| Austria – In preparation for WYD |
| Spain – On the way to the WYD, with the web |
| Spain – Experiences: young people on the way to WYD |
| Austria – Peace Torch |
| Austria – “Fullness of Life” in Mariazell |
With a variety of activities the “Vamos” festival was open to all young people with the intention of involving them in the process of preparation for Madrid. From the Salesian Youth Movement (SYM) in Austria over 40 young people joined youngsters of their own age from various backgrounds reflecting the youthful face of the Church.
“Everyone needs sound roots,” Cardinal Christoph Schönborn, archbishop of Vienna, told the young assembly, “and our roots are sound thanks to Baptism in Jesus Christ.” The Cardinal then developed his catechesis on the WYD theme, “Planted and built up in Jesus Christ, firm in the faith” and then concluded inviting the young people to live as Christians with commitment and joy: “even though ‘virtue” is an unfashionable word nowadays it is more than ever relevant!”
During the early part of the day according to the programme some people spoke from their personal experience a young adult described his pilgrimage to Spain to Santiago de Compostela, while a Sister spoke about her vocation, which came to her during a WYD.
After Mass at which Bishop Stephan Turnovsky auxiliary of Vienna presided, the young people went on procession with prayers and hymns to the Benedictine monastery of Schottenstift. After lunch, which in view of the WYD had a Spanish flavour, the young people were offered the possibility of taking part in adoration of the Blessed Sacrament in the church of the monastery and of going to confession. In addition many of them visited the information stand of the WYD.
So far Austrian SYM has firm bookings from 85 youngsters and young adults for the Madrid WYD. The group will be in Spain between 11 and 22 August. According to the programme, agreed with the Spanish Salesians they will spend the first days in Barcelona getting to know the country, the people and the culture better. Then from 16 August they will be in Madrid to take part in the World Meeting with Pope Benedict XVI, at which over a million young people are expected.
Published 31/03/2011
