World Youth Day 2019 USA Leader Guides Stateside Leader Guide | Page 23

parish. All Christians need to move outward and that those leaders can be a wealth of
and bring others to encounter Christ. 32 information and advice.
Leaders and pilgrims are encouraged to look
beyond their parish boundaries and buildings As Pope Francis told the vast crowd of
to find more places where the call to pilgrims and leaders in Rio de Janeiro as they
missionary discipleship can be lived out. were about to embark on a mission of service
in the world (and which can be applied to the
Missionary disciples are sent to not only work of the pilgrimage leader today): “Jesus
preach, but to heal (see Lk 9:2,10:9). The did not say: ‘One of you go,’ but ‘All of you
world needs so much healing. All the baptized go’: we are sent together. Dear young friends,
can and must be bearers of love, which is the be aware of the companionship of the whole
only thing that can heal the soul. Leaders may Church and also the communion of the saints
be able, by the help of the Holy Spirit, to on this mission. When we face challenges
identify and help heal the wounds that they together, then we are strong, we discover
see in the young people in their care. The resources we did not know we had.” 33
pilgrims who experience this healing ministry
from their leaders may, in turn, help to heal
those around them in the future.
Conclusion: Be Not Afraid
Christ continually reminds us, as he reminded
the first missionary disciples: “Do not be
afraid...” (Mt 28:10) The WYD experience,
with its massive size and participation of lay
leaders, priests, deacons, and religious,
bishops, and the Holy Father himself, reminds
us that we are not alone on this journey as
leaders. Pilgrimage leaders should know that
they are united with leaders around the world
32
See Evangelii Gaudium, no. 121.
Homily for Closing Mass on the Occasion of the XXVIII
World Youth Day, Rio de Janeiro, July 28, 2013, 2.
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