FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS 

 What Is World Youth Day?

World Youth Day is an unbelievable weeklong spiritual journey where pilgrims from all over the world unite to share their faith. The week includes prayer, song, concerts, drama, sharing, liturgy, catechesis, and an unforgettable vigil and closing mass with the Holy Father. In 1984, the Pope John Paul II invited young people from all over the world to participate in a pilgrimage at the very first World Youth Day. Since then it has been held in Argentina (’87), Spain (’89), Poland (’91), Denver, U.S. (’93), Philippines (’95), Paris, France (’97), Rome, Italy (’00), Toronto, Canada (’02), Cologne, Germany (’05) and Sydney, Australia ('08).

The purpose of World Youth Day is threefold:

• Putting Trust in the Young  --
  

  World Youth Day is a coming together of young adults from the four corners of the world and a strong reminder of the strength and confidence the young bring to the Church today.

• Gathering Together --
  

  World Youth Day is not simply a gathering for the young people of the world, but a time to put trust in the world's youth. A calling for the world's youth to come together as one people.

• Meeting the International World on a Human Level --
  

  It is still a marvel in this the 21st Century to exchange with others and to be a part of an international experience. International events are able to stir much hope but also many fears (increase in fundamentalism, nationalism and other new conflicts. . .) The Church and Christians themselves have a role to play in preventing the development of these fears, and in aiding each person in finding their way and discovering hope. 

 How Old do you Have to Be to Attend?

 Young people ages 16-35 are all invited to attend World Youth Day

 Is this a Pilgrimage or vacation?

 World Youth Day is not a vacation—it’s much more important than that. It is a spiritual journey, a time to reconnect with Jesus, a time to share your faith, a time to renew your commitment to Christ. It literally can be a life-changing, exciting and awesome event.

What Health Precautions should I take?

It will be important to take a supply of all medicines you are taking as well as an extra prescription for the same. Keep all medications in their original containers to avoid potential concerns. Also, bring an extra pair of eyeglasses or prescription. A personal medical kit containing aspirin, personal pills and medicines, entro-vioform (protection against diarrhea), motion sickness pills, allergy pills (if necessary), light bandages, tape and small bar of soap. Also, take a small flashlight. It will also be a good idea to make sure that you are in good physical condition and able to walk for many miles per day.

What Should I Pack?

As little as possible is the best answer we can give.  Try to travel as light as you can. Even though your luggage will be handled for you most of the time, you’ll enjoy your Pilgrimage more with a suitcase that isn’t too heavy. Consider one that’s flexible so you can fit in a few souvenirs along the way. The security procedures allow only one carry-on bag which will fit in the overhead compartment. Please be sure NOT to pack scissors, knives, nail clippers or any other sharp item which could be considered (by whatever stretch of the imagination) a weapon. Otherwise, it may be confiscated. Ladies bags, camera cases or briefcases are not typically counted as carry on bags. A large quantity of clothes are not needed for the average tour. Most of your clothes should be wash and wear. Laundry and dry cleaning services are usually expensive. It’s a good idea to take a plastic raincoat or collapsible umbrella and at least one warm sweater or coat. Above all,make sure you have a pair of comfortable walking shoes, already broken in.

 Will there be much Walking?

YES! Be prepared to walk many miles each day. From early in the morning until probably after midnight (in Madrid), you will mostly be on your feet or sitting on the ground. On Saturday, August 20th, pilgrims will walk from the city to a the vigil site which is over 6 miles away, in the heat of the day, to be with our Holy Father that evening... and walk back Sunday afternoon in the same heat.

What are the Customs Rules?

Customs allows up to $800 duty free merchandise per person to be brought back to the USA. If you take expensive cameras or , computers, etc.. abroad, be sure to declare them to the US Customs before leaving so that their return to the USA will not be questioned.

Will there Be Free Time To Explore Madrid?

 A little bit.  We will arrive in Madrid on Sunday, August 14th and will have some time that day as well as a bit a few other days to take in the sights and sounds of this great city. 

IF YOU HAVE OTHER QUESTIONS, CONTACT DUBE TRAVEL OR SR. ERIKA SCHEELJE AT THE DIOCESE.