Opening mass for WYD August 16, 2011

Half of our group left our hotel today at 3 pm to secure a spot for the opening mass today at 8 pm. There are already thousands of people with flags and banners. The atmosphere here is like a huge street party. Blocks and blocks and blocks of the city are cordoned off for the next several days for the festivities. As of this writing (430 pm Madrid time) the temperature is about 96 degrees or so with at least 50% humidity. Did I mention that the other half decided to walk?
Our group was reunited about 40 minutes later. We have a pretty decent spot on the main drag. We are on the curb in front of Banco de Espana on the street against the rail between the two Metro stations. It's now 720 pm and our group is in the sun. It's later in the day so we should be OK. We are sitting and using our banners and umbrellas for shade. We are drinking plenty of water and there are many water stations available.
The shade came back and mass started. The pilgrims were provided with a "pilgrim pack ". Inside was a youth catechism or "YouCat", it's like the regular catechism, but designed for youth to understand. Also, a special edition of the "Magnificat" and several other items with information on the places for pilgrims to eat, places for catechism, maps, etc.
Mass started and about a million pilgrims settled down. The logistics were mind boggling. Unfortunately, there didn't seem to be any English translation of the mass. Also, with a million plus people there, it was hard to concentrate on mass with people talking, etc. Mass was about 1 hr 45 min and it took quite sometime to get back to our home base. Today should be a cooler day (more inside activity).

Father Ben wrapped in the flag.


Group photo holding our banner.


Patiently waiting.


These were hung on the lightposts in various parts
of the city.


First public transportation in Madrid!


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