World Youth Day took place in Madrid, Spain, August of 2011.  As World Youth Day Pilgrims, the group experienced the greater Catholic Church with over 200,000 youth and adults from around the world.

The Itinerary

Day 1-3, Aug 9th-11th: Arrive in Lourdes, France

Tour: Historical sites associates with St. Bernadette, Tour the Basilicus of St. Pius X (Worlds largest Underground Church), Boly Mill, Basilica of the Rosery, Walk stations of the cross.

Day 4-6, Aug 12th - 14th: Barcelona & Montsrrat

Tour: Barcelona-night tour, Tibidabo Hill, Montserrat Monastery (see the 12th century Black Madonna, hear the Escolania-One of Europes oldest boy chiors), Barcelona Cathedral, Sagrada Familia Church.

Day 6-7, Aug 14th & 15th: Zaragoza & Madrid

Visit: Shrine of our Lady of the Pillar (The altar in this Basilica is built on the site where The Virgin Mary appeared to the Apostle St. James before her Assumption into heaven)

Day 7-13, Aug 15th - 21st: World Youth Day

Aug 15th Arrive in Madrid. Afternoon Mass for the feast of the Assumption of Mary, evening walking tour of Madrid.

Aug 16th Opening Mass with the Cardinal of Madrid

Aug 17th Morning catechesis and Mass, afternoon and evening festivals and events

Aug 18th Morning catechesis and Mass, afternoon welcoming ceremonies with our Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI, evening festival

Aug 19th Morning catechesis and Mass, afternoon events, evening Stations of the Cross through the center of Madrid

Aug 20th Morning Mass, afternoon pilgrimage to Vigil site, evening Vigil with our Holy Father, overnight under the stars

Aug 21st Morning Mass with Benedict XVI, rest of day free

Day 14, Aug 22nd: Fly Home