must say from this experience, World Youth Day does make a difference to the world!
Pilgrims look forward to WYD11
James McGrory is a parishioner of St. Matthew's, Bishopbriggs:
"The WYD experience for me is stepping into the unknown. I have never been to WYD before, so to get the chance to experience this is fantastic. Was a wee bit wary at first, but as each day and meeting goes by i'm feeling more excited and content at the thought of it. My hopes and expectaions are very high, hopes of learning more about our Church - faith, history, people, cultures and diversity but also to share it with the youth (future) of the church."
David Mathers from Our Lady & St. George parish in Penilee:
"I owe a lot to World youth day, by the fact that it has influenced my life in so many ways. It has made me more aware of my faith and got me through some hard times.
I didn’t really know much about World youth day before I signed up for Sydney 2008, but it didn’t take me long to get into the idea, as I spoke to friends who had been to previous World Youth Days. By hearing their stories and great memories I was inspired and felt this was something I really wanted to experience.
The world youth day in Sydney was something that blew me away. To see the youth of the world coming together to share the fact that we are proud to be Catholic in a world today which questions the aspect of it all. For me there was a feeling of joy and I felt I had got my faith back to where it should be in my life.
I can’t wait for Madrid and I hope it will give me the same great feelings I had when I was in Australia three years ago. I’m hoping to discover how being a catholic is as important in today’s society as ever before. I’m looking forward to making new friends, meeting people from all over the world and discovering new cultures."
Seinead Friel, St. Joseph's, Helensburgh:
'I felt privileged and flattered to be sponsored and asked to go to WYD by my parish. At first I was nervous about the thought of going to a foreign country to celebrate a part of myself I have always kept personal, but once I heard stories and read more things on this momentous event, I knew I was lucky to be involved and to have the chance to celebrate my faith with others of a similar age, and from all different walks of life. I cannot wait to experience the Spanish culture and see the Pope with other young people! I am extremely excited to see what each day brings and I am now counting down the days to start this life enhancing experience. I've never felt more proud to be a Catholic and am thoroughly looking forward to seeing what I learn on this journey, not only about myself but about others and the Catholic faith.'
"The WYD experience for me is stepping into the unknown. I have never been to WYD before, so to get the chance to experience this is fantastic. Was a wee bit wary at first, but as each day and meeting goes by i'm feeling more excited and content at the thought of it. My hopes and expectaions are very high, hopes of learning more about our Church - faith, history, people, cultures and diversity but also to share it with the youth (future) of the church."
David Mathers from Our Lady & St. George parish in Penilee:
"I owe a lot to World youth day, by the fact that it has influenced my life in so many ways. It has made me more aware of my faith and got me through some hard times.
I didn’t really know much about World youth day before I signed up for Sydney 2008, but it didn’t take me long to get into the idea, as I spoke to friends who had been to previous World Youth Days. By hearing their stories and great memories I was inspired and felt this was something I really wanted to experience.
The world youth day in Sydney was something that blew me away. To see the youth of the world coming together to share the fact that we are proud to be Catholic in a world today which questions the aspect of it all. For me there was a feeling of joy and I felt I had got my faith back to where it should be in my life.
I can’t wait for Madrid and I hope it will give me the same great feelings I had when I was in Australia three years ago. I’m hoping to discover how being a catholic is as important in today’s society as ever before. I’m looking forward to making new friends, meeting people from all over the world and discovering new cultures."
Seinead Friel, St. Joseph's, Helensburgh:
'I felt privileged and flattered to be sponsored and asked to go to WYD by my parish. At first I was nervous about the thought of going to a foreign country to celebrate a part of myself I have always kept personal, but once I heard stories and read more things on this momentous event, I knew I was lucky to be involved and to have the chance to celebrate my faith with others of a similar age, and from all different walks of life. I cannot wait to experience the Spanish culture and see the Pope with other young people! I am extremely excited to see what each day brings and I am now counting down the days to start this life enhancing experience. I've never felt more proud to be a Catholic and am thoroughly looking forward to seeing what I learn on this journey, not only about myself but about others and the Catholic faith.'
World Youth Day Song released:
Click here to listen to the Spanish version!
Click here to check out the lyrics and music
Click here to listen to the Spanish version!
Click here to check out the lyrics and music
Overview
In recent years the Archdiocese has enabled many young people to participate in the World Youth Day pilgrimage, as one of the many pilgrimage options available to young people. World Youth Day has proven value as an experience of community, prayer, liturgy, catechesis and of different cultures sharing Catholic faith and life. It is a wonderful encounter with Christ and the Universal Church on a truly global level. The pastoral challenge is to maximise the way in which this valuable experience continues to enrich the young pilgrims as they return home seeking to live their faith more deeply as part of a wider faith community.
The key to meeting this challenge is thorough formation at the local level, before and after the pilgrimage, just as we accompany RCIA catechumens and candidates before Easter, but also through and beyond Eastertide as they journey in faith.
We suggest a carefully-planned process as a way of ensuring the fruits are long-lasting and transformative for the pilgrims, their families and their parish communities.
World Youth Day: 8th-23rd July 2008
Sydney, Australia
51 pilgrims from the Archdiocese of Glasgow made the journey to World Youth Day 2008 in Sydney, Australia.
