WYD Trek: TNG -- Day 6

Organs and dancing pilgrims

The organ of Gdansk Oliwa Arch-cathedral, constructed in the late
1700s, is decorated with Rococo sculptures.
(Credit: Josh Tng.)

Pilgrims from all over the world, including Canada, perform the
Macarena outside of Oliwa Archcathedral.
(Credit: Josh Tng.)

Ornate Rococo decorations and paintings fill Gdansk's vast Oliwa Cathedral. The church was consecrated in 1594. As we entered, everyone's eyes were drawn to the organ.

The famous tones of Bach's Toccata and Fugue in D minor filled the large cathedral, as the organist began to play. Little angels on top of the wooden instrument began moving their trumpets, as well as spinning ornate suns and playing little bells.

As I listened to the sounds emitted from the depths of the wooden beast, I could only imagine the wonder previous pilgrims would have felt when they first heard this organ play.

After the performance ended, we toured the cathedral, admiring the various bits and pieces of art gathered within, before heading just outside to have traditional Polish dishes served by World Youth Day volunteers.

A spontaneous dance movement broke out between the volunteers and the many pilgrims from all over the world.

Tomorrow we will be joining in a youth march, where all of the World Youth Day pilgrims in Gdansk will gather together and march through town.
jtng@rcav.org