Mons. Haßlberger en el Oasis Bishop Haßlberger at the Oasis Bischof Haßlberger in der Oase Foto: Cabero © 2005
Donde está el Santuario, y el oasis? Where do we find the Shrine and the oasis? Und wo geht es zum Heiligtum, und zur Oase? Foto: POS Fischer © 2005
Información sobre Schoenstatt Information about the Movement Information über Schönstatt
Busqueda de huellas Seeking signs Spurensuche: SMS von Gott Fotos: Cabero © 2005
Entrada al Oasis Entrance of the Oasis Eingang zur Oase
Un momento de descanso A moment of rest Ein kleine Ruhepause Fotos: POS Fischer © 2005

WYD –COLOGNE, pca "Ah, What a surprise, Schoenstatt! exclaimed two youth from Mexico with a look of relief, when from a distance after turning the corner of Flizengraben Street in Cologne, they saw the luminous poster that is displayed in the street: "Oasis". That is exactly what they are looking for, an oasis where they can rest a little after all the running, the pilgrimage through the cathedral, the food that was late, the strong experiences, the waves of juvenile joy. "Oasis Inschallah", in the Trinitatis center, offers a place to share and to stop the travel of the pilgrims during World Youth Day in Cologne.

When work is done with love it is possible to establish a special place and this is the objective of the Schoenstatt Youth that works in the Oasis in the Trinitatis center. They take care of the visitors who arrive to see the live show that the Trinitatis center offers. During the day you can see the youth from the German Movement serving coffee, preparing wafers, washing dishes, serving soft drinks, manning the information booth, etc. They are organized by groups and they all collaborated so that the Oasis will truly be a place of welcome for the visitor, just as they done on so many other opportunitiea, the last one was on the occasion of the blessing of the Matri Ecclesiae Shrine, in Belmonte, Rome, it was not an easy task , since it was many kilometers away.

Here everyone finds something to eat and someone with whom they can converse. Such as Monsignor Hablberger, for example, who shared a hamburger with the Schoenstatt youth; after presenting the catequesis for the day, or a group from Bolivia, who met a compatriot from the Girls’ Youth. There are many Sisters of Mary drinking coffee or tea, and also some people, who are not so young, who simply want to see how the youth are getting along.

Oasis, a youthful site, joyful and full of color

The Oasis is decorated with the World Youth Day colors: red, blue and yellow. When you enter, there is some netting where you can place a greeting. "Chile greets Peru", can be read on the net. Further down is the cafeteria, with a varied menu of sandwiches, soft drinks and coffee. Marlen Schnabl from Rottenburg, who worked on the design of the hall in the parish center where the Oasis is located, in the middle of the most beautiful garden, said, that "the Oasis wants to become a youthful site, joyous and full of color". As it should be, the Blessed Mother occupies a special place in the Oasis.

If you go to the garden you bump into the stage where the international show is presented. Generally, this place is always full of people, where everyone converses, becoming a common place for encounters. In the garden, there is also an information booth , the Schoenstatt Movement makes its presentation on a column that is covered with photos and posters.

I’m lost, where is my group?

The people who work there must be able to speak several languages since people from all over the world come here, it may be for information about the Movement, for a little conversation or to find out where to locate their group.

Close to the information booth there are three other columns with general information about Schoenstatt. Katharina Dengler, from Baden-Wuerttenberg, comments that the goal is to explain the objectives of Schoenstatt in a brief and general manner, such as its structure and the Marian aspect of the Movement. The purpose of the columns, represented through the images and texts of the Father and Founder, refers to God’s personal call to each person. On the other side there is a global explanation about the communities within the movement, which offer alternatives for everyone. And finally, the last column centers on the founding of the Movement and the Covenant of Love with the Blessed Mother.

And of course Father Kentenich is also present in the Oasis, via a direct connection from a public telephone through which he communicates with the youth. Anyone who wishes can receive a personal message from Father Kentenich during World Youth Day, come on, get connected!

In the midst of the multitude and the diversity of events, God also wants to communicate with each one, and he does it by sending messages, which don’t always reach the intended person. In this sense Schoenstatt has provided a place for meditation in the Trinitatis center, which helps one capture the small messages that God is sending. This space is called " The Search for footprints".

Father Martin Emge, a member of the General Council of the Schoenstatt Institute of Diocesan Priests, was in charge of the mediation on Wednesday, which was attended by a large number of youths. These youths took the time to meditate on the personal events they have experienced throughout the days of the journey.

"Trinitatis" a footprint of God. On the steps of the cathedral there is a large poster announcing that a theatrical presentation "Radiance of Fatherhood" will be presented at 5:00 p.m.at the Trinitatis Church. Based on what we have seen, during the next few days, Oasis in Trinitatis may become that footprint that many are seeking.

Translation: Celina M Garza, Harlingen, TX, USA