Another part of the Culture of WYD is the manpower that the events get from various volunteers from all over the world. Before a massive and gargantuan task that awaits them on August 16, the international volunteers of World Youth Day 2011 in Madrid arrived ahead of the pilgrims that will flock to the city these coming days. There are over 30,000 volunteers with 30 different nationalities and countries including Mexico, USA, Portugal and the Philippines, that will help in organizing the events. Some of the volunteers came to Madrid as early as April this year and stayed with diferent foster parents that housed them. Most of the volunteers that came to Madrid were taken from the Bajaras airport directly to IFEMA pavillion where they registered and received their packest. The IFEMA pavillon will be the volunteers’ headquarters and at the same time sleeping quarters. Their respective assignments will be given to them. Befoe Pope Benedict XVI leaves for Rome on August 21, the volunteers will be able to meet them at the farewell ceremony. As of this writing, thousands of volunteers are already scattered all over Madrid and are assisting in various task such as putting up posters, cooking food, serving as chauffeurs etc. Before they were deployed, the Volunteers has a welcome mass at the Pavilion to jump start their hectic schedule.

We encourage all Catholics to pray for these volunteers that they will be safe and carry the task given to them.

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