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Thursday pg1 | pg 2 - WYD 2005 |
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Thursday morning some of the Boston pilrims chose to get up early for breakfast in order to go to the Catechetical Session before it could be filled. Some others relaxed in order to save up their energy for the Pope's arrival. |
One of the first (and last times) that we would see the streets of Koln empty! It was impressive to hear the stories of faith of being lived out in these young Bostonians. One young woman is a nurse in Boston who has already read some of Pope JP2's writings on suffering and integrates them into her work experiences in the ICU! |
Some of the Team went along to help show the way but this group from St. Christine's in Marshfield was so gifted and organized that THEY led US through a shortcut in the train system! |
We Americans have had a great presence here in Germany. We fell into line with the other English speaking pilgrims on the way to the session. We enjoyed meeting others from Canada, Great Britain, and others all across the U.S. (Most reminded us that they were also a part of the "Red Sox Nation" and when we met pilgrims from CT, NJ, or NY, we also reminded them of the Patriots!) |
The event was held at a "minor league" soccer stadium in Leverkusen. It was huge and beautiful. |
The "stage was set" as we were greeted with a concert by Jesse Manibusan. |
If you look closer you will see Boston Pilgrim Chris Gosselin with his hands up on stage because he was asked by Jesse to help him out! |
The flags help us to see and appreciate the different nationalities and ethnicities...and these are just the English speaking Countries! |
The stadium begins to fill in. We have heard that there are over 20,000 registered pilgrims from the United States alone. |
"God Bless America" |
Many people meet up with old friends and make new ones. This is longtime CYM and friend of Boston John, the Director from Bridgeport, CT. |
Pilgrims continue to arrive eager for catechesis. |
Truly a beautiful stadium and an even more beautiful moment for the English-speaking Church! |
Many groups have followed Boston's unique neon green color scheme from WYD Rome 2000! |
We were fortunate enough to hear from the Bishop of Nova Scotia. |
Another "not by chance" meeting with my wife's friends from St. Charles parish Woburn! |
Another chant and dance being exchanged with our Italian friends! |
Italy's blue hats are this WYD's hot item to trade for, again like Boston's green shirts from 2000. |
Four of our pilgrims have traded for one. But they are an expensive trade usually costing at least a Boston Red Sox hat or more! |
Rumors say the numbers are already above 800,000 with more on the way for the Vigil and Liturgy!!! |
Security has been excellent with a friendly and obvious presence. |
"For God and for country" delivering prayers at the Dom. |
Truly a "God Blssed" day. |
Many pilgrims began to gather along the Rhine River for the Pope's own pi;grimage to the Cathedral. |
People came by foot, bike, scooter, train, cab, and even horse! |
A traditional German band gathers to welcome the Holy Father as he goes from car to boat. |
People gathered all along the coastline and we met some great pilgrims from Poland, Italy, India, and even Koln, Germany itself! |
The WYD blimp was even there... |
...fro a bird's eye view. |
The welcome dock! |
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