World Youth Day 2019 USA Leader Guides Stateside Leader Guide | Page 59

challenging; however, hosting an event Consider having the stateside pilgrims share
within one to three weeks is highly first about their experience when you gather
recommended. This is something that can both groups together so that their experience
be pre-planned before WYD arrives. is not overshadowed by more dramatic ones
(which may happen with international stories).
•
Provide an opportunity for each group to
share their experiences with enough time As the discussion goes on, have the pilgrims
and space to allow for good dialogue. consider what next steps they can take as a
community of missionary disciples.
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Consider this meeting an opportunity to
celebrate and rejoice in the Lord’s When speaking to those gathered, support the
goodness and grace, to pray together, and development of a spirit of solidarity and unity
to recommit to a more intense life of among the pilgrims. Incorporate the broader
missionary discipleship and attention to understanding of pilgrimage and community
the young Church that gathered for World (see above) and frame the event as one
Youth Day. This can mean integrating a celebration, with prayer, service, mission, and
Mass or prayer service into the meeting. shared recommitment to the Gospel.
Remember that some sharing may have Since the Holy Father has called for a Marian
already happened via social media. Both focus for the 2019 WYD, both groups can
groups of pilgrims may be posting on reflect on their love and appreciation for Our
Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram during Lady and how it was fostered by WYD. The
the WYD week, so many stateside Virgin Mary will be a powerful connector of
pilgrims will have already seen and heard the groups’ experiences. Both groups can
some of the international pilgrims’ stories. consider their shared mission to say “yes” to
whatever the Lord asks of them, as Mary did.
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