Young people of the world get ready to live an intense night of prayer and fiesta

Antoine y Laurent wave the flag of their country

Madrid, August 20th 2011.-  From about half past two in the afternoon, pilgrims have been arriving the Cuatro Vientos airbase. In a festive, joyous  atmosphere  they began to position themselves to follow the Vigil up close to the Pope.

Antoine y Laurente, two young people from France, tell us how they left their lodgings at 9 am to be able to get to the air base in good time. “It’s too hot, but this is still incredible. We are breathing joy and happiness”. These two pilgrims intend to spend the whole night at the airbase to take part in the different marquees of prayer. Their greatest wish is “to pray all together to show that we are young people who believe in the love of Jesus Christ and also to listen to the Holy Father”.

GGroup of Brazilians with their flag

Under the movement flags of the whole world, the pilgrims danced and sang happily while they waited for Benedict XVI. Meanwhile, different musical groups from all corners of the world  made the hours of waiting more pleasant. Javi Nieves and el Pulpo, of radio Cadena 100, also addressed those present, advising them to drink lots of water and to enjoy themselves 100%.

Paloma and María, from Spain.

The intense heat at the beginning of the afternoon, did not prevent those present at the Vigil from thinking that it all had been worth it and they enjoyed the firefighters passing by cooling them down with water.  “This is really incredible, we are many nations united for one reason: Jesus Christ”  commented Ana Paola. This young girl from Brazil came from Río de Janeiro with a big group of fellow contrymen.

Paloma and María are two young Spanish girls who are exhausted by the heat and their long journey from the city center to Cuatro Vientos, but they joke that “at least they’ve managed to get a sun tan”. But any effort is worthwhile to be able to live the experience of tonight, “we’re going to be here until tomorrow, accompanying the Pope and with all these young people”.

From the main altar the presenters on many occasions made rememberance of all those young people who weren’t able to be present at this WYD for different reasons. These young people also form part of the great festival of Faith and will be present in the prayers of all the pilgrims at this Vigil.