World Youth Day USA Guides International Pilgrimage Leaders Guide | Page 30

Discovering these graces, though, is best done

from Turin, Italy) can be a wonderful aid in the

in the company of good companions. One of

World Youth Day experience, especially since

the important aspects of World Youth Day is

meeting those holy men and women, or their

that pilgrims journey in groups – some large,

sacred sites, can be done throughout the

some small, many in between. When the

preparation process in the U.S. and at the event

journey gets difficult, having companions

itself in Kraków. The saints give pilgrims a

makes the challenges more bearable. In times of

recipe for the demands of holiness and Christ’s

incredible joy on the way, having companions

invitation to perfection. The great spiritual

to share those moments can create lasting

leader Thomas Merton calls this revelation of

bonds. Good companions hold pilgrims

God’s will for humanity a path to “simple

accountable and remind them to seek God in

sainthood” – to abandon ourselves, to be

the midst of their everyday life. Encourage

reconciled, and to be loving. Becoming “saints”

Christian companionship and camaraderie

does not require that pilgrims perform miracles

throughout the preparation, yet also remind

or write volumes of theological text; it only

pilgrims to keep their circles open to new

requires an openness to greatness and trusting

people, so as not to fall into the temptation of

in God—responding to his grace and giving

cliques and isolation from the community.

our whole selves to him. Encouraging pilgrims
to look deeper at their own lives and how they

In addition to a community of peers, World

can imitate the saints can be a helpful way to

Youth Day also offers young men and women

contextualize and deepen the celebration that

an opportunity to connect through t