• Where can we send preparation material for the Meeting?

To the web page’s e-mail address: info@emf2009.com or by mail to the Meeting’s main offices at: Apolinar Nieto 40, Col. Bosques de Tetlameya, CP 04730, México, D.F. Tel. (52-55) 5528-0298.

• Where can we find a detailed description of where the events will take place?

The Pastoral Congress will take place at Expo Bancomer, Santa Fe, on the West side of the city.

The Festive Meeting with Testimonies at the Azteca Stadium on the southern part of the city.

The concluding Celebration of the Eucharist at the Basilica of Guadalupe on the northern part of the city. You will find detailed access and location maps on our web site.

• Is there an attendance family limit for each diocese?

No. But it is necessary that each family be properly registered (before October 2008) to be able to attend the event.

• Will there be reserved seats?

There will only be reserved seats at the Festive Meeting and the concluding Celebration of the Eucharist for Cardinals, Bishops, and Priests and for registered participants to the Congress. For all other participants, seats will be assigned according to those available: pilgrims, who come from outside Mexico and have informed us of their participation prior to the event, will have special consideration.

• What is the Program of Activities for the VI World Meeting of the Families?

The event will take place in three stages: a) A Theological - Pastoral Congress from January 13 to 16, 2009, b) A Festive Meeting with Testimonies, on January 17, and c) The concluding Celebration of the Eucharist, on January 18. The program for each event will be announced later.

• Will Pope Benedict XVI participate?

We all hope He will be able to come. If the Pope does participate, He will confirm his presence shortly prior to the date of the encounter.

• Who can participate at the VI World Meeting of the Families?

Everybody– Bishops, Priests, Lay People – and especially all families that wish to participate. Participation is not restricted by religion, personal conditions or knowledge. The meeting is a festivity of the families. Everybody is welcome.

• If I will not be able to attend the Congress, could you guarantee me a place in the Festive Meeting with Testimonies and the concluding Celebration of the Eucharist?

Theoretically yes, depending on the availability of tickets.

Registration for pilgrims

• How much is the registration fee?

The registration fee is $350 dollars USA per family or married couple. There will be a 20% discount for anyone who registers before October 15, 2008.

• What does the registration fee include?

The registration is for the Theological - Pastoral Congress. It includes the participation, the Pilgrim’s Kit, and lunch for every day of the Congress. It also includes other material that will be offered to each participant. There is no added costs for the other two events: the Festive Meeting with Testimonies and the concluding Celebration of the Eucharist. Whoever registers for the Congress will be provided for the tickets to participate in these two events.

• What is the procedure for group registration? How can we promote the Meeting among the families of the Dioceses or the Movements?

Contact the General Secretariat (info@emf2009.com) to make the reservations and then promote it in your Diocese sending the list of people that will take part in the event.

It is necessary, for each Diocese or Movement to have a promoter responsible to make all transactions.

• How can I register to the Congress?

Through the person responsible for the promotion of the World Meeting in your Diocese or Movement, or directly at our web site. It can also be made through the Central Coordination Commission Offices.

• Are meals included in the registration fee?

Yes, but it only includes lunch for the days of the Congress (January 13-16).

• Do I have to register if I live in Mexico City?

Yes, certainly.

• Will there be any special arrangements, if I have visa problems to enter Mexico?

We hope we can make arrangements with the Secretary for External Relations. Secretaría de Relaciones Exteriores.

• How should we dress?

Casual clothes. January is a cold month in Mexico City, we suggest warm clothes.

Bishop’s and Priest’s Registration

• Do Cardinals and Bishops have to register?

Yes, just as everybody else. This also applies to priests and religious communities.

Congress Participation

• What type of services will be available to the participants during the Congress?

Beverages and snacks will be available at a cost. There will also be simultaneous translation in six different languages: Spanish, English, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Child care (day care, playground, etc.), and Medical services. Currency exchange services will also be available.

• Who will the Speakers be?

Internationally renown figures on the subject of the Family. The Pontifical Council for the Family will choose them.

Accommodations

• Information regarding accommodations.

There is a wide variety of hotels in Mexico City. There will be also be accommodations with families at no additional cost for families. There will also be Retreat Houses available at more accessible prices.

• Should I book my accommodations with a specific travel agency in contact with the Organization Committee of the event?

Everybody should make their own reservations personally through a travel agency of their choice. The Central Coordination Committee of the VI World Meeting of the Families does not sponsor or support any particular travel agency.

• If we are traveling as a group can we stay all together in the same place?

Yes. You can make your own hotel reservations. We will also have Retreat Houses available. In each case, reservations should be made in advance.

• Where can we stay during the days the Meeting?

You can stay in the hotels in which the Organizing Committee has been able to provide at reduced costs. You can have access to these hotels in our web page and make your reservations with a code, which will be sent later.

• If the events will take place in three different parts of the city, which is the best place to stay?

For those who will participate in the Congress (Santa Fe) there are many convenient hotels located in that part of the city. The City Center of Mexico and Paseo de la Reforma are also excellent choices.

• Does the registration fee include accommodations?

No. Accommodations should be made separately.

• Can I charge if I offer my house for accommodations?

No. All of these types of services we offer are free of charge.

• Does the Organization Committee assigns places to stay to individual persons or groups?

No. Only to Cardinals and Bishops, Speakers in the Congress, Members of the Presidential Committee and of the Pontifical Council for the Family.

Transportation

• Will there be means of transportation to the site of the Congress?

Yes, we will soon announce the itineraries.