World Youth Day 2005
The Twentieth World Youth Day (WYD) will take place this year in Cologne,
Germany from the 16 – 21 August 2005. It is estimated that approximately
one million young people will travel to meet with Pope Benedict XVI.
More than 1,500 young Irish people will be making the trip to Cologne
for the event.
WYD has become a legacy and living relic of the vision of Pope John Paul
II which was to invite young people to participate in the very heart of
the Church. Since 1985 millions of young people have participated in
these events.
In 1985 as part of International Youth the Pope invited young people of
Italy to meet with him. Around 500 000 young people turned up, including
many from outside of Italy. Pope John Paul II immediately recognised
the potential of such gatherings. He went on to keep these “appointments”
with young people. WYD has been held in places such as Denver 1993, Manila
1995, Paris 1997, Rome 2000, and Toronto 2002.
The programme of WYD is always similar. Depending on costs, young pilgrims
arrive at WYD using a variety of means, bus, boat, car, train or plane!
After a huge opening ceremony, young people have a daily programme consisting
of catechesis sessions, which are talks given by bishops and Cardinals to
young people on a particular theme. The theme this year is taken from the
Gospel account of the Magi – “We come to adore him”. This is followed by
Mass. Each afternoon, there is usually a large urban space where a festival
of faith takes place. It consists of a variety of music, dance, meditation,
talks, faith opportunities and wares – albeit not under the one roof. On
the Friday there is usually a Way of the Cross and then on the Saturday
the Pope holds a vigil of prayer with young people, followed by an overnight
camp outside and morning Mass. The highlight this year is that this is the
first with Pope Benedict XVI presiding.
Click here for details of Pope Benedict XVI's trip to Cologne for
World Youth Day.
Click here for Chronicle of World Youth Days.
Click here for story of the World Youth Day Cross.
Ends
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