World Youth Day 2019 USA Leader Guides International Leader Guide | Page 21

written. Therefore, many Catholics in the U.S. Simon Peter asks to remain at the top. The
have never gone on pilgrimage. WYD presents Gospel tells us through that: “But he did not
Catholic youth and young adults from the U.S. know what he was saying” (Lk 9:33).
with a chance that few may ever experience. Connecting this story to WYD, it would be
foolish to think that the goal is simply the
A pilgrimage is not an escape from everyday life events in Panamá. Rather, the entire process is
like a vacation or excursion might be. While part of the pilgrimage. The goal of WYD is for
there are certainly exciting and enjoyable young people to encounter the universal
moments to WYD, the primary purpose of a Church; this should be occurring through every
pilgrimage is to grow closer to God. World stage of the journey. The key for WYD leaders,
Youth Day involves a journey to a holy place, then, is to help pilgrims see themselves as
trusting that God is leading him or her. With pilgrims, to remind them of this basic
such an opening, the Lord is able to draw the understanding of a pilgrimage, and to open
pilgrim into a deeper and more intimate their minds and hearts to the real reasons for
relationship with him. The journey is meant to undertaking such a journey.
effect a transformation.
2. Encounter the Universal Church at
In the case of WYD, Panama City (or any
World Youth Day.
World Youth Day host city for that matter)
may be the destination on an airline boarding WYD is a pilgrimage that calls every single
pass, but the preparation and the return home pilgrim to immerse themselves in Catholic faith
are all part of the pilgrim journey. Consider the and life. The protagonist of WYD is the Church
biblical passage of the Transfiguration (Lk 9:28- who is ever young, gathered with the Holy Father.
36): Jesus took Peter, James, and John up It is an experience of the communion of saints,
Mount Tabor – the journey included hiking up encompassing both Heaven and earth.
the mountain, experiencing a vision at the The Catholic Church includes over 1.229 billion
summit, and the journey down the mountain. people around the globe. 27 This is not
As Saint Luke reveals to us, after the vision, something anyone can fully grasp or visualize,
27
Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate (CARA) at
Georgetown University, 2017, http://cara.georgetown.edu/
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