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