World Youth Day 2019 USA Leader Guides International Leader Guide | Page 29

preparation process. Some personalities take to present in those in need. God may put into the
this more naturally than others. The surprises pilgrim’s path someone who is in great need,
and sometimes downright “messiness” of the physically or spiritually. Encourage pilgrims to
WYD experience can be used profitably as they be open to those moments.
remind us that we are not in control; God is.
Leaders must ask the Holy Spirit to bring Other unexpected moments at WYD include
meaning and order amid the “chaos” while finding joy in something that is objectively
taking care of the pilgrims as best they can. frustrating and/or negative. Certain aspects of
At WYD 2013, the heavy rainstorms in Rio de the pilgrimage can be difficult (extended
Janeiro that week caused concerns about periods of walking and waiting around,
flooding and safety at the Final Vigil & Mass prolonged exposure to sun, heat, or rain, long
site. This prompted the organizers to move the lines for the bathroom, etc.), and pilgrims can
concluding events to Copacabana Beach. become aggravated.
Pilgrim groups had to change their walking
routes on Saturday and Sunday and deal with an If groups bond together to support one another
inadequate number of toilet facilities at the new and if the pilgrimage leader can model patience
site. But in the end, the event was incredibly and humor, those moments can become
memorable in part because of its beautiful opportunities. Pilgrims can find grace and joy
setting. The pilgrims whose leaders fostered a following unexpected detours or resting with
culture of adaptation in that situation surely had one another on the sidewalk.
a better time than those who grumbled about
something they had no control over.
Questions for pilgrims to reflect on, and for
pilgrimage leaders to ask that could result from
Unexpected moments can also include chance
unanticipated moments on the trip include:
encounters with other pilgrims, catechists,
● Where is God now leading me (or us)?
priests, deacons, religious, residents of the host
● Why might God be pointing me (or us) in
nation, and most importantly, Jesus Christ. In
this new direction?
preparation, consider walking pilgrims through
● What could God be calling me (or us) to
a parable like the Good Samaritan (Lk 10:29-
do, to be, or to move towards by this
37) or the account of the Final Judgment (Mt
sudden turn of events?
25:31-46) where Jesus makes it clear that he is
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