At 4.30am on the 14th August, the alarm clock marked the start of our pilgrimage to Cologne. Over the next 26 hours we would travel in the company of Catholic Youth Care across Ireland, Wales, England, France and Belgium, to reach a Columbian Monastery, deep in the beautiful hillside of Maredsous. On arrival, we were greeted Cardinal Connell and treated to breakfast by the Columbian monks. Cardinal Connell then concelebrated mass, after which it was time for the second leg of our journey, and another six hours on our bus to Cologne.

Rain greeted us in Cologne, and we were soon led through the streets of the Sulz district of Cologne to collect our backpacks, evening 'meal', and finally to our accommodation for the week. After setting up camp on the gym floor in one of the local schools, we attended mass in our host parish of St. Nicholas. After our spiritual leader, Fr. Andrew Tully led us in evening prayer, we tried to settle to sleep for the busy week we knew lay ahead.

Brighter skies on Tuesday morning took us to the stadium for the official opening ceremony and mass of World Youth Day 2005. Upon reaching the grounds, many of the Irish contingencies gathered on the grass and started playing some traditional music. It wasn't long before we were teaching other nations some ceili dancing. Once inside the stadium, the vibrant colours of countless nations were on display filling the stadium to capacity.

Wednesday morning we joined those from our community for Catechesis, led by Arch Bishop Diarmuid Martin. This took place in our local church. Afternoon brought with it some Leaving Cert results and to acknowledge this, CYC treated us all to a cruise on the Rhine. Afterwards, to celebrate their achievement we treated the three of our small group of eighteen, to an evening meal in an Italian restaurant, later we renamed it "Patsy's". At last we had the chance to eat some proper food.

On Thursday, Pope Benedict XVI was to arrive. For this special occasion, all young pilgrims made their way to the banks of the Rhine, to welcome his Holiness. On route to the Rhine, the Pioneer group visited the Cologne's Cathedral to see the Relics of the Three Wise Men. We all felt privileged to follow in their footsteps, and sorry that all who attended WYD did not get this opportunity. From the banks of the river, we all watched in admiration as our Pope sailed down the river, flanked by millions of young people and their national colours. He then returned to the cathedral to address the congregation and give us a special blessing. We ended the day in the courtyard of our school to the sounds of traditional Irish music and song, and danced the night away with our German hosts.

As Friday's official timetable was quiet, so we decided to take some time for ourselves to enjoy our surroundings including a chocolate museum, zoo, cable car ride, shops and a visit to St. Ursula's relics in a small church devoted to her. We then rejoined our group for a special 'Way of the Cross'.

Saturday morning we packed our bags and made our way back to the local church to meet our busses. From here the busses took us to their designated parking, 20km from our pilgrim site, Marienfeld, which we made our way to on foot. On arrival we found that our allocated places were already occupied, and all 600 pilgrims who travelled with CYC, had to find alternative place to spend the night for the vigil with His Holiness. We setup camp just outside the main gates, in the midst of a larger Italian group. Pope Benedict arrived and led the prayers and worship into the night, with a candle light vigil concluding the ceremony. We eventually slept under the stars and were woken with morning praise and mass, again celebrated by Pope Benedict. Afterwards, it was time to make our long trek back to the busses, and our long journey home.

On reflection, the week had many highs and a few lows, but the experience of meeting the Pope, the young people, praying together, collecting 'bling' and overall unity in our faith was well worth the effort, and an experience that will never be forgotten. Much of our special memories are thanks to the company of Fr. Andrew Tully who gave us both spiritual guidance and overall entertainment all week. We would also like to thank Padraic Naughton, Pioneer CEO, for welcoming us home in Smithfield, and Catholic youth Care for allowing us to travel with them.

Roll on Sydney 2008, and an even bigger Pioneer contingent.

For more photos of the pilgrimage, check out the photograph section.