(July 31, 2009) The logo for World Youth Day 2011 in Madrid was presented on Thursday,
30th of July: The image reflects youth of the world beneath the cross,
united to form the crown of Our Lady, patron of Madrid. The upcoming World Youth
Day is scheduled for Aug. 16-21, 2011. The logo designer, José Gil-Nogués, explained
that the image symbolizes "youth of the whole world united to celebrate their faith
together with the Pope, at the foot of the cross, and they form the crown of Our Lady
of Almudena, patron of Madrid." The crown, Gil-Nogués added, forms the "M" of Mary
and of Madrid. And the cross, symbol of Christianity, presides over the event. The
message of the logo, the designer continued, is "a catechesis, an opportunity for
evangelization: The quick and sure path to reach Christ is the Virgin Mary, Mother
of God and of mankind. In Mary's faith, youth have the example and model for reaching
Christ and fulfilling the primary goal of World Youth Day: to bring their message
to the world." "The logo has a firm and spontaneous stroke," the designer suggested,
"like youth of the 21st century. It is close, friendly, open, Joyful, carefree and
positive."The logo was selected after a competition among professional graphic designers.