Money- how much is enough?

WORLD YOUTH DAY.

World Youth Day Cross.

Money- how much is enough?

 

Money- how much do I need to take to Madrid?  This is a very common question and of course the answer is an individual one, not only because it depends on what you can afford, but also on your desires and values for WYD.

 

Obviously spending money is needed especially if you wish to bring back souvenirs to family and friends and to the parish or sponsors. However, it may be a good idea to make a list now of the people that you think you will buy for and then reconsider your list later as you get closer to leaving for WYD. You might like to consider on your list the item/s that you may buy. This way it gives you at least some idea of your possible budget

 

When I went to WYD in Rome and Sydney, the food was part of the package.  It is important to remember that you are on a pilgrimage, so the food is basic- nourishing and sustaining, but not 5 star hotel cuisine. If the latter is your expectation, then think again.  See if you can manage on basic food- the same for a week during Lent to prepare yourself. So in this regard, you do not need money as you have it included in the package.

 

As a two-time WYD pilgrim however, I would strongly recommend that you have some money for a real restaurant meal once in your week- ideally before the vigil walk as it will sustain you through the walk, the sleep over vigil and the final mass. You are at the end of the week by this stage and energy is running low if you are doing well and empty for most pilgrims.  You need money for a decent meal before you make the final journey- a last supper if you like.

 

I still remember that restaurant meal in Sydney 08. My friends and I enjoyed it on the day the pope had greeted us. It was a celebration of the pope's arrival in our country, but also, because we had already experienced the conditions of the vigil walk and vigil and final mass in Rome, we refuelled our bodies, minds and spirit for the journey ahead.

 

So how much is enough- well at least sufficient for one hearty meal  during the WYD week. Souvenirs are an optional extra because you will bring back the souvenirs in your heart that you will never forget.

 

Keep saving and getting your pennies together..