Already over 100,000 enrolled” “

Christmas: fundamental moment for Christians that recalls the journey of the Magi, symbol of the WYD in Cologne, which chose as its slogan: “We have come to worship him” (Mt 2:2). And this year, Advent, a period traditionally deeply felt by the Germans, is being experienced in the light of the forthcoming meeting of the young with the Pope. The Fourth International Forum to officially present World Youth Day will be held at Bensberg, near Cologne, from 6 to 9 January. We spoke about it with MATTHIAS KOPP , spokesman of WYD in Cologne 2005. What particular initiatives are being taken for the spiritual preparation of German youth this Advent? “With the beginning of Advent, a further step will be taken towards the 20th WYD. Advent is a period of intensive liturgical and spiritual preparation, with liturgical celebrations for our volunteers, weekend retreats, etc. We have realized a virtual calendar for the Advent of WYD; it can be consulted on our website www.wjt2005.de from 1st December on: in this way we want to show also to those outside the Church how we imagine the hospitality in the manger where Jesus was born: each day during Advent, volunteers of the WYD organizing office will recount something about the customs of Advent in their own countries”. What expectations do German youth have of WYD? “Our 27 dioceses are organizing a series of preparations, especially thanks to the participation of many youth groups that are making very much alive and present the motto of WYD. With numerous contacts via Internet on the websites of the dioceses, posters, flyers and postcards, the concepts of Advent and Christmas are being linked with the WYD slogan. In the parishes, in the dioceses and throughout the country, we can already experience a bit of the atmosphere of WYD. I think we will have achieved our purpose of raising the awareness of all the parish communities by the end of 2004. Now, in the eight months still left to us, we must especially concentrate on raising awareness in circles not linked to the Church”. How are preparations going at the technical and logistic level? “We are delighted that only in recent days the 100,000th enrolment in WYD has arrived from abroad. The figures are very positive. We have begun the second phase of enrolments and now hope in the confirmation of many bookings. The procedures for the international accreditation of journalists will begin from 1st January. Of course the biggest challenge and the biggest logistic difficulty will be ensuring the mobility of pilgrims. As far as accommodation is concerned, we have reached a good point. On the whole we are optimistic, especially after the visit of Monsignor Renato Boccardo, who has praised the efforts made to far”. Is the ecumenical aspect of WYD also taking shape? “Ecumenism will undoubtedly have a significant role in this WYD. In his message of invitation to the 20th WYD, Pope John Paul II addressed himself in particular to the non-baptized and the members of other Churches. In the parishes and throughout the country we observe the great interest being shown in WYD by other German Christian confessions, such as the Orthodox and Evangelic Churches. We are pleased that the evangelic communities, for example in Cologne, have offered us their churches and their centres not only as venues for the various events and as lodgings, but also to host ecumenical celebrations during WYD. A few weeks before WYD, the German Evangelic Ecclesiastical Congress will be held in Hanover. We will be present at the event with our own stand to provide further information and raise awareness about WYD”. What do you hope from this WYD? “Transforming WYD into something that may endure beyond 21 August 2005 depends on the quality in the German Church. Some of our bishops tell us the effort of organizing WYD was worth it, because already a fresh start in youth ministry can be perceived”.