World Youth Day USA Guides International Pilgrimage Leaders Guide | Page 17

their presence, invitation, and encouragement

by him (missionary). In baptism, we become

that can lead pilgrims to a greater alignment

disciples, followers of Christ, and Christians

with the Gospel.

accompanying one another in and through the
Church to deepen this discipleship and to

Evangelizing Service

follow the Gospel. Those who are baptized as

When a pilgrim experiences the witness of

infants have this choice made for them. The

compassion and acceptance, this often leads

people participating in the international World

to a desire to do the same for another person.

Youth Day pilgrimage have chosen to be

The mercy and healing experienced in Christ

there. Therefore, the opportunity is ripe for

strengthens both the pilgrim and the leader to

these young men and women to deepen their

evangelize and serve. As the Holy Father said,

lives as disciples of Christ Jesus, making their

“Our personal experience of being

personal choice to do so in response to their

accompanied and assisted, and of openness to

encounter with the Lord and others who are

those who accompany us, will teach us to be

witnessing Christ to them.

patient and compassionate with others, and to
find the right way to gain their trust, their

Effective ministry leaders witness this

openness and their readiness to grow.”12

discipleship in all that is said and done on the
pilgrimage journey – from simple email

From its start, the international World Youth

communications and announcements prior to

Day has offered participants an opportunity

and during the pilgrimage to answering the

to be evangelized and to evangelize. Leaders

same question from the pilgrims for the

and pilgrims embark on the journey with the

fiftieth time. It is all a service to the pilgrims,

hope that they will have a deeper encounter

one that is freely given for the sake of Christ

with Jesus Christ and others. Often they

and for those he has placed before us.

experience personal transformation,
reconciliation, and renewed life in Christ.

The experience of pilgrimage and the

This cannot be kept to one’s se