School Begins Soon; Blogging Lightly

I'd like to thank KMOX-AM for their coverage of the World Youth Day events, and especially for the plug for this blog! Fred Bottomer (KMOX's religion editor) called me twice, once during World Youth Day in Cologne, and again after I returned to St. Louis, to record my thoughts on the trip. Life is finally settling back into a normal pattern now, and I think I'm ready for another school year.

I don't know if I'll have much time or events to write about on this blog over the next week or two, so don't expect much. I'm still working on fixing the RSS feed, so it might soon give proper times and dates for blog entries... Please continue to pray for all those returning to school this year, and especially for those students who are leaving their homes for the first time in their lives; that they may live responsibly and live out their faith wherever they go.

WYD 2005: Final Remarks

I've finally found a few minutes of time to write a concluding blog entry concerning World Youth Day 2005. I will go over a few final thoughts about the pilgrimage, and some interesting information I've learned throughout the trip.

International Travel Tips

This being my first trip outside the U.S., I tried to prepare for the worst in everything, and I think I did a good job. I decided to withdraw 150 euros before leaving, so there would be no hassle in Europe trying to get money; this turned out to be the best way to do things, because many stores and restaurants didn't accept credit cards for purchases under 20 euros because the credit card processing system in Europe is much less efficient than ours in the U.S.

I was also lucky that my bank was in a 'global alliance' with Deutsche Bank in Germany, so I could withdraw money from any DB ATM without any transaction fee—only the exchange rate applied. Since a few of the meals (mostly breakfasts) were provided for, I didn't need much more money at all; other expenses were paid in USD before the trip (lesson: come prepared, with as much work done in the U.S. beforehand!). I was fortunate to not have any problems with theives or pickpockets; although there were many times when trains and public places were so crowded, someone could've easily stolen something from my pocket or backpack without me noticing; but that's why I put locks on two of the zipper sections of my backpack!

In terms of electronics, I was lucky to have an Apple iBook and iPod, because the provided AC adaptors auto-switch between 120-240V (most of Europe uses a two-prong 240V 50Hz electical system). All I needed to charge my computer and iPod (my camera, which broke, didn't need any charging...) was a U.S. to European plug adaptor (about $3 here in the states). Some guys fried their razors, irons, and other electronic devices, though, because they were using cheap power transformers or none at all (which can be quite dangerous).

For phone calls, it is much cheaper to go to a store somewhere in Europe and buy an international calling card there or pay for an international call (it's around 10 cents per minute!). Many hotels had a courtesy Internet computer in their lobbies, and there are many 'Internet cafés' around where I was staying, so you can pay a modest fee for half an hour or longer of Internet access. (I paid almost 10 euros for access in downtown Köln, where there is public WiFi access; they accepted all major credit cards).

I am now a great fan of Crépes and Nutella, two of the best inventions in France, ever. These two food items are widespread favorites in the places to which I travelled, but they haven't quite caught on in the States. Of course, I found it amazing that no one uses ZipLoc bags in Europe...

Remarks on WYD

After leaving Marienfeld, our St. Louis group walked and waited for nearly 5 hours until finally reaching our bus and heading back to the hotel. Some groups were held up for 10 hours or more! Germany was not prepared for such a large number of people, and I hope that many in Europe (especially in Germany) will scratch their heads and wonder why so many youth would participate in such a religious activity...

It is because Christ is present in the Eucharist and his body is a living, active body that all these youth came together in Köln, Germany! Seeing (and, for myself, touching the hand of) the Pope was a wonderful experience, as was seeing the million-plus youth, seminarians and priests on Marienfeld... but none of this would be possible without Jesus' presence.

Through all the cultures, groups of people, and regions of the world that I saw represented at World Youth Day, the Body of Christ's universal appeal shined. I was amazed at the different religious traditions and ways of worshipping the Lord. The trip was an eye-opener to me, as I have a somewhat narrow vision of ways that we can praise God; I've seen pious reverent worship of the Eucharist and praise and worship music... but on the pilgrimage I watched dances and music where many youth would gather in a circle and sing songs of praise while dancing in step to African tribal music, and I would see large groups of people quietly praying the rosary in their own languages, amidst other ways of worshipping God.

It was amazing how little the languages of the different people mattered throughout WYD; many people speak English as a second language, so communicating with those people was not difficult. However, during Masses, the universal nature of the Catholic ('universal') Church made itself clearly known, as people from different corners of the world knelt in reverence before the representation of the Lamb's Supper—Jesus' sacrificial act in the Most Holy Sacrament of the Eucharist—without a thought about what language the Priest was using on the altar (I attended Masses in English, Dutch, German and Latin).

