Cologne Tag

GERMANY, Maria Fischer • The most moving moment is very quiet and almost as surprising as the moment fifty years ago when Fr Kentenich proclaimed and entered into the covenant of love with God the Father. It happened after the solemn Holy Mass when the organisers were already standing in front of the shrine, and were busy assembling the procession to the shrine. One of them asked, “Where is the Father Symbol?” It was in the hands of Fr Juan Pablo Catoggio, who was carrying it out of the “Elendskirche”.Read More
GERMANY, from Maria Fischer • “Everyday life has started again. Trust in GOD helps us to dare to move into the future strengthened by the pilgrimage graces”, Werner Philipps wrote in the Whatsapp-Chat of the Team of Trust in GOD. For days after the end of the pilgrimage on Saturday 6 August, the team was still busy exchanging photos and experiences. The end? Not really. “We could say that the World Youth Day begins today and continues at home tomorrow, because that is where Jesus wants to meet you. TheRead More

Posted On 03.08.2016In WYD2016

The faded stars in Cologne

By Sarah-Leah Pimentel • The article “On the Move with Trust in GOD” brought tears to my eyes. The article says that a candle with the World Youth Day symbol was burning in the shrine. And then I saw the photograph. It was not the symbol of WYD2016, it was the symbol of WYD2005, which took place in Cologne, Germany that year. The motto that year was “We have come to worship him.” And the five stars that greeted the young people who came to Cologne that year are still there.Read More
GERMANY, By Maria Fischer • Cologne on “Sunday, the only 31 July 2016, the day that will never be repeated”, the good-humoured train driver of the Rhein-Sieg Express announced at 12.23 p.m. to help his passengers get over their frustration because of the delay. “If we trust in God we will still catch the connecting train in Siegen.” At that moment those taking part in the pilgrimage on foot with “Trust in God” had been walking for more than an hour through heavy showers of rain through Cologne towards BrühlRead More
GERMANY, Maria Fischer • “Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. And even the hairs of your head are all counted. So do not be afraid; you are of more value than many sparrows.” (Mt 10,29f.) If, in the middle of planning a project concerned with mediating God’s mercy to people, a Holy Year of Mercy is proclaimed, a whole new dimension enters into the preparations. … “The Church feels the urgent need to proclaimRead More