World Youth Day 2005 cross logo bears special
significance
by Sr. Margaret McHugh
Director of Youth Ministry
In August, thousands of youth
from all over the world will make a pilgrimage to
In mid-June 2003 German organizers
released the official logo for World Youth Day 2005. Drawing on Christian and
local symbolism, a large red cross dominates the artwork. The cross is a
reminder that the event is foremost an encounter with Christ; the yellow star
symbolizes divine guidance, as it led the three Magi on the road to Bethlehem;
the comet tail represents the star's route, which comes from God; the two red
peaks stand for the Cologne cathedral, a central point for the World Youth Day
celebration and where the relics of the Magi are held; and the large blue
ellipse symbolizes the universal communion of the church and the waters of
baptism.
The cross serves as a symbol
for World Youth Day. Like the young people who attend WYD, the cross travels
around the world, calling youth to deepen their faith and live it more
sincerely. Young people of the world give witness to their faith when they
welcome the cross for World Youth Day of other special events.They become more
aware of Christ's love, which strengthens their life of faith and gives them
the courage to make decisions to live as Christians.
Interested in going to World Youth Day?
Presently, there are 12
pilgrims from the Diocese of New Ulm registered for World Youth Day and we
still have room for more! Pilgrims should be at least
16 or 18 to participate. Chaperones should be 21 years old. Estimated cost is
$2,500. Anyone interested should contact the New Ulm Diocesan Office of Youth
Ministry as soon as possible. A $300 non-refundable deposit will hold your
seat. The deadline for registering is
Learn more!
For
more information about the World Youth Day logo, visit: www.wjt2005.de/index.php?id=277&si=1.
To learn more about the traveling cross visit:
http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/pontifical_councils/laity/Colonia2005/rc_pc_laity_doc_20030805_cross-history-gmg_en.html
World Youth Day 2005 Lenten catechetical materials are available on the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops Web site. Visit: www.usccb.org/laity/lent2005.shtml.