Why did the shepherds leave their sheep in the night? Why did just the shepherds hear the angel's song? We're anointed children, his prophets are we Gathered here together to meet HIM that way: in bread and wine, and in you and me. Why did the kings leave their splendid castles? Why did the kings follow a wandering star?

A spiritual center was entrusted to the Missionaries of Charity family’s care in Cologne from August 16th to 21th

During one week, the Missionaries of Charity welcomed young people inviting them to join the prayer of the Hours, daily Mass at 7.30, Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament 24 hours a day and visit of Mother Teresa exhibition.

Daily Mass During the week, Mgr. Joseph Tyson, Auxiliary Bishop of Seattle, went twice to celebrate Mass. There, he heard confession with the Missionaries of Charity and Corpus Christi Fathers. During the week, this sacrament was offered to the youth.

Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament 24 hours a day "Adoration has a content and it involves giving. Through this act of adoration, these men from the East wished to recognize the child as their King and to place their own power and potential at his disposal, and in this they were certainly on the right path. By serving and following him, they wanted, together with him, to serve the cause of good and the cause of justice in the world. In this they were right." Benedict XVI - Marienfeld Vigil with Youth - August 20th

"Now they have to learn to give themselves – no lesser gift would be sufficient for this King. Now they have to learn that their lives must be conformed to this divine way of exercising power, to God’s own way of being. They must become men of truth, of justice, of goodness, of forgiveness, of mercy. They will no longer ask: how can this serve me? Instead they will have to ask: How can I serve God’s presence in the world? They must learn to lose their life and in this way to find it." Benedict XVI - Marienfeld Vigil with Youth - August 20th

"The privilege that we have to adore Him every day, is one of His greatest gifts." Blessed Teresa of Calcutta During four days, Sisters, Brothers and Fathers took turns in front of the Blessed Sacrament, helping the young people to meditate with Mother Teresa’s words or John Paul II ‘s messages.

Mary, near the Cross heard, Her Son telling us one of His last words: "I thirst!" "Do you thirst to be cherished? I cherish you more than you can imagine - to the point of dying on a cross for you. I THIRST FOR YOU. I thirst to love you and to be loved by you - that is how precious you are to Me. I THIRST FOR YOU. Come to Me, and I will fill your heart and heal your wounds. I will make you a new creation, and give you peace, even in all your trials. I THIRST FOR YOU. You must never doubt My mercy, My acceptance of you, My desire to forgive, My longing to bless you and live My life in you.” Father Joseph MC

The Pilgrim Reception at St Apostln from August 16th to 21th While some were adoring the Blessed Sacrament in the Church, the Missionaries of Charity invited the pilgrims to pray and to visit Mother Teresa exhibition, welcoming them outside of the church, distributing to them medals, prayers, and Mother Teresa’s meditation.

A Sister playing the guitar and her choir...

.... promptly joined by pilgrims and other Missionaries of Charity to sing an Italian repertory.

Pilgrims flowed unceasingly at the two entrances of the church at any hour of the day. Often, it was the occasion for discussions with the Missionaries of Charity. A large number of Cologne inhabitants and the poor of the quarter also joined the pilgrims in the church.

Pilgrims from Latin America passing through St Apostln... a good opportunity for the Brothers and the seminarians to join them for a little spontaneous feast in front of the church.

And then, as singing is not enough... let us dance ! Let us release the joy being at the World Youth Day !

... Snack break while others organize the turns in front of the Blessed Sacrament and the reception of the pilgrims.

... time in the parish courtyard... A littlle bit tired Brothers ?