Below you can read about the experiences of our young adult pilgrims:
Claire Monaghan, a pilgrim from St. Patrick's, Dumbarton, shares her homecoming experience:
"Although being very involved in my own parish I was unable to attend all of the meetings leading up to World Youth Day, so i was quite nervous about what my time in Sydney was going to be like. My faith has always played a huge part in my life but in my own way and I was worried that World Youth Day would be too intense and to be honest a bit boring!
How wrong was I? From the first moment, arriving in our host parish church hall (St. Paul the Apostle, Albion Park) I felt excited and that feeling never left me for the rest of my stay. In Wollongong we celebrated Mass every day and each day the gospel related to our situation at the time. It was a great way of realising we were already taking part in God's work without a conscious effort to do it.
Chris Docherty, one of our group leaders spoke with us before heading back home and said that when we go home yes, tell people your experience and everything that you did but also remember you will get some grief about it and some won't understand and will laugh at it. Chris was right! After sharing my experience, people have laughed at it but also like Chris said we can't let that bother us. We just have to treasure our experience and not let others reactions' take away from it.
It's hard to put into words what World Youth Day has done for me because I'm not completely sure myself; but i think over the course of the next few weeks what I will have learned and gained from WYD will hit with a bang and then i will know exactly what to say.
Pope Benedict once said that the church is still young and WYD 2008 showed this with flying colours. It was amazing to be able to voice, sing and celebrate my faith openly and with support from 400,000 other young people.
There will always be a stigma attached to religion if you choose to be open about it, but i believe in God The Father, God The Son and God The Holy Spirit and I am thankful for all the opportunities and help the church has provided me with throughout my life."
James McBride, from Holy Family and St. Ninian's, Kirkintilloch:
"This was my first experience of WYD and I enjoyed every minute of it. I remember my parish priest telling me in early 2007 that WYD would be a fantastic occasion for any young Catholic to be involved in, that it would be hugely enjoyable and help strengthen my faith. He was spot on!!!I had a terrific time Down Under. It was a great adventure and I feel very privileged and fortunate to have shared this experience with so many kind and caring people, from my Host Family to my fellow pilgrims.It's not always easy being a Roman Catholic in Scotland. Sometimes we are made to feel ashamed of who we are and what we believe in. This should not be the case. We have no reason to be embarrassed of what we believe to be iportant. Instead, we have many reasons for why we should be proud. For me, a large part of the WYD pilgrimage was having the opportunity to spend time with other young people who also shared my belief in God and His Church.I made many good friends, some of whom I've already met up with since we arrived back home. I'm truly grateful for each one of them.Now, all I need to do is make sure I don't miss out on Madrid in 2011, LOL."
Sydney, Australia
51 pilgrims from the Archdiocese of Glasgow made the journey to World Youth Day 2008 in Sydney, Australia.
Below you can read about the experiences of our young adult pilgrims:
Claire Monaghan, a pilgrim from St. Patrick's, Dumbarton, shares her homecoming experience:
"Although being very involved in my own parish I was unable to attend all of the meetings leading up to World Youth Day, so i was quite nervous about what my time in Sydney was going to be like. My faith has always played a huge part in my life but in my own way and I was worried that World Youth Day would be too intense and to be honest a bit boring!
How wrong was I? From the first moment, arriving in our host parish church hall (St. Paul the Apostle, Albion Park) I felt excited and that feeling never left me for the rest of my stay. In Wollongong we celebrated Mass every day and each day the gospel related to our situation at the time. It was a great way of realising we were already taking part in God's work without a conscious effort to do it.
Chris Docherty, one of our group leaders spoke with us before heading back home and said that when we go home yes, tell people your experience and everything that you did but also remember you will get some grief about it and some won't understand and will laugh at it. Chris was right! After sharing my experience, people have laughed at it but also like Chris said we can't let that bother us. We just have to treasure our experience and not let others reactions' take away from it.
It's hard to put into words what World Youth Day has done for me because I'm not completely sure myself; but i think over the course of the next few weeks what I will have learned and gained from WYD will hit with a bang and then i will know exactly what to say.
Pope Benedict once said that the church is still young and WYD 2008 showed this with flying colours. It was amazing to be able to voice, sing and celebrate my faith openly and with support from 400,000 other young people.
There will always be a stigma attached to religion if you choose to be open about it, but i believe in God The Father, God The Son and God The Holy Spirit and I am thankful for all the opportunities and help the church has provided me with throughout my life."
James McBride, from Holy Family and St. Ninian's, Kirkintilloch:
"This was my first experience of WYD and I enjoyed every minute of it. I remember my parish priest telling me in early 2007 that WYD would be a fantastic occasion for any young Catholic to be involved in, that it would be hugely enjoyable and help strengthen my faith. He was spot on!!!I had a terrific time Down Under. It was a great adventure and I feel very privileged and fortunate to have shared this experience with so many kind and caring people, from my Host Family to my fellow pilgrims.It's not always easy being a Roman Catholic in Scotland. Sometimes we are made to feel ashamed of who we are and what we believe in. This should not be the case. We have no reason to be embarrassed of what we believe to be iportant. Instead, we have many reasons for why we should be proud. For me, a large part of the WYD pilgrimage was having the opportunity to spend time with other young people who also shared my belief in God and His Church.I made many good friends, some of whom I've already met up with since we arrived back home. I'm truly grateful for each one of them.Now, all I need to do is make sure I don't miss out on Madrid in 2011, LOL."
