MADRID, Spain, SEPT. 3, 2009 (Zenit.org).- The cross that tours around the world leading up to World Youth Days will begin this month a pilgrimage through Spain, the host country for the 2011 youth event.

Sept. 14, feast of the triumph of the cross, will mark the beginning of the youth day icons' travels through Spain. In addition to the cross, there is an image of the Virgin Mary that goes from place to place in preparation for World Youth Day.

The next international youth event will be held in Madrid in August 2011.

The cross and icon of Mary will visit Spain's vicariates for two- to four-week intervals. It will also be taken to a jail and form part of an annual youth pilgrimage.