Imagine Woodstock, but with Catholic teenagers instead of rock fans.
For two days, the murky Rhine River has been something Catholic pilgrims to this city rode over to get somewhere else: the main Cathedral, a rock concert, or a prayer service.
COLOGNE - It may once have been a spiritual capital, but now, like many of Europe's cities, Cologne's churches are half empty on Sundays.
At one point during the first day of the Catholic festival of World Youth Day, the police had some bad news: The red and white trams that serve as the main transportation in the city were filled.
Alexandra Weber had shopped at IKEA before, but she never expected to sleep in one. When the German volunteer showed up to help set up the weeklong World Youth Day Catholic festival, she found that she had been assigned a yet-to-be-assembled bed in the lower parking lot of the blue-and-yellow furniture chain. 
"Do not be afraid," said Pope John Paul II in a 1984 speech to the world's youth. "The future far into the next century lies in your hands. The future of peace lies in your hearts."[Editor's note: Cecile SanAgustin, Beacon staff writer, is among the diocesan pilgrims headed to Cologne, Germany, for World Youth Day. Along with providing complete local coverage as Bishop Serratelli and the diocesan contingent take part in World Youth Day, she is writing a daily diary for readers of the Beacon.]
Friday, Aug. 12
Here we are in Rome! We did so much traveling. We're tired. We're hungry.
But it is definitely worth all we are about to see. This evening, Bishop Serratelli celebrated Mass for the diocesan WYD pilgrims at the rooftop of our hotel. Our backdrop for celebrating the Eucharist was the city of Rome at night and a spectacular view of the dome of St. Peter's Basilica. It was beautiful.
As I experience what will be my fourth World Youth Day, I remember fondly my beloved Pope John Paul II. It is because of him that I have had the chance to travel to Paris, Rome, and Toronto and now come back to Italy again and soon visit Cologne, Germany. It is definitely exciting, but I must admit a piece of me will miss him not being there. His words have always inspired me to excel in my dreams. And as strange as this might sound to some, he felt like a grandfather to me. Though I personally never met him, shook his hand or spoke to him, the connection he had with youths was so personal. The messages felt real. A part of me almost felt sad about going without him. But he would want me there celebrating with the rest of the world our great Catholic faith. So, I have to keep going and truly know his spirit will be there just as it is right now in the whole city of Rome. Signing off, it's late and there's a whole city that awaits us.
Saturday, Aug. 13
My college years were spent in an art school at New York City. During my studies, I came across extremely talented painters, illustrators, animators, photographers and other fine artists. The works of Michelangelo and other Renaissance greats were pieces of art that moved the students there deeply. From pieces of art, students can gain inspiration. As we visited the many churches and the Vatican Museum today, I too am inspired by their work but in a different way. To some, the Sistine Chapel is just another part of the Vatican Museum with more great artwork to feast their artistic senses on. But to me, it meant something more, something deeper.
I was standing in the exact place where many popes were elected, including just four months ago when our cardinals elected Pope Benedict XVI. It is mind-boggling to see history right before your eyes.
Sunday, Aug. 14
We came, we saw, we conquered!
I never did so much walking in my entire life and it is only the beginning. We haven't even reached World Youth Day yet. But today is one day I'll never forget. I felt like the luckiest person in the world.
I was in St. Peter's Basilica with some of my loved ones as Bishop Serratelli celebrated Mass. I prayed at the Mass for those back at home whom I missed the most: my mom and my best friend. It was something I'll never forget.
But it didn't stop there. I was able to see the tomb of Pope John Paul II. I felt anxious and somewhat afraid as we waited on line. I guess it is because it would be a final realization that he was not physically going to be in Cologne with all the pilgrims for World Youth Day. And there it was finally before my eyes: his tomb. A flash moment with a tear shed but at least I got to see him once with my very own eyes. But I just will always remember to "be not afraid" as he told us and to continue with my dreams and my faith.
With inspiration, some of us from my parish, St. Anthony in Passaic, decided to walk up to the Cupola and see Rome from high above. We went on a line that felt like it went on forever! We bought tickets to take the elevator after there were 320 steps to walk up. At first, we thought we could do this. And then, we realized how far we had to go. I felt tired out practically halfway through the trip along with the rest of my group. We took breaks. I wanted to give up but then one of the youths from my parish, Bryant Giron, said, "We gotta do this. We gotta move. Once we do this, we could say we did something and never look back." So we continued.
It felt claustrophobic. A dizzying spiral of stairs. I was out of breath. And then finally, we saw the light! Through the doors to the top of the Cupola and we saw Rome from on top of the world. At that moment, it was the most beautiful view in the world. All of us felt closer with each other and proud of ourselves.