A cloud in the sky above Marienfeld, the large area once an open-pit mine which has been chosen as the setting for the end of the XX World Youth Day, which opened yesterday with twinships with the German dioceses. At least, this is the look of the big covering of 2,500 square metres and 60 tons that has been built to cover the altar, located 12 metres above ground, where Benedict XVI will head the vigil and the last Mass of the WYD. During these two events, said the German Committee, "it will be lit inside by 1,600 fluorescent lamps which will stay on all through the night for the pilgrims, as a visible sign of God’s presence". To make sure it remains "the last cloud in the sky above Marienfeld", the archbishop of Cologne, cardinal Joachim Meisner, and prelate Heiner Koch, secretary general of the WYD, will lit a candle in front of the "Black Virgin" in the Church of Saint Mary in der Kupfergasse and will pray to have fine weather during the WYD. "We can’t they said plan everything in the WYD Department. We have to place our trust in God". In early 2005, the delegates of the Churches of 70 countries brought some earth from their countries to Marienfeld, as a token of the international character of the WYD. The area will also show a logo made up of flowers which will burst into bloom over these days, forming the message: "This is Marienfeld, where the WYD will end in Germany". A view of the cloud and Marienfeld are visible on www.wjt2005.de.
