High numbers at WYD 2005

Catholic News Agency ^ | August 16, 2005

[NYer]

Cologne, Aug. 16, 2005 (CNA) - World Youth Day (WYD) 2005 has recorded the highest number of registrations in WYD history. As of yesterday, 405,000 young Catholics from almost 170 countries have registered for the event. 

Organizers were expecting 400,000 pilgrims, and some 800,000 are expected for the final Mass.

Cardinal Joachim Meisner, archbishop of Cologne, announced the latest statistics at a press conference today.

There was a surge in registrations in the last week, said the cardinal. At press time, organizers reported that 105,000 German youth had registered, including the volunteers, making them the largest group represented at WYD 2005.

The number of priests at WYD has also hit a record high. Organizers were expecting about 5,000 priests, but the number has nearly doubled to 9,805. Cardinal Meisner told the press conference that organizers do not have enough stoles and garments for all of these priests at this time.

About 2,700 journalists from around the world have received official accreditation.

[NYer]

[End Times Sentinel]

I joke around here a lot, but I'd heard and read about "indulgences" being allowed at the conference and for the life of me, I have no idea what that is.  I've gone to every resource I have, but I'm still unsure of what this is.

 

Anyone able to clarify this for me?

Owl_Eagle

(If what I just wrote makes you sad or angry,

 it was probably sarcasm)

[NYer]

Opening Ceremonies

Flags from 193 countries flutter in the wind during the opening mass for the 20th World Youth Day in the Hofgarden in Bonn, Germany August 16, 2005.

Bishops from 193 countries attend the opening mass for the 20th World Youth Day in Hofgarden in Bonn August 16, 2005.

Two Franciscan Brothers of Peace from Minnesota walk with their luggage in front of the cathedral in Cologne, western Germany, Tuesday, Aug. 16, 2005.

I feel cheated!! The only thing we had for catholic youth when I was growing up, was the CYO and they served us bug juice. No fair!!

[ValenB4]

Good news! Thanks for the ping.

[NYer]

I'd heard and read about "indulgences" being allowed at the conference and for the life of me, I have no idea what that is. I've gone to every resource I have, but I'm still unsure of what this is.

Special Indulgences for World Youth Day Announced

8/12/05

World Youth Day will be held in Cologne, Germany from August 16 to 21 and Pope Benedict XVI has granted two special indulgences.

The Apostolic Penitentiary — the Vatican Office responsible for ruling on issues relating to the recognition of forgiveness of sins in the Church — issues a decree August 8 on indulgences available to the faithful who attend World Youth Day.

A plenary indulgence is available to the faithful who attend the sacred functions of World Youth Day and also "attentively and religiously" participate in its solemn conclusion on Sunday, August 21. The decree lists the additional conditions that must be fulfilled in order to gain this or any other plenary indulgence: sacramental Confession, reception of Holy Communion, prayer for the intention of the Holy Father, and freedom from attachment to any sin.

For those that can't attend World Youth Day, a partial indulgence is available wherever they may be, provided with a contrite heart, they pray fervently that Christian youth be strengthened in the profession of the Faith; be confirmed in love and reverence toward their parents; and form a firm resolution to follow "the holy norms of the Gospel and Mother Church" in living out their present or future family life, or whatever vocation they are called to by God.

The decree was signed by Cardinal James Francis Stafford and Father P.
Gianfranco Girotti, OFM Conv., the major penitentiary and regent of the
tribunal.

[AnAmericanMother]

An indulgence is the extra-sacramental remission of the temporal punishment due, in God's justice, to sin that has been forgiven, which remission is granted by the Church in the exercise of the power of the keys, through the application of the superabundant merits of Christ and of the saints, and for some just and reasonable motive.

Read all about it:

Indulgences - the Catholic Encyclopedia

[kstewskis]

Forgive my well, negative opinion, but after watching the encore of the opening mass, I saw nothing "solemn" about it.

Towards the end, when Germany's president made a "surprise appearance" and came out to speak, was just too much.

A politician speaking at a Mass? (even if it was at the end)

It looked more like a soccer/football match, than a mass.

Okay, enough "fuddy duddy" commentary. I know GG is holding down her end of the fort!

[onyx]

My new tv was getting installed... I missed it! Now that I have read your comments, I'm glad I did.

[kstewskis]

Stay tuned to EWTN.

Not sure if they'll play it again. Pope BXVI's mass isn't due until Wendesday (around 6am eastern time).I hope it gets better.