World Youth Day 2019 USA Leader Guides International Leader Guide | Page 37

Afternoons are also a good time for groups to This event will be very crowded since it is the
take a break, rest, and refocus their energies first encounter between the Holy Father and
with some unstructured time. For example, the young people. If your group arrives early,
some pilgrimage leaders find a quiet park for you may find space near a fence or roadway
their pilgrims to pray, rest, or converse among where the pope mobile will be passing by. Just
themselves. Groups may also seek out a local know that, immediately prior to the pope’s
restaurant or sidewalk café to taste some of the arrival, those areas will get even more crowded
local food and drink. and people may start pushing. Encourage
pilgrims to be calm and gracious, yet also
These afternoons can also be used for small protective of themselves, each other, and their
group discussions or theological reflection. belongings. You will also want to ensure that
Other group members may want to take in the your group’s pilgrims are not the ones shoving
Festival or use the time to meet international others around, and as a leader, you have the
pilgrims. WYD leaders should do what they authority to inform pilgrims (yours or others)
think best for their group. that they are acting inappropriately.
Papal Welcome Ceremony Via Crucis (The Way of the Cross)
On Thursday afternoon (January 24), WYD All World Youth Day participants are invited to
pilgrims will joyfully welcome Pope Francis to take part in praying the Via Crucis (The Way of
Panamá at the Papal Welcome Ceremony. the Cross) on Friday evening January 25. The
There will be a prayer service with the Holy exact location of this will be announced later.
Father and he will give his first remarks to the Pilgrims may be able to watch some of the
young pilgrims. Since this will be held along the prayer service live and some on a video screen,
Cinta Costera, the same venue as the Opening depending on how the local organizers present
Mass, pilgrimage guides will know how to get the stations. Previous experience has been that
there, what to expect, and where to sit or stand. the crowds for this event, if held in a central
The pope will likely speak in Spanish, so be location, are not as heavy as previous nights;
sure to remind pilgrims to bring their radio and still, caution should be exercised regarding
headphones so that they can listen to the space, belongings, etc. This event may also be
simultaneous translation. in Spanish, so once again, it is important to
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