In following with a tradition begun in previous years, World Youth Day (WYD) in Madrid will feature a Vocations Fair. The event will take place in the Parque del Retiro, where nearly 68 stands will be set up, each representing a different movement or institution in the Church.

The Vocational Expo 2011 aims to help young people attending WYD to experience first hand the many vocations that exist within the Church and find encouragement in their search for God’s will in their own lives. 

It is also opportunity for religious families, movements, associations of faithful, and other church institutions around the world to present their charism to hundreds of thousands of WYD participants present in Madrid. This Vocational Expo will have representatives from many different countries, including: France, Norway, United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Belgium, Guatemala, Chile, and Peru.

Even in a technological world

On the occasion of the World Day of Prayer for Vocations, Benedict XVI highlighted that, “in this time as well, when the Lord’s voice runs the risk of being drowned out by so many other voices, every ecclesial community is called to promote and safeguard vocations to the priesthood and the consecrated life.”

"People, in fact, always have need of God, even in our technological world, and there will always be a need for Shepherds who announce the Word and help us to meet the Lord in the sacraments," the Pope concluded.