Americans vs. the Rest of the World

All of this reminds me of how true the joke is which states: How can you tell the difference between an American and a non-American? The American only speaks English! I felt fairly dumb when I could see many other teenagers speaking French, German, Spanish and English (or any combination of those languages), whereas I could only speak English and enough Spanish to say, 'Hi.'

Blogging in Europe

While at the Seminarian's Audience with Pope Benedict XVI, I met a few British seminarians who were very courteous and talked to us for a while. Interestingly, one of the seminarians asked if I was in the St. Louis group, and when I replied in the affirmative, he told me he had read my blog! That was a inspiring to me; at least one other person reads this besides me and my family ;-)

I really enjoyed sending all the pictures and blog entries back to the States while in Europe; now that a new school year is beginning, I'll have a little less time for website maintenance, but I will find time here and there. Good luck to anyone else beginning the new school year!

Links

Check out the following Links:

• Official Website of the XX WYD 2005 (English)
• Pope Benedict XVI's remarks in his homily during the WYD Mass
• Pope Benedict XVI's words to Seminarians during the Meeting with Seminarians

WYD 2005: Final Pictures Posted; More Info to Follow

WYD 2005: Pope Benedict XVI Up-Close - Meeting with Seminarians

Today I was able to take a few up-close pictures of Pope Benedict XVI, and I also was able to touch his hand, along with a few other St. Louis Seminarians. I have posted pictures on my Seminary Website, and I will write a little bit about this experience below.

After an early start on the day, I waited for about eight hours in different lines to enter St. Panteleon Church, to eat lunch, and to get a spot close to where Pope Benedict would be passing by. And it was all worth it—the rain, the sun and the boredom (hey, it's a pilgrimage!). As Pope Benedict passed the group of St. Louis seminarians in the courtyard, I snapped two quick shots (one's a little blurry), and reached out to touch his hand. As an added bonus, Pelé (you know, the soccer player...) walked by earlier that day and I also snapped a couple of pictures of him!

Tomorrow morning all the St. Louis youth and seminarians will attend Holy Mass with Archbishop Raymond Burke and then we will all head down to Marienfield, where the Vigil and Mass with the Pope will be held. Please pray that there will be no rain; I have learned today that rain can be quite troublesome (there was a downpour after the pope left, and my umbrella had a large rip in it). Whatever happens, I'm sure it will be quite an experience!

I don't think I'll have time to post any more blog entries or pictures after tonight unless I find some time at the Chicago airport, so you may have to wait until next Tuesday or Wednesday (the 24th) before seeing my pictures from the Vigil and Mass.

WYD 2005: Pope in Popemobile Up-Close

This picture is courtesy of a fellow seminarian, Mike, taken on the evening of August 18, when Pope Benedict XVI arrived in Köln and waved to many thousands of WYD participants from his Mercedes-Benz Popemobile:

WYD 2005: U.S./European Cultural Differences

I thought it would be good for me to note some of the cultural differences I've noticed between Holland/Germany and the U.S. during my trip so far, if nothing else to try to understand the people in this part of Europe a little better:

• Cars: At first, it seemed very odd that there was not one SUV anywhere, on any roads. But I've gotten used to seeing the many small cars everywhere. It seems to me that one might have a harder time driving around in a large car or minivan anyways, as the roads are typically a little tighter. The most interesting car I've seen is the 'Smart' car; it looks like someone took a sort-of tall car, then chopped it off halfway (it's a non-reclining two-seater) and put a back end on it; space is limited, but it's probably pretty efficient.
  
• Gas: It's no wonder cars are so small and efficient when gas prices are so high! Gas has cost around 1.80 euro per liter while I've been here—that translates to about 7 euro per gallon, or $10 per gallon! That's quite a premium to pay for gas. This is probably also the reason I see so many people riding around on Vespas, motorbikes and bikes.
  
• Public Transit: Probably also because of the gas prices, the train system here is much more efficient and comfortable than those I've been on in the States. The trains are almost always within five minutes of the scheduled time (even with the 900,000+ World Youth Day participants!), and they get to their destination quickly and smoothly. All the trains, under and above-ground, are light-rail (meaning they have an electrical wire above that gives power to the trains) like the MetroLink in St. Louis, but they have less obstructions, and don't have to keep blowing their whistles at street crossings (mostly because there are none!).
  
