World Youth Day USA Guides International Pilgrimage Leaders Guide | Page 19

another. Now the leaders are called also to do

wash the feet of our brethren, as Jesus did.”17

the same for a younger person, inviting them

Most young people want to be of service to

to take on the mantle of leadership.

others, but often do not know how. The
pilgrim leader can assist youth and young

The lifelong pilgrim lives the encounter with

adults in reflecting on what ways they can be

Jesus Christ in daily life. Gathering stateside

of service to the Church and to those in need

and international pilgrims after World Youth

in the world, particularly the poor and by

Day can help all young people share and

providing opportunities or pointing to

integrate their experiences and, ultimately,

opportunities to serve. This is our way of

build upon them. For example, many World

showing the love of Christ to the world. The

Youth Day pilgrims are also discerning their

leader can witness to the fact that “to love

vocation in life. The leader assists in this

means to serve and service increases love.”18

discernment process by not only witnessing to
one’s own vocation in life, but by also

Sending Forth

encouraging pilgrims to consider the vocation

The World Youth Day gathering, whether it

of marriage, consecrated life, or priesthood.

occurs overseas or in various places

On a practical note, it might involve good

throughout the United States, will ultimately

conversations during the journey and hosting

come to an end. Therefore, the leader needs

a gathered session in the weeks or months

to send forth those who gather, but not simply

following World Youth Day that helps youth

by dispersing participants at the end of the

and young adults explore the notions of

gathering. People have changed during the

vocation and discernment.

time of pilgrimage due to the various
encounters and the accompaniment, even if

Living the encounter with Jesus Christ also

they do not fully perceive or understand it.

means being of service, which evangelizes
others. Pope Francis teaches that

Similar to the dismissal at every Mass, World

“evangelizing means bearing personal witness

Youth Day pilgrims need to “go, glorifying

to the love of God, it is overcoming our

the Lord” by their lives.19 As Pope Francis

selfishness, it is serving by bending down to

confidently told millions of pilgrims as they

17

18

Pope Benedict XVI, “Meeting with Volunteers of the
XXVI World Youth Day, August 21, 2011.

Homily for Closing Mass on the Occasion of the XXVIII
World Youth Day, Rio de Janeiro, July 28, 2013, 3.

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17

Roman Missal, Dismissal.