I felt that I grew closer to the MTA

World Youth Day Moments: Joseph Stephens, Brookfield/WI, USA

En Cambrai In Cambrai In Cambrai
En Eswars In Eswars In Eswars
Philip Carlson yoseph Stephens (der.) Philip Carlson and Joseph Stephens (r.) Philip Carlson ud Joseph Stephens (r.) Fotos: Schoenstatt Family Magazine © 2005

WYD-MOMENTS.The Boys Youth of the USA attended World Youth Day in Cologne, Germany with over one million other young Catholics. It was simply amazing to see so many countries present at this great encounter! By far, the highlight of World Youth Day was seeing Pope Benedict XVI, hearing him talk to the youth of the world, and having the opporunity to pray with him during Mass. I believe he touched everyone’s heart by his simple, yet strong words, his humble example, and his enthusiasm. It was great to see and experience this!  

While we were in Cologne, we visited the Cathedral. This church is a total masterpiece of architecture! While we were there, we saw the relics of the three wise men. They are kept in a gold case behind the altar. As I walked past the relics, I was struck with amazement as to how these three Kings were some of the first to ever come and adore Jesus. Now, millions of people adore Him every day in the Eucharist! Another experience that some of us had was the climbing of 512 steps to the top of the tower of the Cathedral. There was an amazing view at the top.  

It is as if a whole new dimension has been placed on my covenant of love with her

This trip had a great impact on all of us piligrims. If I were to be asked the question, "Where did I grow the most through this great experience?" I would answer straight out – my relationship with the MTA. Here on this trip, I discovered my covenant with her in a totally new way. I felt that I grew closer to her through all the experiences of the trip. It is as if a whole new dimension has been placed on my covenant of love with her. I noticed this transformation in me when I renewed my covenant in the Original Shrine. I was also inspired in this way during our visit to the Schoenstatt shrine in Cologne and the night of the vigil with the Holy Father. I can definitely see our MTA better now because of this pilgrimage. She is with all of us! 

I would say that we all very much appreciated going to WYD. We grew a lot through the experiences of, seeing the Holy Father, visiting the cathedral, having times of contemplation and prayer, working through times of stress and hardship, and also of course, having time to walk around and enjoy downtown Cologne! I believe that most of the Boys in our group commented about how they really want to go to the next WYD in Sydney Australia. I think that tells of what a great experience we all had!

Taken with permission from: Schoenstatt Family Magazine, USA