The wish of Edith Stein” “

“Ecumenical, caring and open to strangers”: that’s how the archbishop of Cologne, Cardinal Joachim Meisner defines the next World Youth Day due to take place in the German city, seat of the relics of the Three Magi, from 11 al 21 August 2005. “It is not just an event of the diocese of Cologne alone – explained the archbishop to a group of Italian youth who had come to Cologne on pilgrimage in advance to the site of the next WYD, an event unique of its kind in the panorama of European youth apostolate – but one of the whole German and universal Church. We expect a presence of approximately 800,000 youth from all over the world. But if their number should even rise to two million, we have so much space that we would refuse no one”. “In the twentieth century – he added – two major catastrophes originated in Germany, namely the First and the Second World War. We wish that in this twenty-first century Germany may be the source not of war but of peace, the peace of the young”. The WYD will also provide opportunities to express solidarity with the victims of the tsunami of 26 December 2004 and for involvement in social work. Ecumenical celebrations are planned in Cologne, Bonn and Dusseldorf. “Many sister churches – said Meisner – have placed their places of worship at our disposal and have also offered their collaboration in finding accommodation for the young. But I wish to emphasize that the same help is being offered to us by the Islamic and Jewish communities”. Meanwhile the international conference, promoted by the Pontifical Council for the Laity, to present the next WYD in Cologne to the delegates of youth ministry from all over the world, was held in Bensberg from 6 to 9 January. The programme included various reports that reviewed the situation of the organization and preparation of the event. CentrES OF SPIRITUALITY AND YOUTH FROM EASTERN EUROPE. “Centres of spiritual formation for the young”: this is one of the fruits of WYD hoped for by Father Hulrich Hennes, in charge of the youth pastoral service of the diocese of Cologne. Hennes, who also fills the post of organizing secretary of the German WYD Committee, insists on the need to continue the mission to the young after WYD: “all the work of spiritual formation performed since 2002 must not be squandered. The some 3000 youth that form the 320 ‘kern teams’ (work groups) represent a precious resource for the whole German Church, which through them may reach out to the youngsters most alienated from the Church. All of them, even the youngest, have value and a role to play in the Church”. In particular Father Hennes identifies in the youth of the former East Germany a frontier territory for the involvement of the Church. “In the regions of the former East Germany – he said – only 20% of the young are baptized. We intend to approach them and create for them occasions for meeting, just as we wish to enter into contact with all those young people who, even if they are baptized, are ignorant of the message of Christ”. “The young – he concluded – must be able to experience for themselves that the Church is a great experience of faith and of life”. THE EXAMPLE OF EDITH STEIN. “Edith Stein (1891-1942) has much to say to the youth of our time, who feel dissatisfied and disappointed amid so many different experiences of life”. The example of Edith Stein is being proposed to the participants in the next World Youth Day by Elisabeth Kramer, a former pupil of the saint in the period when she worked as a schoolteacher in Speyer. It is a witness that comes from the same Carmelite convent in Cologne where Edith came on 31 December 1938 to venerate the image of the “Madonna of Peace” before leaving the city so as not to place in jeopardy the lives of her consoeurs. “Edith Stein – said Kramer – taught German language. She was a humble and modest person who had particularly at heart the education of girls. She always had time for us pupils and was respected and esteemed by everyone”. Kramer then revealed some episodes in the life of Edith Stein: “it was her habit to pray by night in front of the tabernacle, but no one knew this, because she locked herself inside the little chapel. Everyday, moreover, she participated in mass and had a spiritual father. Her wish was to ‘become one’ with the Eucharist”. “Her relation with the young – she continued – was quite particular. She frequently repeated that the young need to be listened to and not forgotten, and that time needs to be devoted to them to try to give answers to their questions about the meaning and value of life. For this reason I think Edith Stein can represent an example for our young people to follow. The decision to propose her as one of the patron saints of the WYD in Cologne in August 2005 represents a far-sighted idea that will bear fruit”. SISTER Ancilla, mother superior of the Carmel in Cologne, where 22 sisters now live, recalled the commitment of the religious communities to the German WYD. “Each week we offer the eucharistic adoration for the success of the event and even after it has been held we will continue to offer prayers for all youth who live in conditions of hardship, disadvantage, illness and poverty”.