The journey towards World Youth Day has just begun

Eight volunteers of the Schoenstatt World Youth Day Project Team in Cologne

Los voluntarios en Colonia, 21 de agosto The volunteers in Cologne, August 21 Die Voluntäre in Köln, 21. August
Colonia, a un año de la JMJ 2005 Cologne, one year before WYD 2005 Köln, ein Jahr vor dem WJT 2005
La MTA en Colonia The MTA in Cologne Die MTA in Köln
Oración en la Catedral Prayer in the cathedral Gottesdienst im Dom Fotos: Artiaga © 2004

SCHOENSTATT-WYD, Andrew Artiaga. On the morning of Saturday, August 21, eight representatives of the Schoenstatt WYD Project Office travelled to Cologne in a huge, ancient, red van. Although the only one who stayed awake for the entire journey was Fr. Patricio, their souls were eager for a journey even as they slept. They wanted to participate in the "Word Youth Day Countdown" ceremonies one year ahead of the big event.

The opening ceremonies of World Youth Day 2005 were already underway when they eight slipped into the huge Cathedral of Cologne. The cathedral was not very full. But the three-hundred volunteers present were encouraged by Cardinal Meisner, the Archbishop of Cologne, reminding them that starting with just a few loaves and fishes, our Lord was able to feed a large multitude.

When the World Youth Day banners were raised

After the celebration they clapped and cheered while the World Youth Day banners were raised in the square in front of the Cathedral. The people of the city looked on with curiosity, and got a little taste of World Youth Day. The plaza was full of people in circles eating lunch. Cardinal Meisner came and greeted our little Schoenstatt circle.

After lunch, they had a presentation and tour in the World Youth Day Offices in downtown Cologne. This experience helped them to feel solidarity with the work of those preparing the events in Cologne. They also noted that while the WYD Office had a very impressive atmosphere, the office in Schoenstatt is marked by special charisma and the presence of the MTA in every single room.

At the Shrine in Cologne

They made the last portion of their journey through the bustling streets, to a quiet and deserted part of downtown. Through a gate, in the shadow of a scary old church, they saw the Shrine door in a building with a flat roof. And through the door was Jesus, the goal of their pilgrimage.

We greeted the MTA with the song "Ave You Immaculate" in Polish, German, Spanish, Portugese, and English. In the little shrine of our Blessed Mother, they had a very close encounter with Christ with a few minutes of adoration, sharing thier hopes and dreams with the holy Child of Bethlehem.

A dream… a commitment… a star

In one year, we want to invade that city, especially that crumbling and cold part of Cologne, and fill it with life and song. I know that this desire was burning in all of our hearts as we prayed. As you read this, in fact, there is a little WYD Candle burning in the Shrine in Cologne, waiting for the arrival of the international Schoenstatt youth.

The Sisters gave us ice cream before we returned to our big red van. Once we had arrived back in Schoenstatt, we sang at the grave of Franz Reinisch, since it was the anniversary of his martyrdom. Our trip together was over, but the journey to World Youth Day had just begun.

As we begin this journey, we know some of the feelings of the three wisemen. Our goal seems far off, and requires us to orient our entire lives toward it. But like the wisemen, we have a star. As Fr. Patricio likes to remind us, Mary is our star, and she leads us on our way.