MADRID — Welcomed to World Youth Day by a boisterous, flag-waving throng of hundreds of thousands of young people, Pope Benedict urged them to be strong, solid and think about their faith.

Pope Benedict walked through the Puerta de Alcala, a monumental arch symbolizing the entrance to the city, with young people representing Europe, the Americas, Africa, Asia and Oceania.

Benedict XVI arrives in Madrid for WYD 2011

OTTAWA — The Canadian Catholic Organization for Development and Peace (CCODP) is urging Canadian Catholics to help the 10 million people in the Horn of Africa whose lives are endangered by drought and famine.

CCODP spokesperson Kelly Di Domenico described the worsening situation in the region as “drastic.”

How to follow WYD Madrid 2011

Opening Mass of World Youth Day Madrid 2011

Right from the beginning, the Twardowski men have led the processions at the annual Skaro Pilgrimage. So this year David Twardowski again walked at the head of the procession prior to the Aug. 14 evening Mass and the ensuing candlelight procession with the Blessed Sacrament.

How did the Twardowski tradition start? David says he doesn’t know.

SKARO — The Virgin Mary offers Christians of every age "a beautiful example of unwavering faith," Msgr. Jack Hamilton said in his homily at the 93rd annual Skaro Pilgrimage.

Mary had "a confident reliance on God no matter how outrageous God's plan might seem at first," Hamilton said. "In this she is truly blessed and so are we."