World Youth Day USA Guides International Pilgrimage Leaders Guide | Page 46
Catechetical sites will be assigned to each
Pilgrim Packets
group that registers for World Youth Day,
As part of the World Youth Day registration,
based on housing location and language
pilgrims should receive WYD credentials, meal
preference. Bishops from around the world
tickets (or voucher book), a guidebook
provide catechesis for the pilgrims, reflecting
featuring times and events, a worship aid for
on the themes of World Youth Day
liturgical celebrations, and a backpack (among
and concluding with a midday Mass. On
other items which will be determined by local
Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday of the 2016
organizers). The credentials may also serve as
program, individual groups will be assigned a
the pilgrim’s ticket for Kraków transportation
specific time and starting point to make a
(trams and buses) throughout the week. Pilgrim
pilgrim journey to the Divine Mercy Sanctuary
packets will be available at accommodation sites
and the St. John Paul II Sanctuary in the
(or another designated location for those who
Łagiewniki area of Kraków. On the assigned
do not choose simple accommodations). These
day of that pilgrimage, it is anticipated that the
items are essential to the experience, and
groups traveling to Łagiewniki will not attend
pilgrim credentials must be worn at all times for
the catechetical session for that particular day,
admission to World Youth Day events.
even if their assigned time takes place in the
afternoon or evening hours. More information
Opening Mass
about this nuance to the schedule will be shared
The first official event of World Youth Day
with group leaders closer to the event.
2016 is the Opening Mass on Tuesday evening
(July 26) with Cardinal Stanislaus Dziwisz,
The Cultural Youth Festival mentioned on the
Metropolitan Archbishop of Kraków. Note that
schedule is actually a series of events taking
the Holy Father will not be present for this
place across the Kraków region including
event. This liturgy sets the tone for the week
concerts, presentations, exhibits, performances,
and is the first real taste of WYD for many
lectures, prayer and devotional opportunities,
pilgrims. Expect most of the Mass to be in
charitable activities, networking, and other
Polish (although a simultaneous English
programs. A printed or online directory of the
translation should be available via a local radio
various Cultural Youth Festival options will be
station; be sure to encourage pilgrims to bring
made available to pilgrim groups immediately
along a small radio to follow along and stay
prior to or during the World Youth Day week.
engaged). The Mass will be held in the open
fields of Błonia Park. There will not be any
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