Madison group arrives in Madrid for WYD

My husband and I arrived from Paris early enough for Mass at the church here in Vilella de San Antonio, where we experienced not only our first Spanish Mass, but also the warmth of the volunteers’ welcome. My Spanish is a bit rusty, but several of the volunteers speak English, so communication was not a problem.

Shortly after Mass, Fr. Paul Arinze, the director of vocations for the Diocese of Madison and the leader of the diocesan pilgrimage, arrived by taxi. He was quickly greeted officially by the local WYD leader, and we set off to set down our nonessential baggage.

The three of us, the first pilgrims to arrive here, were shown to the municipal sports center, where we will be spending the next few nights. Showers, bathroom stalls, and plenty of room for sports and games. Fr. Paul, however, discovered immediately upon putting down his bags that he had forgotten his phone in the taxicab he had taken from Madrid.

more at Journey of Faith

Also saw this update from the Diocese of Green Bay

21 Pilgrims from the Green Bay Diocese made their way to Avila, Spain early Monday morning. Over 2000 years old, the ancient city of Avila dates back to the time of Christ. It is also the resting place of two revered Saints of the 16th Century, St. Teresa of Jesus and John of the Cross.

Green Bay's WYD pilgrims were among a full-house Mass celebration in the church where the relics of the mystic saints, Teresa of Jesus and John of the Cross remain in Avila, Spain. The Mass, which was the Solemnity of the Blessed Mother’s Assumption, brought in Archbishop Roger Schwitz, OMI of Anchorage, Alaska. Schwitz concelebrated with local priests including vocations director Fr. Daniel Schuster, Fr. Joel Sember and Fr. Ben Sember and priests from around the United States.

 Also found a Milwaukee group blogging about the trip:

Today started out with a bang. Quite literally. After an early morning wake-up, we got on the bus in Lourdes to head to Loyola, where we were to celebrate Mass in the basilica there. Upon arrival in Loyola, I got off of the bus, travelled about 100 feet down the road, and promptly walked straight into a metal pole, much to the amusement of the large group of British pilgrims behind us. Luckily nothing broke or bled, and the British made up for their laughter by very helpfully advising me to watch out a few feet before we passed every pole along the road.