As always everyone in JACY & Portsmouth diocese are keeping everyone over in Jersey in our prayers, especially those effected by recent events.

After leaving the Hostel at 9.30 am and then enjoying a four hour wait for our World Youth Day packs, we headed down to Cibeles Square to "set up camp" in preparation for the opening mass at 8.00 pm.

It wasn´t long before the square was filled with pilgrims... as someone from our group discovered, a 5 minute walk to the toilet took 45 minutes due to the crowd.

The heat has been so immense over here that our fellow Spaniard, Jaime, said "I´m sweating like a chicken"! Anyone know where to buy chicken deodorant from?

WYD atmosphere was amazing as we were surrounded by so many other Catholics singing and cheering whilst awaiting the arrival the Archbishop Antonio Rouco Varela and concelebrant Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone.

All throughout the day we have been swapping and trading bands with other communities and groups - it´s been amazing to meet so many other young people who share in our faith, (it´s also been an amazing experience giving Geography lessons to so many people).

We´ve just enjoyed a luxurious sit down meal with the group outside of... McDonalds!

Just off to get some sleep now, ready for an 8.30 start tomorrow morning!