• Religion: Unfortunately, you can see signs of the irreligion in Europe everywhere; not only do Catholic Churches have stagnant attendance (even the largest ones), but there are also very few Protestant churches around. Many of the protestant churches I've seen were 'welcoming to all,' and some have had rainbow banners flying next to their other flags. People seem to treat their churches more as tourist attractions (things to be used to make money) rather than sacred spaces where one can lift his mind and soul up to God.
  
• Sexuality: I didn't expect to see quite the things I've seen so far while I've been over here; if storefronts in upscale, busy shopping districts are any indication of the 'acceptance' of Europe, it looks like almost anything is 'accepted.' Many storefronts have hard-core pornography publicly displayed, and even seemingly innocent stores (such as one marketing flags to tourists) had pictures of scantily-clad or naked women. From many people I've seen on the streets in most towns I've visited, it looks like Europe (or at least parts of it) is being hit harder by the 'Sexual Revolution' than most areas of the U.S. As I said in an earlier posting, a lady in Holland said that lack of respect was a problem; it seems to me that there is little respect for a woman's body or for Catholic teachings on sexual morality here.
  
• Food: The most interesting difference for me has been the food; breakfast in Europe is a much more magnificent affair, with many meats, breads, cheeses, and drinks arrayed on the table. Hagelslag, a kind of chocolate sprinkle, is very popular for putting on a slice of bread in the morning. Unfortunately for me, many of the foods in restaurants I've visited aren't very Crohn's friendly, so I've not been able to try too many of them. Lunch seems to be a quick, less-formal affair (usually a little bag of odds and ends), and dinner is mostly as it is America, with the exception of the drinks they have; bubbly beverages are more normal here (not Crohn's friendly, either!), and wine and beer is much more readily available.
  
• Health Care: If I needed any confirmation that a completely-government-run healthcare system is not a great idea, I have found it. After talking to a few different people about healthcare, I've found that the government-run systems in many places are not very efficient, and many benefits we take for granted in the U.S. are not even available! Many of the newest treatments, prescription drugs and medical equipment (such as the watch many diabetic people use to measure insulin levels) take a long time to become available to citizens. Another interesting observation is the lack of pharmacies in the areas I've been; instead of a Walgreens (or something similar) on every other street corner, there is usually only one or two pharmacies every kilometer or two.
  
• Euros: Euros come in different denominations than dollars, and it was quite confusing for a few days; there are 1, 5, 20 and 50 cent coins, 1 and 2 euro coins, and 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 euro paper bills. I am not too fond of coins, because they are heavy and they rattle quite a bit, but I think one dollar coins wouldn't be so bad. Because my bank has international affiliations, getting euros from an ATM (with no transaction fee) was no problem. I would recommend you bring a VISA card for larger purchases (they don't accept them for small purchases because credit card systems aren't up to par with America's), and an ATM card to get cash for smaller (20 euro or less) purchases.
  
• Odds and Ends: My iBook, iPod and camera chargers all hooked right into the power system here (with appropriate adaptors, of course), and my iBook can get on any typical computer network. However, light switches and power outlets are much larger here than in the States; they usually have panels that are about two inches square for one switch our outlet. Most bathrooms I've been in have had no fans; only open windows (thus, they typically have a certain stench). Toilets don't have the familiar 'flusher' that U.S. toilets have; the more modern ones have a large square 'paddle button' on top that you press to let a plethora of water attack the toilet; you can stop the flush by pressing on the other side of the paddle (a nice feature!).

All in all, people in Europe are %99.999 the same as those in the U.S. (they breathe, we breathe, etc.). Some of the differences are very upsetting, and others are good for making me think a little more about certain habits I have, so I am very glad to have come here to see the cities (especially before the WYD events began, when I stayed in Posterholt, Holland). I hope to someday travel to other regions of the world (such as Africa, Asia, or South/Central America) to see more cultural differences.

WYD 2005: More Pictures Posted

I've posted pictures for days five through eight on my Seminary Website, so you can check those out. Expect a posting concerning the woes of a trip-gone-wrong to a castle and the latin language later today or in the next day or two. Tomorrow the seminarians will have an 'audience with the Pope' at St. Paneleon Church. Please continue your prayers for safe travels and health!

WYD 2005: More Reflections

Now more than halfway through the Pilgrimage to Koln (Cologne) for World Youth Day 2005, I thought it might be a good idea to reflect a little on the happenings and developments of my journey so far.

Trip to the German Countryside

The seminarians from Kenrick-Glennon had a day planned (the 16th, to be precise) during which we were going to visit a castle (Neuschweinstein I think), tour the countryside on train and visit the wood-carving town of Oberammagau (I think I spelled it wrong). Unfortunately, we did not have much luck doing most of what we had originally planned on doing. It was raining steadily for most of the day, and, after an eight hour train and bus ride, we found that we wouldn't be able to go inside the castle because of the amount of people in line.

