by Isaac Demase

World Youth Day was a life changing experience. The memories and the experiences will live with me the rest of my life. World Youth Day has changed the course that my life was plotting and put it on a “collision course with Christ.”

The two points that I want to highlight especially today are the:

• Days in the Diocese
• World Youth Day week in Koln

To me the days in the diocese experience was crucial in preparing us pilgrims for the different events throughout the World Youth Day week, but also to experience another culture, way of life. The events and activities we were involved with during our stay in Esslingen were simple, well organized and always had a touch of flair . It was up to pilgrims to seek the Spirit and embrace all that they could. Activities included: BBQ’s, games of soccer, trivia (which caused some disagreement between locals).

On a spiritual level again it was very simple, but effective. Pilgrims, their host families and the parish community joining together to celebrate our faith. To me some of the most powerful experiences throughout the whole pilgrimage happened during this time. Two communities from opposite sides of the world coming together: One in Christ Jesus.

To me the keys of the Days in the Diocese experience were:

• Simplicity
• Organised
  
• Local Customs (How we would normally do it)
  

The week in Koln was packed with action, energy and spirit. Major events included greeting the Pope on the Rhine rive, the Way of the Cross in the local parish on the Friday night and of course the night vigil and papal mass. There were also many festivals and concerts throughout the week which anyone could enjoy.

But despite the massive numbers of people you could still find a calm moment, space for the Spirit. What also struck me was the mix of race & culture. It opened my eyes to how truly universal our church is.

As one young girl from Sydney said on the promo DVD: “We will be the focus of this Church which is 2,000 years old and you will not want to miss it.”

So as I finish I would like to leave you with a quote from Pope Benedict which sums up what happens to many pilgrims whilst at World Youth Day, it certainly happened to me.

Pope Benedict: “To all of you I appeal: Open wide your hearts to God! Let yourselves be surprised by Christ! Let him “the right of speech” during these days! Open the doors of your freedom to his merciful love! Share your joys and pains with Christ, and let him enlighten your minds with his light and touch your hearts with his grace.”