” “Lucky, a German priest, merrily goes about the square in Aachen kissed by the sun, amongst the 10 volunteers from the "Kernteam" centre. Its hostess, Edith Benden, has 5 young people of the WYD from France as her guests at home, and she is overjoyed with the experience. She brought out a cake into the square and offered it to the volunteers during a brief work break from welcoming the pilgrims. "From last Thursday until Monday 15th said Veronika Pfeiffer, 30 years old, employed by the diocese of Aachen we welcome into the city 1,000 youngsters from all over the world. We have been working for a long time to prepare for these days". Out of a total of 2 million inhabitants of the diocese of Aachen, 1,200,000 are catholic, split amongst 544 parishes. There are 404 priests, whilst there are 81 catholic youth centres. According to Pfeiffer: "The voluntary work experience is wonderful. We work so hard, but, at the same time we enjoy ourselves". Also Andrea Pohl, 22 years old, a university student from a small village near Aachen has been working for 10 years as a catechist in her parish for children between the ages of 8 and 13. She is pleased with her commitment as a volunteer for the WYD, saying: "Meeting youngsters from other countries, in addition to teaching me about other cultures and a little English, helps me review my relationship with God and live my faith more in depth".
