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Gathering of Australian Pilgrims at WYD Madrid
The History of World Youth Day
Over 20 years ago World Youth Day (WYD) began at the invitation of the Holy Father (John Paul II), who wanted to gather young people together for a celebration of faith, life and love. Since the first one in Rome in 1984, there has been a WYD almost every year. On every alternative year when it is not held in Rome, Italy on Palm Sunday; it takes place in a different international destination. These international celebrations have been held in the following places - see table below.
In 1995 the gathering in Manila, Philippines recorded an attendance of over four million. In the millennium year of 2000, World Youth Day in Rome attracted over two and a half million pilgrims. Simply by attracting so many pilgrims, World Youth Day has become a significant spiritual phenomenon. Participants are mainly Catholics, although the invitation to take part is extended to all.
|
YEAR |
DATE/S |
LOCATION |
ATTENDANCE |
THEME |
THEME SONG [LANGUAGES] |
|
1984 |
April 15 |
Rome, Italy
|
300,000 |
Holy Year of Redemption:
|
Resta Qui Con Noi
|
|
1985 |
March 31 |
Rome, Italy
|
300,000 |
International Youth Year
|
N/A |
|
1987 |
April 11–12 |
Buenos Aires,
|
900,000 |
We ourselves have known and put our faith in God’s love towards ourselves
|
Un Nuevo Sol
|
|
1989 |
August 15–20 |
Santiago de Compostela,
|
400,000 |
I am the Way,
|
Somos Los Jóvenes
|
|
1991 |
August 10–15 |
Częstochowa,
|
1,600,000 |
You have received a spirit of sonship
|
Abba Ojcze
|
|
1993 |
August 10–15 |
Denver, USA
|
500,000 |
I came that they might have life, and have it to the full (Jn 10:10)
|
(We Are) One Body
|
|
1995 |
January 10–15 |
Manila, Philippines
|
4,000,000 |
As the Father sent me,
|
Tell the World of
|
|
1997 |
August 19–24 |
Paris, France
|
1,200,000 |
Teacher, where are you staying? Come and see
|
Maître Et Seigneur
|
|
2000 |
August 15–20 |
Rome, Italy
|
2,000,000 |
The Word became flesh and dwelt among us
|
Emmanuel
|
|
2002 |
July 23–28 |
Toronto, Canada
|
800,000 |
You are the salt of the earth ... you are the light of the world
|
Lumière Du Monde / Light Of The World
|
|
2005 |
August 16–21 |
Cologne, Germany
|
1,200,000 |
We have come to worship Him (Mt 2:2)
|
Venimus Adorare Eum
|
|
2008 |
July 15–20 |
Sydney, Australia
|
400,000 |
You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you; and you will be my witnesses.
|
Receive The Power
|
World Youth Day Madrid 2011 logo Unveiled:
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."