We are finally connected ... after many hours of traveling, we all got to Aachen, exhausted but with much enthusiasm to begin this experience.
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The young people receive the WYD materials, booklets of songs and prayers, and a symbol that will accompany them during the days of their journey: a little sandal. |
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Today, August 12, we began our journey together... We began by praying, and most of all by getting to know one another! Each group reflected not only their own culture and background, but also their expectations and the spirit that prepared and led them to this WYD. Two hours of dances, mimes, songs and sharing from each country created a festive and deep communion among us.
Senegal introduced us to the various ethnic groups who are present there. In order to make us realize that Senegal is a country in process, they introduced the “car-rapide” – a van used by everyone in Senegal. Gemma told us her life story and her desire to understand the plan God has for her. Jules told us how difficult it is to be Christians in Senegal, where Catholics are a minority.
The Brazilians found a very amusing way to introduce both their culture and the members of their group. Vinicius and Sr. Rosemary presented us with a skit wearing the typical Brazil peasant clothes. Then they invited us to dance with them and for a few minutes the room turned into a ballroom!
Sr. Armida and Cassandra introduced to us the U.S.. Sr. Armida shared her story and vocation and Cassandra played a piece on the clarinet.
We Italians introduced ourselves at two different times: the group from Sicily with a mime that showed how much they wanted to follow Christ by coming to Cologne. The group from Pistoia and Rome sang a few songs sharing how they welcomed the call by Benedict XVI to get out of their homes and “open the doors to Christ.”
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Moment of prayer in the chapel of Mother Frances |
Presentation by the central Italy group [Message on T-shirts: “Open the doors to Christ.”] |
Our morning continued with an international Liturgy in the convent’s chapel. Each group participated to the Liturgy by being in charge of a different part. So, at Mother Frances’ tomb there resounded songs and prayers from every part of the world.
It was particularly powerful when Sr. Armida renewed her vows, while waiting to make her Final Profession (in a few months). She was moved by the fact that she was renewing her profession before Mother Frances, in whose footsteps she has chosen to follow.
In the afternoon, we started out to visit Aachen ... but we found RAIN instead!! We did not give up, but made it to the “Rathaus” – which is the Town Hall. This is the palace where for many centuries the emperors were crowned. In our honor, they opened a room – the crowning room - which is normally closed!!
This is it for now... until tomorrow!
CIAO from Matteo and Mariangela
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Presentation by the Brazil group
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The Senegal group |
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The United States
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…and finally the Sicily and Padua groups |
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Sr. Armida Sison renews her vows in the presence of Sr. Gianna Giovannangeli
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Sr. Armida at the tomb of Mother Frances |
A tour of the city with Sr. Katharina Maria, SPSF |
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…al municipio di Aquisgrana |
