An estimated million young Catholics from all around the globe have streamed into Madrid for five days of prayers, processions and learning.
The World Youth Day was opened on Tuesday night with a Mass celebrated in several languages in Madrid’s Plaza de Cibeles.
Welcoming the youth to Spain was the Archbishop of Madrid, Antonio Maria Rouco Varela, who told them they were part of the generation of Pope Benedict XVI.
“It’s not the same as the generation of John Paul II,” he said.
“Your place in life has its own characteristics. Your problems and circumstances have changed.”
He challenged them to respond once again to the call of Jesus.
“Don’t be afraid of being a saint,” he said.
“Let Christ live in your heart. Respond to Him with a ‘yes’ that’s full of excitement and generosity of life."
The President of the Pontifical Council for the Laity, Cardinal Stanislaw Rylko, also spoke and he chose to remind the youth of the importance of faith.
“Faith is a decisive factor in each person’s life,” he said. “Everything changes according to whether God exists or not.
“You have come to say aloud to the whole world, and in particular to Europe which is showing signs of being very lost, your unwavering ‘yes’. Yes, faith is possible," he said.
One of the young people attending the event, Tom Rees, a pilgrim from the UK, said he was excited about taking part.
“World Youth Day is a beacon for the Church’s care and devotion to the welfare and spiritual wellbeing of is young adults, with the perfect blend of celebration and reflection, its unquestionable that this event revitalises faith in our young people,” he said.
“What greater way to celebrate this than with thousands of young people all from different cultures, backgrounds and experiences.”
Pope Benedict is due to arrive in Madrid on Thursday and will share in a vigil with the youths on Saturday.
(Image from madrid11.com).