Scottish Catholic Observer

Hola, soy Martin y estoy en Madrid por la jornada mundial de la juventud.

Well, now that my Spanish lessons are out of the way for the week I am delighted to be blogging to you live from World Youth Day in Madrid. I arrived in the Spanish capital yesterday evening and anticipation is building as pilgrims prepare to celebrate the event’s opening Mass tonight.

This is my first experience of WYD and I had heard so much about its unique atmosphere through various interviews and chats I had with pilgrims in the build up. So much of what they had said was evident as early as yesterday evening—with Madrid’s main squares and streets awash with colour and the noise of pilgrim groups, representing all corners of the globe, treating us to some of their national songs and chants. The loudest group by far (perhaps not unexpectedly) has been the Italians—the arrival of a Metro train at the platform being a significant enough event for them to burst into song. Notable contributions to the noise levels have also come from the Colombians and the Mexicans. I have yet to spot a Saltire amidst the crowds but I would expect that statistic to change in the not too distant future.

Although the ambiance thus far has probably been more akin to a sporting contest or music festival, the atmosphere will be one of prayerful reflection this evening as pilgrims gather at Plaza de Cibeles and the surrounding streets for the celebration of WYD’s opening Mass.

Taking a walk to the venue yesterday evening it was impossible not to be struck by this stunning square. The temporary altar is situated under the imposing Cibeles Palace (now the city hall) and is surrounded by fountains and numerous marble sculptures. Given that the square also acts as a main traffic thoroughfare, however, it was difficult to gauge whereabouts all the pilgrims would be situated. As the sound technicians made their final checks and I watched the last adjustments being made to screens and temporary seating, my thoughts drifted back to the preparations at Bellahouston Park, Glasgow, last September as Scottish Catholics prepared to welcome the Holy Father. I am sure his welcome will be every bit as special when he arrives in Madrid on Thursday.

And one final point: I feel I would not be doing my duty to all the avid football fans out there, like myself, were I not to inform you that the organisers have kindly ensured that the WYD International Media Centre is directly across from Real Madrid’s fantastic Santiago Bernabeu stadium. This is one decision I certainly didn’t protest!

Well now I’m off to the aptly named Parque del Buen Retiro to prepare myself for this evening’s events. I look forward to updating you all with the latest goings on from Madrid in the coming days.

Hasta luego.