| Vatican City (Fides Service) – “Preparations for World Youth Day in Cologne are going well: we have regular monthly meetings with the organisers in Cologne to plan the organisation of the event - said Rev. Francis Kohn, Head of the Youth Section at the Pontifical Council for the Laity in a conversation with Fides -. The chosen Logo has been presented to the Holy Father and now we have launched a music contest to select an official 2005 WYD hymn. Youth Day is very dear to the Pope’s heart. In fact at the Sunday Angelus prayer on the Sunday preceding celebrations for the 25th anniversary of his election he spoke of youth, calling them the hope of the Church and humanity”. Fides spoke with Rev. Kohn the day after the Logo chosen for the next World Youth Day which will be the 20th , was presented to Pope John Paul II. The Logo was shown to the Holy Father by WYD secretary general Heiner Koch and WYD delegate administrator Hermann-Josef Johanns.
Father Francis Kohn explained to Fides the Logo’s symbolism. “The focal point of World Youth Day is an encounter with Christ who is represented by the Cross in a central position. The Cross is red standing for love, but also passion and suffering. The Logo also shows a star standing for guidance from Heaven, a point of reference. According to Biblical tradition it was the star which led the Three Wise Men from the East to Christ. As on the first Christmas, so also today the star will lead the young people of the world on their pilgrimage to Cologne. In fact the Scripture passage chosen for the 20th WYD is “We have come to adore Him”. In the background twin spires recall Cologne Cathedral, where for centuries people come to venerate the earthly remains of The Three Kings. Lastly the Logo is encircled with a blue letter C standing for Christ and for his Church (Communio) symbolised in a blue boat within the letter C ”. The Logo was designed by Jörg Zimmermann aged 38. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 30/10/2003 lines 32 words 352)
|
Precedente 