The latest word...

Well, things are starting to fall into place.

I am going to Italy with the group from MN as planned, but I am now going to be attending World Youth Day with the Emmanuel Community, with my good friend Fr. Joseph and his sister and her friend!

Here's the schedule I was e-mailed (I myself will not be arriving in Cologne until the evening of Tuesday August 16th, since as I said I am going with the MN pilgrimage group through Italy)

Planned schedule of the central events of the XX World Youth Day 2005 in Cologne and of the events with the Emmanuel Community

The schedule of the World Youth Day 2005 is constantly advancing. This overview mirrors the current situation. It is possible that intended times and events presented in this overview may change.

Each day:
7h30-13h00: Morning prayer in the parishes, Catechesis, Sacrament of Reconciliation and mass in Cologne, Düsseldorf and Bonn
14h00-22h00: Youth Festival à missions with the Emmanuel Community at our mission places in Cologne, Düsseldorf and Bonn

Thu-Mon 11th-15th of August 2005:
International Forums in Altötting, Kevelaer, Paray-Le-Monial and Wadowice

Mon 15th of August 2005:
Arrivals in Cologne, Düsseldorf and Bonn in your accommodations/ Marian celebrations in the parishes

Tue 16th of August 2005:
10h00-15h00: Emmanuel-“Kick-Off-Meeting” in Cologne, Düsseldorf and Bonn
17h00-19h00: Opening mass in Cologne with Cardinal Meisner, in Bonn with Bishop Bode and in Düsseldorf with Cardinal Lehmann
19h00-22h00: Welcome! Festival in Cologne, Düsseldorf and Bonn

Wed 17th of August 2005:
7h30-13h00: Morning prayer in the parishes, Catechesis, Sacrament of Reconciliation and mass
18h30-22h00: Highlight “NIGHTFEVER” – big meeting of the four routes with the Emmanuel Community
- band/praise
- concert with Father Stan (rapping Franciscan from New York)
- testimonies of young people
- Emmanuel Priest-Band
- Speech Jean Vanier (foundator of L’Arche)
- “We have come to worship HIM “(Adoration)
- Cardinal Schönborn (Vienna)
- International meeting, info, feast, music, drinks and snacks

Thu 18th of August 2005:
Morning prayer in the parishes, catechesis
16h30-19h00: Welcome celebration with Pope Benedict XVI.
19h00-22h00: International Festival

Fri 19th of August 2005:
Morning prayer in the parishes, catechesis
Afternoon: Meeting with Pope Benedict XVI. and 20.000 seminarists and the Emmanuel Community
19h30: Way of the cross

Sat 20th of August 2005:
Final service, farewell in the parishes
From 11h00: Access granted for Vigil at the Marienfeld
20h30 – 23h30: Vigil with the Pope at the Marienfeld, followed by silence and adoration, Sacrament of Reconciliation

Sun 21st of August 2005:
10h00-12h30: Concluding Mass with the Pope at the Marienfeld
Departure (until 18h00: Musical closure of WYD)


Friday afternoon sure looks interesting -- I don't think that was on the main WYD schedule of events... well, I think it was listed, but only for seminarians... since I'm decidedly not one of those :) I didn't really pay much attention to it... but this kind of looks like maybe I'll be able to go (?) -- we'll see!!