This open air mass was celebrated in the streets of Madrid, with the altar set up at in Cibeles square. Pilgrms started pouring in hours in advance in the hope to obtain a good location for the mass. As more pilgrims arrived, the streets surrounding Cibeles Square were filled with pilgrims.
With barely any standing room in the streets, pilgrims waited patiently for the opening mass to beging. The Malaysian pilgrims, from SFX parish, Petaling Jaya squeezed themselves unto a five foot way; fortunately unde the few shady trees along the street.
As they waited for Mass to begin, many of the the SFX pilgrims begun getting aquainted with their fellow pilgrims from other countries. Soon t-shirts were being exchanged, as well as flags.
After an hour wait, Mass begun, celebrated by Cardinal Antonio Rouco Varela of Madrid and con-celebrated by hundreds of priest. Pilgrims packed into the streets of Madrid was able to follow the proceedings of Mass broadcasted over large TV screens strategically located, as well as Audio being broadcasted over the FM radio.
Although Mass was celebrated in Spanish, it was not difficult for the pilgrims to grasp the significance of the opening Mass for the WYD. The Madrid WYD is a critical event for the Spanish Catholics, and to a larger extent European Catholics as a revival of faith and proof of the relevance of the Catholic faith in todays society.
Starting 16 August, out standing catholics, non-practicing catholics are witnessing firsthand the power of their faith in action- in the streets of Madrid. They are begining to take notice.
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