World Youth Day USA Guides International Pilgrimage Leaders Guide | Page 28
the pope. However, the affection for the
Along with the pope, many bishops from
pontiff among pilgrims may be limited to his
throughout the world are also present at World
international celebrity status. But there is so
Youth Day, as fellow shepherds of the dioceses
much more than that. On a deeper level, the
where they have been called to serve. This
Holy Father is, quite literally, the father of a
event is a wonderful opportunity for these
family that is the universal Church. It is the
bishops to come in contact with the Church in
pope who serves as the unifying role model for
her young people through catechetical sessions,
all the WYD pilgrims from around the world.
national gatherings, reconciliation, and through
simple encounters along the streets.
When Pope John Paul II inaugurated the World
Participating bishops look forward to meeting
Youth Day gathering, he himself wanted to
the young people and spending time with them.
spend time with and encounter young people.
“Even though he is getting older, the young
Encourage your pilgrims to seek out bishops, to
people urge the Pope to be young,” wrote John
listen to their words and catechesis, to thank
Paul II in his memoir, Crossing the Threshold of
them for their ministry, to engage them in
Hope (1994). “They do not permit him to forget
conversation, and to pray alongside them on
his experience, his discovery of youth, and its
the journey. World Youth Day stands out as a
great importance for the life of every man.”30
special experience of the Universal Church,
The World Youth Day experiences, then, are as
where one can literally see the diversity of
much a blessing to the Holy Fa