By: Joseph Gates, Seminarian It was a grand adventure, full of wonder, spiritual insight, and delicious food. Thirteen of my fellow St. Vincent de Paul Seminarians joined me and nearly two million people in Madrid, Spain in August for 2011 World Youth Day. The narrow streets were flooded with people of all nationalities and cultures. People of every continent attended the event, waving their country's flag, high and proud.

Madrid is beautiful and is part of the antiquity of Europe, but has organically grown in modern times. Hints of Roman influences are still present throughout city parks and structures. There are also many fountains in the city which depict different Roman deities. The Prado Museum, a world renowned art gallery, is home to many elaborate and famous paintings. Adding to the cultural richness of this quaint city, were the exquisite restaurants, which lined the streets, each serving their own version of Paella, the famed Spanish dish.

One of the great joys of World Youth Day was seeing his Holiness, Pope Benedict XVI. I had the great pleasure of attending a private Mass of his in 2003, when he was Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger. I was in awe to see him now as the successor of St. Peter. He truly is a holy man. Being the pastor of the Universal Church, and the responsibilities placed on him in this capacity, have taken a toll on him. Though the strain of his duty to the Church may have marked him physically, he exuded joy and hopefulness. He was a sight to behold. I'm sure many of the youth and adult chaperones were as touched as I. He is the kind and gentle Shepherd.

Walking toward the opening audience with the Pope, one couldn't help but get a sudden rush of joy and hopefulness, when all around you, were people who share the One Holy Catholic Apostolic Faith. Even though the Mass was said in another language, every person could follow it, bringing home the universality and oneness of the Church. With one accord, the voices rang out: "Viva el Papa." "Long live the Pope." His Holiness had a message for all men in formation for the priesthood, "As seminarians you are on the path towards a sacred goal: to continue the mission which Christ received from the Father. Called by him, you have followed his voice and, attracted by his loving gaze, you now advance towards the sacred ministry."

Among the events scheduled during WYD were catechetical teachings by speakers such as Cardinal Pell from Australia, Chastity talks by Jason and Crystalina Evert, Pro-life conventions by the Irish group Youth Defense. There was also a Catholic Film Festival, which premiered the movie "Cristiada" which records the events of the Cristeros War in Mexico from 1926 to 1929. Over all, it was an event full of youthful life and spiritual heartiness. In 2013, WYD moves again to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. "Planted and built up in Jesus Christ, firm in the faith"
~ St. Paul

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