Instead, a few of us walked up to the castle and looked out into the dense fog over the mountainside. It provided a few good pictures, but other than that, there wasn't much to see. We next went to a very ornate church, the Weis church in a beautiful mountain valley, but that didn't work so well because we only were allowed about ten minutes to look around. Finally, we travelled to the city of Oberammagau, which is known for its wood carvings. All in all, the day was very nice, but it would've been much more interesting if the weather and time were in our favor.

De Lingua Latina (Concerning the Latin language)

The next day (the 17th), all the seminarians who wished attended the 'International Gathering of Seminarians' at St. Panteleon church (which contains the remains of St. Bruno!). One of the greatest memories I will take away from that event was the use of the Latin language in a few of the songs we sang. It is truly wonderful that the Catholic Church has such a durable and universal language as its own! The church echoed and shook to the singing of the Regina Coeli and Pater Noster, which every seminarian present memorized and sang to the best of his ability.

More and more clearly, I recognize the importance of a revitilization of the Latin Language in our Church. Without such a unifying language, our liturgies won't have as much in common, and our Church will seem a bit less 'universal.' I hope that more and more pastors and liturgical planners will incorporate more Latin songs and words in various parts of the Mass. I wish I had learned the Pater Noster, Ave Maria and other Latin prayers at a younger age, for they are beautiful when sung with the ancient hymns and pipe organs prevalent in these old European church buildings.

I hope to write more before leaving for the states, but that will depend on many factors!

WYD 2005: Last 'Day In the Diocese' of Roermond, Holland

I've posted pictures from days two, three and four; I don't know when I'll be able to find another wireless connection to upload the next few days of pictures again, because I leave for Cologne (Köln) tomorrow morning. I will post more as soon as I find a good connection

This program, with the many days we've spent in and around Holland, has been a great experience, and has greatly enriched my faith. We've done so much in these short few days that I find myself rushed trying to simply type this blog entry, much less organize and post pictures on the Internet!

On Holland, Europe and Faith

After speaking many times to the very kind family that is hosting myself and my fellow seminarian Brian, attending a few different liturgical services (including Sunday Mass) and talking to a few complete strangers on the streets of Roermond, I have discovered that many problems exist for the Catholic Church of Holland (and, on a greater scale, Europe).

Very few people attend religious services; there is only one Mass on Sundays at the local parish, and only 50-70 people attend. Traditions such as courting without living together and marriage in general are seen as 'old fashioned' and sometimes even scoffed at! Marijuana is legal, and I have seen more than a few people smoking it. The Catholic Church is looked upon with scorn, and those who express Catholic sentiments are not allowed in public office (one man was quickly removed from office for simply expressing that he was personally opposed to homosexual marriage). There are many reasons to pray for Holland, as well as most of Europe, which is right now declining in religiosity.

However, I have found that those families who are hosting those of us from St. Louis, as well as many of the Catholics and priests whom I've met are on fire for their faith, and very kind to those around them. One complete stranger told me that Holland's problem is a lack of respect: respect for elders, for neighbors, for teachers and for religion or God. This is true in all parts of the world in which there are signs of trouble. I will pray for Europe, and most especially Holland (because it is not only a beautiful country, but also the home of my ancestors), that it may become a greater Catholic Christian region of the world, and its inhabitants may renew the religion and tradition that is on the brink of desolation.

On My Activities So Far

So far, I've had quite a few adventures; I've walked about two miles through a vineyard on a hillside in Rüdesheim, Germany, and I've been on my first cruise of the Rhine River there. I ate a raw herring fish (it was slimy, had a few scales on it, but wasn't as bad as I thought it would be). I visited many different cathedrals and old, beautiful churches, and I've been to a Mass which incorporated five or six different languages!

Throughout all these experiences, I have found, time and again, that it is Jesus from whom I must derive all my strength, for, without him, I am nothing, and my works are worthless. I have been fortunate to find out what America is like to someone with a European perspective; many do not think very highly of our homeland, and sometimes for very good reasons. I have found more and more that the root of problems all over the world is the lack of a strong foundation in religion and love of God. Without these necessary supports, the world will crumble at its foundations.

Unfortunately, with good news comes the bad: Tonight, while at a BBQ in Melick, I accidentally dropped my camera and, to my dismay, the lens will no longer open or operate. I have pictures from today that I will post as soon as possible. I do not yet know what the situation will be for the next few days of picture-taking. Perhaps I may borrow someone's camera, or I may simply post pictures from Fr. Butler or another fellow pilgrim.

