World Youth Day 2019 USA Leader Guides International Leader Guide | Page 12

When millions of young people from around An Encounter with Others
the world gather with the Holy Father in silent The time of pilgrimage is also a time of
adoration before the Blessed Sacrament, or encounter with others along the way. Some of
listen attentively to a bishop during daily the people (including friends, families, and
catechesis, or experience a special grace during active members of the Church community) will
the Sacrament of Reconciliation at World be open to encounter with the leader and with
Youth Day, it can be a truly transformative pilgrims, while others (including distant friends
experience for both pilgrims and leaders. and acquaintances, vendors and secular
Leaders need to take time to prepare pilgrims partners, news media, and the general public)
and themselves for these encounters during the may be indifferent at best or hostile at worst.
WYD pilgrimage. The important thing for a leader is to be
constantly welcoming, loving, and hospitable –
An Encounter with Fellow Pilgrims truly witnessing “the joy of the Gospel.”
A World Youth Day leader should provide Pilgrim leaders can assist the young people to
plenty of opportunities to prepare pilgrims be aware of their encounters with others and
prior to leaving for Latin America or wherever supporting them through challenging
the journey takes them. Retreats, prayer interactions. Encounters – with Christ, the
services, catechesis and formation, charitable Church, other pilgrims, and the many others
activities and social justice initiatives, along way – will often lead to new friendships.
fundraisers, and social events are wonderful On a practical level, social media, email, and
opportunities for group bonding, learning, and reunions provide a means to continue
reflection. Some of these elements could be relationships. On a deeper level, those
part of pre-event communications. The pilgrim encounters and a more mature understanding
leader should also have a team of youth or of encountering Christ and the Church help to
young adults who are assisting him or her. support the growth of a person’s faith.
Forming strong relationships in advance of the
trip will not only benefit the pilgrims, but also ACCOMPANIMENT
the overall experience of all involved. Pope Francis says: “ The Church will have to
initiate everyone – priests, religious and laity –
into this ‘art of accompaniment’ which teaches
11