Hundreds of thousands of pilgrims made their way to Cologne, Germany, for World Youth Day 2005.   The movement of these travelers paralleled the theme of this year's World Youth Day:   We have come to worship Him. (Mt 2:2)

Spoken by the three wise men as they searched for the Christ Child, this sentiment embodies the spirit of pilgrimage of this year's exuberant audience.

In the words of Archbishop Roger Schwietz, O.M.I.:   "We prayed together, laughed and sang, suffered and perhaps shed a tear.   We gradually grew fond of one another and became a traveling community, journeying toward Christ and learning to care for one another, just as the Magi must have done."

Archbishop Schwietz, along with Bro. Craig Bonham, O.M.I., journeyed with 147 parishioners and fellow clergy from the Archdiocese of Anchorage to Cologne.   While in Germany, the group also visited religious sites in six different cities and towns.

A physically challenging task, the pilgrims walked an average of 10-12 miles a day.

Athea Albanzas, a parishioner from Anchorage, added this insight: "I discovered through the physical demands of the pilgrimage, such as the endless walking to and from pilgrim sites, that things are more easily accomplished when done in the name of faith."

The power of faith and the universal Church left a lasting impression on many of the young travelers.

"At the kick-off celebration, I was filled with a feeling of amazement the moment I walked through the stadium doors and saw 50,000 other youths celebrating and praising God," said Kimberly Collins, an 18-year-old pilgrim in the group.   "Seeing all those people gave me a sense of community."

But for most people, attending Mass with Pope Benedict XVI was the crowning highlight.   This was the first foreign visitation of his pontificate, as well as his first World Youth Day.   Upon the Pope's arrival, Archbishop Schwietz, Bro. Craig, Cardinal Francis George, O.M.I., and Bishop Jerry Wiesner, O.M.I., were fortunate to ride on one of the five American Continent boats, greeting the Pope.  

From his view on the boat, Archbishop Schwietz witnessed a wonderful surprise.

"From the boat, I saw on the shore a huge banner of the Oblates from Hunfeld, welcoming the Pope.   It was a great thrill to see the impressive presence of the Oblates there."

One quote from the Pope's Sunday sermon stayed especially with Bro. Craig:   "Anyone who has discovered Christ must lead others to Him.   A great joy cannot be kept to oneself.   It has to be passed on."

Bro. Craig considered this idea within the context of American society.

"I hear the Pope clearly stating that our faith is not a private matter, but the true discovery of Christ leads us to be Christ's missionaries by our words and actions...   In this country, one hears that religion is a private matter.   Clearly, this is not the message of Christ."

This call to action resonated with many of the young people.

"It is clear to me that we are the youth of today, and if we are not interested or ready to be a part of the Church, then there will be no Church tomorrow," said Remy Spring, a 16-year-old pilgrim.

This feeling reiterates a sentiment from Pope John Paul II concerning youth: "You are the future of the Church.   You are the future of the world."

The experience of World Youth Day affected the pilgrims much as it affected the Magi when they discovered the Christ Child.   In coming to adore Our Lord, the pilgrims also learned more about themselves, their faith, and their abilities.

Archbishop Schwietz said, "Perhaps this is the greatest gift of our pilgrimage to World Youth Day - that like the Magi and our group, pilgrimage can foster change, which is the work of God's grace."