Aachen (Fides Service) - As part of the initiative “kreuzbewegt - a cross moves the world”, the World Youth Day Cross which has already crossed 26 European countries, is now visiting the diocese of Germany in preparation for the 20th World Youth Day in August 11 to 21 in the German city of Cologne. At the moment the Cross and an Icon of the Blessed Virgin Mary, which Pope John Paul II entrusted to the youth of the world, are in the diocese of Aachen. While in this city the Cross was taken to the head offices of the Pontifical Mission Societies in Germany “missio” Aachen where it was welcomed with a Liturgy of the Word.
“After the Resurrection of Jesus the cross became a sign of salvation and hope. It calls young people to show tolerance, recognition and respect for people with different visions of the world and different cultures. So the pilgrimage of the WYD cross is a pilgrimage of life and faith”, said Fr Hermann Schalück national director of the PMS Germany. “Pope John Paul II entrusted young people with the World Youth Day Cross to help them become evangelisers and announcers of the message of Christ everywhere, at work, at home, at school”.
For World Youth Day in Cologne in collaboration with the Scout Association in Germany, missio is organising a “Scout mission” which will have a meeting place and a camp for scouts expected to come from all over the world to take part in the WYD. With German Catholic organisations Renovabis and Misereor missio is also organising an international festival of music and culture “Bridging the World”. (MS) (Agenzia Fides, 23/2/2005 - 23 righe, 298 parole)