Madrid, August 16, 2011 – Today the World Youth Day pilgrims arrive in Madrid from all over the world. All the participating homes and shelters are opening their doors: gymnasiums, schools, churches and among many others, the host families: 4,750 Madrid homes will host 14,725 young people these next few days.
Since November 2010, in order to enable young people to experience the hospitality of the locals and a Christian welcome, families in town volunteered to host the pilgrims. Today it became a reality, and young people from five continents will sleep in the homes of these good families.
"Whatever you give, the Lord will return to you a hundredfold"
Carmen Guerrero, mother of three children, has taken in three Brazilians who have brought with them giant suitcases, a spirit of humility and a desire to live WYD to the fullest. "Whenever my children travel they will be taken in by others, it's my turn now - she said. - I live in Madrid, center of this international event, and we wanted to help in whatever way we could to ensure that everything ran smoothly and to help bring young people to Jesus Christ. "
The family will spend these days of celebration helping: "Whatever you give, the Lord will return to you a hundredfold." They will attend the Mass in Cibeles Plaza with the Parish of Torrelodones and hope that the experience of WYD will strengthen the faith of all and encourage them to follow Christ: "We are not alone, we are one big family. May WYD unite us all as one! ".
"The way in which they have welcomed us is a gift that lasts all day long”
The family of Pablo Gomez, a boy of twelve years old, is hosting two French pilgrims. Anne, one of them, tells how their plane was delayed an hour, but the family waited at the airport and greeted them with a cheerful smile. She also explains how breakfast is always ready in the morning and how in the evening they wait up for them in order to hear how their day was. "When I arrived they told me that I was in my house, and that is how I have felt the whole time," says Anne.
"Fatima, Paul´s mother, is a volunteer and she is making sure that we have a wonderful time here. She takes care to make sure we are getting enough sleep and she wants us to understand how a Spanish family works. "
Paul at first was surprised as it is not very common to welcome strangers into your home. Now he says that it has been worth it, that the pilgrims are very nice and that he would do it again. "They are like one of the family. I think it is a show of my parents´ generosity that, even while having their own problems and concerns, they decided to participate in World Youth Day in such a personal way. "
Since November 2010, in order to enable young people to experience the hospitality of the locals and a Christian welcome, families in town volunteered to host the pilgrims. Today it became a reality, and young people from five continents will sleep in the homes of these good families.
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Carmen Guerrero, mother of three children, has taken in three Brazilians who have brought with them giant suitcases, a spirit of humility and a desire to live WYD to the fullest. "Whenever my children travel they will be taken in by others, it's my turn now - she said. - I live in Madrid, center of this international event, and we wanted to help in whatever way we could to ensure that everything ran smoothly and to help bring young people to Jesus Christ. "
The family will spend these days of celebration helping: "Whatever you give, the Lord will return to you a hundredfold." They will attend the Mass in Cibeles Plaza with the Parish of Torrelodones and hope that the experience of WYD will strengthen the faith of all and encourage them to follow Christ: "We are not alone, we are one big family. May WYD unite us all as one! ".
"The way in which they have welcomed us is a gift that lasts all day long”
 |
"Fatima, Paul´s mother, is a volunteer and she is making sure that we have a wonderful time here. She takes care to make sure we are getting enough sleep and she wants us to understand how a Spanish family works. "
Paul at first was surprised as it is not very common to welcome strangers into your home. Now he says that it has been worth it, that the pilgrims are very nice and that he would do it again. "They are like one of the family. I think it is a show of my parents´ generosity that, even while having their own problems and concerns, they decided to participate in World Youth Day in such a personal way. "