STORY - "B E N - E - D E T O !"
By Chris Welbourne

“BEN-E-DETO” Clap-clap, clap-clap, clap! “BEN-EDETO” Clap-clap, clap-clap, clap! This was the oft-repeated chant heard by Andrew Hacker of East Maitland at the World Youth Rally in Cologne, Germany in August. Andrew joined 33 others from the Wollongong and Maitland-Newcastle dioceses on a pilgrimage to the rally.

When asked why the new Pope Benedict XVI was received with so much enthusiasm and fervour, Andrew opined, “He has charisma. Maybe it is a little different from John Paul II’s charisma but he is probably quite deliberately trying to differentiate himself. In addition, the rally was his first official engagement in another country that just happened to be his own. Also, young people want to see a unified church and Benedict is a unifying influence.”

Pope Benedict XVI made a spectacular arrival at the rally. A boat carrying the Pontiff led a procession along the River Rhine surrounded by other boats representing all the nations of the world. The Maitland-Newcastle diocese was represented on one of the boats by Sophie Molding and Andrew Martin. Other pilgrims from our diocese watched from a vantage point on the banks of the Rhine
directly opposite Cologne Cathedral. From there they saw His Holiness alight from the boat onto a pontoon and then enter the cathedral.

The main event of the rally held at Marienfeld outside Cologne was in two parts. The first was a vigil Mass on Saturday celebrated by the Pope. At the Vigil Benedict gave the first part of his message, the second part being delivered at the Mass he celebrated next morning. Andrew was moved by Benedict’s explicit welcome to all whether they be Catholic, non-Catholic or non-Christian. It was, according to Andrew, “a real evangelistic event. At that time and on many other occasions you could feel the presence of the Holy Spirit.”

Andrew was inspired by the number of pilgrims and the countries represented – over one million pilgrims attended. On the evening of the Vigil Mass, he went for a walk around the perimeter of the Marienfeld assembly. So vast was the gathering that it took him two hours to complete the circuit, thinking “I am walking around the whole of the Christian world. This is world wide Christian unity. This is much bigger than self.” He was also impressed by the attitude of the pilgrims in light of the considerable transport chaos and other logistical difficulties.

“Although many were frustrated and tired they would just sing, play music and interact with each other. Language was no barrier to the goodwill everyone shared.”

“The announcement of Sydney as the host city for the next World Youth Rally in 2008 caused great excitement amongst the Australian contingent. Earlier in the week we had been shown the video promoting Sydney’s bid. At that time we were each given a shirt emblazoned with ‘World Youth Day Sydney’, being told not to wear it until after the announcement at Marienfeld. When it came, the shirts suddenly appeared from under other clothes, Australian flags were waved and for the only time during the rally we were noisier than the Italians.”

Regarding personal outcomes from the experience, Andrew says, “I am still processing it all but I did learn a lot about distinguishing between faith and culture. I am more open to how other people express their faith. There are as many ways to express faith as there are people to express it. Within Christ’s teaching there are lots of ways to express faith. My way is no better or worse than any other, it is just different.”

When asked if he would urge other young people to attend future rallies he replied, “Most definitely” and offered this advice. “The event is a pilgrimage not a tour. It’s meant to be a spiritual experience, so prepare yourself before you go. The pilgrimage is symbolic of your whole Christian journey through life. Sit down and pray about what you are doing. Leave where you are behind and go with space in your mind to absorb it all.”

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