World Youth Day 2019 USA Leader Guides Stateside Leader Guide | Page 56

GATHERING TOGETHER Common language for all pilgrims
One of the most important things to do after Stateside pilgrims can be encouraged to enter
World Youth Day is to gather together those into the same mysteries and conversations
who traveled internationally with those who leading up to their WYD experience as
celebrated stateside. It reminds pilgrims that international pilgrims. For WYD 2019, this
their experience is part of a larger journey that should start with the theme, “I am the servant
all young people across the globe were invited of the Lord. May it be done to me according
onto – and that, regardless of means, ability, to your word” (Lk 1:38). This theme, chosen
or experience, all youth and young adults have by Pope Francis, invites us to consider the
been called to engage in this pilgrimage. way in which God calls us to love others in
our lives. It challenges all pilgrims to
recognize the Lord’s grace at work in our lives
Similarities and Differences
and to say “yes,” like Mary did, to God’s will.
We begin by looking at the similarities and
differences between the stateside and
An experience that examined this theme gives
international WYDs. If you are going to have
pilgrims a great starting point to share their
stateside pilgrims in dialogue with those who
thoughts about vocation, discernment,
went abroad, it is important to know what
missionary discipleship, and love. This
aspects of their experiences they may be able
common vocabulary will be help pilgrims to
to discuss in a meaningful way.
connect with one another, as will references
to saints and blesseds such as St. John Paul II
More spiritual than physical
and Bl. Pier Giorgio Frassati. Additionally,
While the stateside pilgrim travels less than
both types of pilgrimages may feature the
those who go overseas, the experience of
Holy Father in some way. Each group may
pilgrimage is about the spirit of the journey.
have experienced catechesis, the Way of the
When prepared well, a WYD pilgrim should
Cross, a walking journey, singing the official
know that the movement of one’s heart from
WYD hymn, and/or attended a significant
one way of seeing God to another way is the
liturgical celebration. Finally, both groups may
most essential part of any pilgrimage. This
have received resources and tools (including
internal movement can be a great place to
the WYDUSA prayer or Pilgrim Journal) from
start a discussion between stateside and
the United States’ WYD Office, and these can
international pilgrims.
also be a unifying factor in the conversations.
55