One million pilgrim bags have already been prepared and in the coming days they will distributed to the reception offices.That will be the distinctive sign of all the young people partecipating in the 15^th World Youth Day. The style of “pilgrim’s pack” recalls the long marches undertaken by the Romei who set out for the “city shrine”. In the bag will be seven objects among which:

The Gospel and the lamp

They are two signs of special significance: the lamp and the Gospel of St Mark. The lamp is a reproduction of the earthenware lamps found in the catacombs of Priscilla. The young pilgrims more than a million will light it in the evening of August the 19^th  when they will be gathering  together to participate in the Vigil celebration at Tor Vergata presided by John Paul II. The Gospel of Mark in an ecumenical edition, has been printed in five languages (English, French, Italian, Polish and Spanish) and it brings a handwritten blessing of the Holy Father. the Organizing Committee In the vademecum addressing each pilgrim writes,: “The Holy Father welcomes all of you to the diocese of Rome to celebrate the 15^th World Youth Day and he offers you the pilgrims bag, hoping that with the help of its contents you will make a fruitful pilgrimage”.

 The vademecum and the handbook of prayers

In the blue bag on which the WYD logo is clearly visible, the young people will also find a vademecum for the World Day which includes the programme, information, indications and useful tips for the young people who will be partecipating in many activities. The pocket size booklet  has been prepared in four languages (English, French, Italian and Spanish)

If the vademecum is the “practical guide” for the WYD2000, then the booklet called “youth in prayer” will be the spiritual guide. The texts of the celebrations, invitations to meditation as well as the liturgical hymns will accompany the young people along this journey which will be rich in prayer, festivity and reflection.

Pilgrim’s map, foulard and jubilee badge

The pack also contains maps, itineraries and suggestions for moving around the city. The young pilgrims will also be given a cap and a green foulard, framed with the Italian flag with a large WYD logo and besides all the previous World Youth Days logos starting from 1984 in Rome  to 1997 in Paris. On their T-shirts the young people from 160 countries will be able to pin the jubilee badge with the keys of Peter, the crest of the Holy See and the graphic symbol of the World Youth Day.