Paul Hannam joined the pilgrimage in Madrid.

Joining the group in Madrid....WYD so far!!

The journey to WYD Madrid started on a warm Sunday morning in Syd. Traveling by my self was going to be a challenge but I new god was going to be there every step of the way. I tok of from Sydney at 3:45 pm the trip had begun. I was on the plane thinking to my self why I was taking this journey. And I put it down to wanting to become closer to my faith and to be able to admit that I love jesus. So I got to bangkok where I met up with four Australian pilgrims, Ryan, Luke, Sarah and Maddie we where talking to each over and we where letting each over in on why we had taken the trip. It was amazing. We got back on the plane to Frankfurt. 

On arrival into to Madrid airport the adrenelin had kicked in I was really excited. I grabbed my bags and said my goodbyes to the new friends I had made. I was blown away from the city on my drive to my accommodation. I arrived where I met up with my group which was good to see them and here there stories of the last week I had missed. 

The next morning we had the Australian ceremony to welcome all Australian pilgrims. The atosmsphere was amazing. Pilgrims everywhere, chanting and singing. We got seated and the ceromine begun. After the Aussie welcoming we had the opening mass.                                                                                              

 Catchesis started today, which was a great way to start our faith journey into the  world. We went as the Bathurst group. Songs, praise, and laughter was one of the main enjoyments of catches is.                                                                  
  As the days have gone on we have all become more stronger, closer, and like family. Jesus leads on this faith journey knowing that in the end we are going to become great humans in our future. This week is and always will be the biggest change in my life. And I ow it to all the pilgrims that have been celebrating WYD 2011.                                                                                                       Paul Hannam