WORLD Youth Day 2005 in Cologne, Germany, was certainly a memorable and life-changing experience.
I was incredibly privileged to be given the opportunity to go on pilgrimage as a teacher, to accompany a fantastic group of young people from Brisbane Catholic Education schools.
On August 16 we met as an Australian group in Cologne.
Put 2500 young Aussies in one room, united for one purpose, and the energy you create is nothing short of amazing.
Representatives of each group that travelled to Germany shared symbols of their pilgrimage and items of entertainment for the group.
Morning sessions of catechesis involved the gathering of young people from Queensland and other parts of the world. We listened to Scripture, formed discussion groups and participated in a question and answer session with a cardinal.
A highlight for me was when Cardinal Dias of Mumbai, India pulled out his guitar and taught us a song entitled The Royal Telephone.
This celebration of faith always concluded with a Mass where our own Archbishop John Bathersby and Queensland bishops concelebrated.
This was a thought-provoking and inspiring way to start our day.
During our time in Cologne we walked a riverside pilgrimage to the Cologne Dom, or cathedral.
This amazing place houses the relics of the Magi and had the most incredible ability to inspire, despite the pressing crowds.
The pilgrimage to Marienfeld was by far the most challenging experience for me. Many times I chanted the mantra “I am a pilgrim not a tourist” as I negotiated the massive crowds.
Many young people attended adoration of the Blessed Sacrament here and Mass was celebrated by the Pope before a group of over 1 million young people.
For the students I accompanied, the whole experience of World Youth Day presented to them a Catholic Church of which they could stand up and be proud.
Many students spoke about the connections that they had made with other young people who believe in God, and the impact that had on their own faith development.
I learned that throughout the world young people are facing similar questions, thoughts and experiences of being a young person in today’s society.
By having the chance to travel with a group of young people, I was able to witness their growth, providing me with new insights in order to better address the needs of young people in my parish.
I strongly encourage any young Aussies who have an interest in their faith to make an effort to get to Sydney in 2008.
This experience is truly one to be remembered.
Denise Gabbana
Teacher,
St Patrick’s Primary School,
Gympie
