The fears of the vigil seem to have disappeared. The weather forecasts, which mentioned rain, leave room for wide areas of blue sky and rays of sun over the Marienfeld esplanade, where in less than two hours the prayer vigil by the young people with Pope Benedict XVI will begin. This is the last but one appointment of this 20th World Youth Day,which will close tomorrow with the final Mass. The rain of recent days did not leave much mud in the area of the former mine located about 30 kilometres from Cologne. Hence it was possible for the pilgrims to lay their cloths on the ground (the blue one is of the Italians),including mattresses and sleeping-bags to rest a little before the expected arrival of the Pope. The large lawn is already all full; it is difficult to walk along the avenues purposely created as a passageway, where ambulances and security vehicles are parked. Some points, in particular the ones close to the papal stage, are closed to the extent of involving and calling by loudspeakers security guards to invite (in several languages) pilgrims to leave the roads free as passageways. The maxi screens spread out in various areas are used to put up flags and banners. Marienfeld is becoming moreand more colourful by the minute and more and more people are waiting. The long queue of pilgrims in the centre of "Reconciliation” and Adoration also bears witness to this. Silence reigns here.
