Special to the Herald
(From the issue of 9/23/04)

Pope John Paul II has once again invited all of the world’s young people to meet with him in Germany at the 20th World Youth Day from August 16 to 21. The motto of this World Youth Day (WYD) is taken from the Gospel according to Matthew: "We have come to worship Him."

The pope plans to appear in person at this festival of faith and encounter with an estimated 800,000 young people aged between 16 and 30, and 600 bishops from throughout the world. They will attend WYD events in Cologne and all over Germany.

The Office of Youth Ministry is busy organizing a pilgrimage to WYD 2005 for several hundred young participants from the Diocese of Arlington. Arlington Bishop Paul S. Loverde hopes to attend along with several priests from the diocese who will provide spiritual direction throughout the pilgrimage.

Kevin Bohli, director of the Office of Youth Ministry, will lead the pilgrimage. This is not a new experience for Bohli — he also led WYD pilgrimages to Paris in 1997 and Toronto in 2002.

"Gathering with 1 million young Catholics from all over the world is a faith-changing experience," said Bohli. "In Paris we were hosted by a group of French students, and shared our accommodations with pilgrims from Italy and Cameroon. The phrase ‘Universal Church’ suddenly became a lived experience."

WYD pilgrims have opted for the simple accommodations in order to keep costs down and to reinforce the idea of ‘pilgrimage’ vs. ‘vacation’. They will be sleeping on the floors of a school, and eating the simple meals provided at various large food distribution centers around the city.

During the days, the pilgrims will attend catechetical sessions, daily Mass and visit churches or other sites of historical significance. The evenings consist of large celebrations offered by Catholic artists from around the world, or other opportunities for prayer and worship. The week ends with a final pilgrimage to a large field where all 800,000 pilgrims sleep outdoors and rise to a celebration of the Mass by the Pope.

"World Youth Day is not easy ministry, and is not for everybody." said Bohli. "The long walks, long lines, long days, hard floors and cold showers are a constant reminder that it is through suffering that we grow. However, those who go through the experience in the proper frame of mind will be forever changed."

The pilgrimage will be from Aug. 14 to 22 and will cost approximately $1,600 per participant. Participants are required to be at least 16 years old and must register through their parish. Contact your parish Coordinator of Youth Ministry for more information. An optional pre-trip to Poland and the Czech Republic is also being offered. For more information go to www.ArlingtonCatholicYouth.org.