UPDATED: Day 1 recap of WYD

OSV Newsweekly intern
Lindsay Ross

What a day!
WYD has truly taken over Madrid. My day started out a bit odd, as the bus I took into the city got pulled over by the police. A policeman got on board and made the driver go outside. I was a little scared but none of the Spaniards seemed concerned so I relaxed a little. Luckily, It turned out to be just a routine stop.
I saw pilgrims from so many countries that I lost count: Brazil, Argentina, Canada, Australia, Italy, Switzerland, Nigeria, Mexico, Spain of course and many more! It was amazing to see people of so many nations and ethnicities brought together by their unifying trait of being Catholic.
Opening Mass was beautiful, especially the live music played before, during and after. There were pilgrims literally as far as the eye could see, many waving their national flags.

Flags from around the world fly over the crowd before Mass.

I had a little trouble finding an open spot to watch the big video screens (I couldn't get near the actual stage) and I got trapped in a huge mass of people and had to move with the crowd for about 20 minutes (in the wrong direction!) before I could escape. There was some pushing going on and a few dirty looks thrown at people trying to squeeze through, and what I perceived to be some harsh words exchanged (they weren't in English). However, it was still close to 100 degrees at 8 p.m., and there were just too many people for the streets, so I understand how these conditions could bring out a little pedestrian road rage in even the most devout pilgrim.
I could only understand some of the Mass, as it was in Spanish and the microphones weren't that loud over the video screens. However, one part that I did understand really struck me. The archbishop of Madrid, the main celebrant, said that all the young people in attendance represented hope for the Church in particular and also for the entire world. Looking at all the energetic pilgrims around me from so many nations, I wholeheartedly agreed with that statement.

Adios from Spain,
Lindsay
Follow me on Twitter: @LindsayWYD

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Location:Madrid, Spain