SYDNEY, Australia, JULY 16, 2008 (Zenit.org).- Spanish youth gathered with their prelates today for a catechesis session at Sydney's World Youth Day, while rumors continue that they will host the next youth event, probably in 2011.
The Spanish news agency Veritas reported that though it's not official, Benedict XVI is expected to announce that the next World Youth Day will take place in Madrid.
Vatican spokesman Jesuit Father Federico Lombardi seemed to confirm the rumor in an interview Monday when he said it will be "much easier" for Spanish youth to attend the next Youth Day.
Regardless, Spanish prelates today were intent on urging their young flock to nourish a missionary spirit. Ten bishops and thousands of Spanish pilgrims took part in the sessions.
Cardinal Lluís Martínez Sistach, archbishop of Barcelona, reminded pilgrims in St. Bernadette's parish in Clemton Park that "Christ wants to reach men of all times, all places and all realms of society." He asked young people to be like the apostles who, in fulfillment of this mission and impelled by the Holy Spirit, "urged all men to change their lives and be converted."
The catechesis sessions focused on "the Holy Spirit and the Mission," discussed in the light of Pentecost. All the sessions followed a common pattern, which ended with Mass.
According to the press office of the Spanish bishops' conference, after a brief introduction, the bishops imparted the catecheses, which were both preceded and followed by opportunities for the sacrament of reconciliation. There was also time for debate, reflection and adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.
Cardinal Antonio Cañizares, archbishop of Toledo, pointed out in St. Joseph's parish in Moorebank that "young people are tired of hearing talk about values, they want to hear about Jesus. To receive the Holy Spirit makes it possible for them to lead a new life, a healthy life."
After leading the catechesis sessions, the bishops lunched with the pilgrims.
Meanwhile in Spain, about 200 pilgrims in Salamanca and Castilla started a walking pilgrimage today, headed to Compostela. They will arrive Thursday and celebrate World Youth Day there with other pilgrims from around the nation. They will have a satellite connection with Sydney for Saturday's vigil with the Pope.
About 5,000 young Spaniards are present in Sydney. For those who remained at home, meetings have been set up in El Rocio, Madrid, Javier and Santiago de Compostela.
