We woke, chilled by the cool temperatures, but thankful that there had been no rain! Breakfast was put together from the meal plan provided by World Youth Day, as well as leftover snacks, chips and whatever else the pilgrims had brought with them. We then spent time as a group of 700,000 practicing the music for the upcoming liturgy with Pope Benedict. While this occurred another 300,000 pilgrims and local Germans walked and biked to Marienfield to join us for Liturgy. Many were touched by the Pope’s words during his homily, as well as the experience of sharing Eucharist with so many from every corner of the world. At the close of Liturgy the Pope announced that the next World Youth Day would be held in Sydney Australia in 2008! The Pope then greeted the pilgrim in several different languages before sending us home.

During our walk home, we encountered challenges of 1 million people in movement at the same time. The German police closed down both towns that we had walked freely through the day before – as both included train stations that were overwhelmed by the volume of pilgrims trying to return to Köln. A local resident, on a bike, by the name of Winfred, took us under his wing and guided us on nature trails around both towns. We finally reached a location where our buses could meet us, and returned joyfully, albeit tiredly, at 6:30 to our hotels.

Michael Croteau

“A great joy cannot be kept to oneself, it should be shared.” Pope Benedict XIV used these words to explain to all World Youth Day participants the importance of sharing the faith. He told us that we should read the Catechism, but asserted that “books alone are not enough help.” Thus he urged us all to “find communities based on faith” to be part of. In our last meeting with the Pope during World Youth Day, a bond was strengthened between one man and youth from all over the world, a bond that has already caused newspapers to proclaim “Generation Benedetto.” As we leave Cologne, we remember the Pope’s closing blessing: “Let us go forth as true worshipers of God, Amen.”

Donald Mitchell

I thought the liturgy with Pope Benedict was inspiring and uplifting. I really enjoyed the environment round me because it kept the spirit in the air. After he finished talking it felt like the Pope had spoken directly to me that was an everlasting effect for me.

Mauricio Gomez Parra

Uno de los mejores fines de semana en mi vida! Comenzamos bien temprano en la mañana con un paseo en autobús y luego una larga caminata hasta el campo de Marienfeld donde el Papa rezo con nosotros el sábado y celebro misa con nosotros el domingo. Habíamos mas de 700,000 personas celebrando y adorando a Dios y Conocimos personas de todas partes del mundo, como Bárbara de Bavaria (Alemania), Carolina de Uruguay y muchas mas. Nunca olvidare estos dos días por que al estar rodeado de tanta gente y en presencia del Santo Papa, me di cuenta que lo mejor en el mundo es ser Católico y creer en Dios. La jornada mundial de la juventud me hizo creer aun más en Dios y me siento orgulloso de ser Católico.

Translation from Spanish above:

[The best weekend in my life! We began our journey early in the morning, riding the bus to continue by foot for several hours to the Marienfield where the Pope prayed with us on Saturday and Celebrated Liturgy with us on Sunday. Overnight we were more than 700,000 people there worshiping the Lord. We meet people from all over the World like Barbara from Bavaria (Germany) and Carolina from Uruguay and many others. We will never forget those two days out at Marienfield because we were in the presence of the Holy Pope and thousands of people. We realized that the best thing in the World is being Catholic and worshiping God. The World Youth Day made me believe more and more in God and I am proud of being CATHOLIC.]

Roberto Cartwright

Today was like no ordinary day. We woke up bright and early and began our odyssey! We walked 9 miles to a field where we were going to spend the night before having Mass with Pope Benedict. We slept with the stars as our roof, and had a marvelous time – except for the dew on the morning’s grass and the cold! While on the field I had time to make many new friends from every country… Italy, China, France and of course Germany! They were all very nice and wanted to get to know our delegation! We then had Mass with a crowd of over 1,000,000 and the Holy Father. After Mass we began the long walk back. I must say I enjoyed today, I have seen God in many ways today!

Kelly LeFleur

“Benedicto!” was shouted as the Pope entered on Sunday morning for Mass. Clapping and yelling soon followed as numerous nations from around the world welcomed Pope Benedict. The joy was evident on his face as he entered the crowd, for it appeared as if he was close to tears as he welcomed us with open arms and all smiles! The focus of his homily was a simple yet beautiful one. He called us to life our lives for Christ, to share what we have gained with the world and bring others to Christ. He called us to live in such a way that people would see us and know that we are Christians and want the special joy that we have gained through Christ. I know all here will try to do just that, and will work to accomplish this challenge. This call was not just for the youth present in Köln, rather it was for all Catholics, and I hope and pray that they heard it!

Kathy and Melissa Bands

As we wake Sunday Morning at Marienfield, the first thing we notice was the crisp cold air and the dew on our things. The worst thing in the world seemed like it would be leaving our sleeping bags. However, the necessity arose to use the “spot-a-pots” and there was no choice! The clouds looked like the heavens might open with rain, so we covered our things and rushed to the bathrooms. By the time we got back, it was almost time for Mass – and so we began to prepare ourselves with radios, liturgy books, and the warmest blankets we could find – thankfully the rain held off and we did not have to worry about getting wet! Despite how tired we were, there was a greet sense of excitement in the fact that we were participating in Mass with Pope Benedict XIV.

Gail Love

With this being my first World Youth Day, I found myself growing throughout the last couple of days – linguistically, socially and spiritually. Linguistically, I grew because I approved my efficiency in the German language which is my major in college. Socially I grew a lot because I connected with so many new friends on the trip. The teens, young adults, chaperones, and directors have all been so warm and friendly every day! I hope that we will be able to stay in touch back home. And finally, spiritually I learned more than I ever knew before about the Eucharist, many of us even felt as though this were our first communion all over again. Having Mass with the Pope, of course, also helped me to grow spiritually. I will never forget it! Auf Wiedersehen!