Conclusory Remarks

I would like all who are reading this to say a quick prayer for the repentance and reconciliation of Europe, and most especially for the generous Dutch families who graciously let us remain with them for a few days.

WYD 2005: Day One Notes and Pictures

'Hallo!' (as we now say in Holland): I have posted pictures on my Seminary Website from our flights and layovers from St. Louis (Lambert Airport) to Chicago (O'Hare Airport) and from Chicago to Frankfurt. Pictures from Days two and three will be coming by late Saturday!

So far the trip's been good, but I just now had a little time to post the pictures on my site; in a later post I'll have much more information about the trip and about Holland (especially some reflection on differences between the U.S. and Holland and Catholicism in general. One interesting note; I have eaten, for the first time in my life, a raw herring fish!

Those Who Respect Life: Planned Parenthood Wants to Blow You Up [UPDATED]

UPDATE: Planned Parenthood Golden Gate has removed the video from it's website, without mentioning any reason. However, you can still view the video on the author's website (link - 40 MB).

This is sick. Sick enough that I had to sit and think about it for a few minutes after I first read the story on The Dawn Patrol. I thought the video Dawn Eden pointed out was bad. Then, after watching it, I found it to be worse than I could've imagined.

In this video on the Planned Parenthood group's website, a 'suspicious-looking' 'abstinence-only' man is drowned in a trash can full of water by the 'Superhero for Choice' because he's trying to 'misguide' some teens into thinking that abstinence is the best way to avoid pregnancy, STDs, or other problems. The 'Superhero' then shoots condoms at frankenstein-like 'anti-choicers' (pro-life people protesting outside an abortion clinic), which then blow up the 'anti-choicers'. Then she goes to Washington and dips a senator who is against Roe v. Wade (and other anti-life legal issues) in a vat of boiling stew.

The teens who were being 'manipulated' by the 'abstinence-only' man spout off some rubbish (in unison, like some sort of zombies) about Planned Parenthood being great, and 'safe sex' and other things. The senator comes out of the vat of boiling stew naked with an apple in his mouth, and he starts speaking about how he wants to allow for women to 'respect their bodies.'

During the end credits, condoms open and close to reveal names of those who worked on this video, and one of the condoms cuts off the head of one of the 'anti-choice' protesters.

This is completely insulting to human dignity. I can't believe any public organization (especially one that you and I help fund) would ever allow something like this on their website. As Dawn Eden states, "if the American Life League's Web site featured a cartoon depicting an ALL superhero blowing up nonviolent Planned Parenthood activists, would Planned Parenthood just shrug it off?"

The answer: No; Planned Parenthood would be up in arms over it.

This video is not all bad, though; anyone with half a wit will easily find the inconsistent logic, misinformation and hypocrasy throughout the video. It saddens me, though, that Planned Parenthood thinks the teens they preach their message to are so shallow.

World Youth Day 2005 Approaches; Pictures and News Here

(Logo ©2005 Weltjugendtag gGmbH)

Next Wednesday, I'll be on a plane to Germany for World Youth Day 2005. For almost two weeks I'll be on my first trip out of the U.S., and I'll see Pope Benedict XVI once or twice. Almost all the seminarians from Kenrick-Glennon are attending this World Youth Day, and we will be visiting many other seminarians from around the world.

Throughout the week, I'll be posting pictures and blog entries from various places (when I can find a hotspot) throughout Holland and Germany. Please say a few prayers over the next few weeks for the half-million-plus youth and their chaperones who will be flying, driving, and even walking, to Germany!

Blogging will be light until then; I have much to do and little time to do it (or, as Willy Wonka would say, "We have so little to do and so much time to do it!"). The 2005-2006 school year at the Seminary starts soon after our return from Germany!

Catholic Answers Live - MP3 Downloads Now Available

Catholic Answers live, one of the best Catholic radio shows I've ever heard, is now available as an MP3 download (shows are typically around 16 MB - 44.1 kHz mono 40kbps MP3s) from the Catholic Answers website. I downloaded yesterday's show, and it sounded absolutely awesome (not only the content, but the aural quality as well)! Kudos to the folks at Catholic Answers for this.

I now hope they will set up an iTunes podcast of CA Live so more folks can discover the show and have it automagically downloaded to their computers and iPods (I'll be listening to a few of these on my flight over to Germany for World Youth Day; they sound better as MP3s than I can receive them via the local radio station).