[GipperGal]

Yep! I took 3 weeks off in August (not too difficult really -- summer is dead in my biz) and have a plane ticket for a trip to Europe that I was supposed to take last year. So after seeing our new Pope emerge from the loggia last April, I decide that I want to be in Germany with the German Pope for last World Youth Day that I am technically eligible to attend (hit the big three-oh this year).

I think it is history in the making. Epic history! I believe B16 represents in his own person the very best of old Christian European Civilization -- a lover of Bach and Mozart, a theologian the likes of which we probably haven't seen since the great Scholastic days. We may never see his like again. And I want to see Christian Europe with my own eyes before it's gone.

I'm still looking for a group to go with. This week my older sister sent me info about the Legionnaires of Christ. (whoops, now I've done it. I've mentioned the LofC. Where's that Mershon guy to tell me how horrific they are?) The LoC are organizing groups of pilgrims for a very reasonable price (amazingly reasonable I should say -- $350 covering everything but airfare). I'm not a member of anything affiliated with them (I write this only to ward off the FR anti-Legion brigade), but I need to bunk with somebody. If you know of any other Freepers going, please let me know. I haven't set my travel arrangements in stone and would still be willing to change them and go with another group. I'm hoping also to spend the week before and after WYD touring Europe.

[onyx]

I am so thrilled for you! Please take a lot of pics! My husband has promised to take me to Rome next year to see him, but there are strings attached to his promise...lol.

[ELS]

So after seeing our new Pope emerge from the loggia last April, I decide that I want to be in Germany with the German Pope for last World Youth Day that I am technically eligible to attend (hit the big three-oh this year). ... I'm still looking for a group to go with.

Maybe Siobhan can give you some helpful info.

[Siobhan]

Pyro, do you know any contact sources for our dear GipperGal with regard to World Youth Day?

The Juventutem website gives information about the Traditional Latin Mass side of World Youth Day in Cologne!

[RKBA Democrat]

You might check out the deal that USCCB has going:

http://www.usccb.org/laity/youth/registration.shtml

[kstewskis]

So after seeing our new Pope emerge from the loggia last April, I decide that I want to be in Germany with the German Pope for last World Youth Day that I am technically eligible to attend (hit the big three-oh this year).

How cool is that?

You will have Mass with Pope Benedict XVI!

(or would that a "mass Mass?")

We'll be depending on you for a blow by blow, account of it. My big concern, in a Mass that large, is the possibility for abuse...as you know, that's been discussed on several threads here.

I know you'll hold your end down, and hopefully with Benedict XVI in charge, it should hold some reverence there, and not so much a rock concert atmosphere.

Hooking up with the LoC folks, at least, should hopefully help in that realm! I'm envious!