That sign is alive

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Ps 119:105): that’s the motto chosen by Benedict XVI for the 21st World Youth Day, which this year is being celebrated at diocesan level on 9 April, Palm Sunday. To mark the occasion an international meeting of WYD delegates is being held in Italy (at Sassone di Ciampino, near Rome, from 6 to 9 April), during which “an evaluation of WYD 2005 from the pastoral viewpoint” will be attempted and discussion will focus on the next WYD, Sidney 2008, with Cardinal George Pell, archbishop of the Australian city. The meeting will end in St. Peter’s Square on Sunday 9 April with Palm Sunday Mass, presided over by the Pope, during which the ceremony of the handing over of the WYD Cross by German to Australian youth will take place. Also present at Sassone will be Monsignor Michael KÜhn, head of the national Youth Pastoral Service in Germany. SirEurope interviewed him. What was the pastoral impact of WYD 2005 on the German Church? “For the first time all the components of youth ministry, at the national, diocesan and global level, and of the representatives of the youth movements and associations worked together to organize World Youth Day in Cologne. A preparation to which we dedicated ourselves not only at the logistical but also at the spiritual level”. What was the legacy of WYD in Cologne to Europe? “A great testimony of youthful faith and also many hopes. Hope, in the first place, that the Church, thanks to the young, may build bridges able to unite the peoples of Europe, reduce the distances between them and help them to rediscover common and shared roots. Cologne taught us that meeting, dialogue and cooperation are essential for European integration. The experience of diocesan twinning brought this home to us very clearly. Difficulties and mistrust are overcome through mutual understanding: by getting to know each other we build lasting relationships”. What are the finest fruits of WYD in Cologne? “I would say those that each participant experienced in the personal sphere. But I would also cite the revival of pilgrimages among the young; this was thanks above all to the 40-day pilgrimage of the WYD Cross through the dioceses of Germany. We are now preparing a pastoral aid on youth pilgrimage. Initiatives of this kind are flourishing in the German dioceses and enjoying a revival in those where a tradition of pilgrimages already existed. The WYD was a catalyst of experiences that are gaining new meaning within the Catholic youth world. Another positive result is prayer in parish centres, in the cathedrals and monasteries; in many cases it consists of the recitation of Vespers. A growth of presences and personal involvement is being registered. Now that the emotional phase of the immediate post-WYD has been exhausted, we are now seeing young people gain a deeper and more mature awareness of their own faith”. Does this change also include those outside the Church? “It involves first and foremost those who were already participating in the life of the Church and to a lesser degree also some ‘lapsed’ Catholics. We have seen that some of the latter are now returning to the Church and also asking for Baptism. The greatest effect is among those who were already undergoing a journey of faith within the parishes, dioceses, movements and associations. After Cologne our youth have matured; they’ve become more courageous”. What do you mean? “I mean that they speak about their faith, their being Catholic, with far greater freedom and enthusiasm. In short they no longer hide their faith. This is also true of former East Germany where normally people don’t speak of faith due to the Communist legacy. On their return from Cologne, many youngsters were asked by their friends who had stayed at home what WYD means: those days spent together with thousands of others from every part of the world. That interest does not immediately lead to a conversion, but in instils doubts and poses questions about the faith even in those who are not believers”. What advice would you give to the organizing committee of Sidney 2008? “Cooperate together at the diocesan and national level. And use all the resources of the nation, whether they belong to the Church or not. WYD is the event not of a single diocese but of a whole country. On the spiritual level I would aim at the sign of the Cross as symbol of communion, faith and prayer”.