Pope Leo XIV has made his apostolic journey to Spain, marking the first visit by a pontiff to our country in more than 15 years. This is a very important event for the entire Church, and during his time in Madrid, the young people of the Vedruna Youth Ministry in the capital participated in several of the scheduled events, waving the flag of the Vedruna Youth Ministry with joy and pride.
This is how our young women experienced it
Taking part in the Youth Vigil and the celebration of the Eucharist on the Solemnity of Corpus Christi—both presided over by Pope Leo in Madrid—has been one of the most moving experiences I have had to date. Being able to enjoy and experience this with the young people and Sisters of the Vedruna Youth Ministry has given me great joy and a deep sense of family.
[…] The conversations we shared, the games we played while waiting, and our shared excitement at meeting His Holiness have been a revelation to me of how the Lord is present in every moment. Indeed, the words and messages conveyed by Pope Leo at both events, along with the precious experience of sharing them with people with whom I live out my faith, make me feel very grateful to be part of the Vedruna family.
Minerva Rodríguez Sanz
Attending the event to see Pope Leo in Madrid this Sunday, June 7, was an experience I will always remember. I had never had the opportunity to experience something like this before, and for that reason, it was a day filled with a wide range of emotions and feelings. Moreover, sharing this moment with the Colegio Mayor and the Vedruna Congregation made it even more special; I felt very moved, joyful, and grateful to be part of something so meaningful. During Mass, I also had moments of reflection that allowed me to pause and think more deeply about my faith. Although it was a long and tiring day, I feel that it was all worth it, and I still struggle to find the words to express everything I experienced and felt.
Laura Alonso Uriarte
The full testimonials can be read on the PJV Vedruna website:
Youth Vigil, Plaza de Lima
On Saturday, June 6, after eagerly watching the online broadcast of the Holy Father’s arrival in Spain and his reception by the Royal Family, we gathered at the Center for Youth and Vocational Ministry to share lunch and a brief prayer. We also shared what excited us about participating in this event, and, with open hearts, we set off for the section assigned to us to take part in the vigil.
After waiting for a while, we made our way to Paseo de la Castellana, which had been closed to traffic for the occasion. It was exciting to walk down the streets we travel every day on our way to school or work, knowing that Louis XIV himself would be passing by there!
The atmosphere was electric, with lively music inviting everyone to celebrate this special occasion. The hymn composed for this apostolic visit, “Alza la mirada,” took center stage among the many musical performances of the afternoon.
When the popemobile drove by, it was a very special moment, just before the Pope’s conversation with a group of young people. The Holy Father shared some important reflections with us:
Post by @pjvvedruna on Instagram
In the presence of the Pope, and alongside the half a million people who also attended the Vigil, we fell silent to enter into a spirit of prayer during the time set aside for Eucharistic adoration. We experienced this ecclesial moment with great depth and meaning, knowing that we were part of something far greater than ourselves.
Holy Mass and Corpus Christi Procession
We got an early start on Sunday so we could arrive well in advance at Plaza de Colón, where we had been assigned a section to attend Holy Mass. We waited patiently and eagerly under the bright spring sun, alongside the rest of the crowd, which numbered more than 1 million people.
We stood watching as the popemobile passed by, waving enthusiastically and holding the Vedruna Youth Ministry flag aloft above our heads.
The Eucharist was a meaningful experience, and we celebrated it with deep emotion and reverence. In his homily, the Pope addressed us with powerful words that enlightened us:
Post by @pjvvedruna on Instagram
The celebration concluded with the Corpus Christi procession, in which deacons, altar servers, members of religious orders, and the children who received their First Communion this year took part.
“Building Networks”: A Meeting with Civil Society
Three of our colleagues were able to attend the Holy Father’s meeting with representatives from the worlds of culture, business, sports, and education at the Movistar Arena on the afternoon of Sunday, June 7
There, they enjoyed many moving moments. The pope’s entrance—as he walked down the center aisle of the field, greeting everyone warmly—was met with a long and heartfelt ovation. Actor and producer Antonio Banderas delivered a moving speech that touched everyone present. José María Coello de Portugal, vice-rector of the Complutense University of Madrid, spoke on behalf of Madrid’s educational and scientific community. Artists such as Sara Baras and Rozalén dazzled with their performances. Representatives from businesses and labor unions delivered respectful speeches. Athletes Carolina Marín and Teresa Perales shared powerful testimonials about the human side of sports.
The Holy Father responded to all these remarks with a profound address, in which he addressed many of the concerns raised throughout the afternoon and framed them around a fundamental question: what kind of society are we building, and what legacy do we wish to leave to future generations? He concluded the day with an important invitation:
“I invite you, then, to become new threads for weaving new networks that bring harmony to all areas of life, to weave a renewed society where time is imbued with eternity, culture safeguards memory and fosters dialogue, education promotes the search for truth with a critical spirit, art awakens wonder and generates noble emotions, business recognizes the dignity of the person, and work remains a driving force of hope.”
Meeting with the diocesan community, Santiago Bernabéu Stadium
Sisters and members of the Vedruna Youth Ministry also took part in the final mass gathering held by Pope Leo in Madrid on Monday, June 8, at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, with more than 70,000 people representing the diocesan community of Madrid.
It was a religious, artistic, and musical celebration, featuring performances by the Cruz Diez Symphony Orchestra, which provided the musical accompaniment, and the Madrid Church Family Choir—created specifically for this occasion and comprising a thousand voices, including those of 300 children. The anthem for the visit, “Alza la mirada,” was performed by Diana Navarro, Daniel Diges, and David Bustamante.
The pontiff was greeted with applause and cheers, and addressed the crowd with memorable words:
I suppose that for a soccer player, scoring a goal in this stadium is something that leaves a lasting impression, but today the Church of Madrid has scored a spectacular goal that will be remembered forever
This evening is a great hymn of faith, and I am delighted to join my voice with yours to praise God and strengthen the bonds of such a beautiful family that is learning the art of polyphony—that is, unity in diversity.
