Pilgrimage to the Cathedral

The ZAK group

I was one of the 1.2 million privileged youths who attended World Youth Day in Germany! It really was one of the greatest events of my life. I attended World Youth Day with Zaghzagh Azzjoni Kattolika, which is a Maltese youth catholic action that I have been part of for the past three years. Out of the 81 members from this group who attended World Youth Day, nine of us were past pupils of the Sacred Heart, and we surely made that known!

The trip was a success from beginning to end. During the two weeks we spent in Germany we were welcomed by the youths of two different parishes, first in the small village of Bad Merghentheim and then in the larger and busier village of Ratingen in Düsseldorf. Whilst in Germany we stayed with host families, who offered us great hospitality and although we did not know any German, and they knew very little English, we communicated so well! During the actual week of WYD, we attended various activities such as pilgrimages and concerts.

The joyous atmosphere of singing and proclaiming our love for Christ in Germany was something I can never forget. The enthusiasm of all the youths from so many different countries was something out of this world. It was just great to be able to meet so many friendly teenagers and exchange a few words, addresses and badges or souvenirs with them. Unfortunately we were unable to see His Holiness the Pope from our position in Marienfeld, though I can still say I felt the fervor of the love of Christ which he wanted to pass on to us. After such a great experience at World Youth Day, I hope that I will be able to be one of the many past pupils of Sacred Heart attending World Youth Day in Sydney in 2008!  

Katrina Grech