From the Hungarian District two of us participated in the World Youth Day in Madrid. We went with the youth group of the diocese of Szombathely. Before the main program in Madrid we stayed in Valencia for the pre-assembly. Here we were able to experience the hospitality of a parish where friendships were formed with the Spanish families who received us. Youth from all parts of the world arrived to this ancient and the same time modern, developing city, thus we could savor the foretaste of the WYD. These were very deep experiences, especially the prayer-events: be it with the local faithful in the parishes, or at the great common Adoration and celebration of the Eucharist; or while praying the Rosary at the seashore as the closing act of the pre-assembly. Unity in faith was really palpable and it was good to pray together for each other and for the world.
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In Madrid the catecheses held in different languages according to nations helped us to deepen the motto of the meeting: "Planted and built up in Jesus Christ, firm in the faith" (Col 2:7) In addition to this I was strengthened in faith by seeing the great number of young people from every corner of the world – at the common programs or walking in the streets – as they were singing, praying, dancing, talking, or taking photos of each other: I could see that the Church is alive, consequently Christ is alive. He is alive in the heart of these people, alive at the places where they came from, and alive among them.
Sr. Veronika
Sisters from the Hungarian and the Slovak District
participated in the WYD 2011
The WYD 2011 in Madrid was a nice event where young people met from all around the World. Walking in the streets of Madrid we could feel not just the heat of the weather but more, the energy of youth. Every one of us could find the place that was suitable for his/ her personal needs. Plenty of spiritual, cultural and other events were offered on all those days in Madrid. For me personally it was a big manifestation of faith and an outstanding declaration that we believe in Christ. I like very much the focus of the Stations of the Cross, which drove us closer to the marginalized people and to Christ in them.
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Before going to Madrid I participated in the Jesuit program call Mag+s. It was a meeting of youth who were familiar with the Ignatian spirituality. We gathered in Loyola for three days and after that we went to different locations in Spain, Portugal, France or North-Africa. The experiments were built up in such a way that we had the opportunity to know ourselves better; and we were able to recognize God's presence in every day events. This also helped us to support each other by sharing our faith, thoughts and tasks. What was really important in this program was that it prepared us spiritually for the participation in the WYD in Madrid.
Thanks for this opportunity Sr. Marta
For more information you can see:
Magis film on youtube:
