World Youth Day USA Guides International Pilgrimage Leaders Guide | Page 34

5. Strong spiritual preparation is

safety tips, and travel itineraries, but also their

essential to the pilgrim journey.

faith formation and spiritual development
throughout the preparation process. That way,

World Youth Day is an event like none other.

when those moments of encounter take place,

Consider all of the moving parts that comprise

the pilgrim better understands and appreciates

this unique pilgrimage of faith: the chance to

the graces God has given to them in the midst

visit a country with its unique history, culture,

of the massive crowds and awe-inspiring

and faith story; the opportunity to encounter

experiences of World Youth Day.

people from around the world; the daily
catechesis and prayer experiences, including the

One of the first spiritual dimensions to share

Way of the Cross, the Sacrament of

with pilgrims is the sacredness of the physical

Reconciliation, and the Prayer Vigil including

destination itself. It is important to stress how

Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament with the

important the Catholic faith is to the people of

Holy Father; continually walking and traveling

Poland and how integrated it is into the

to various activities, programs, and locations

architecture, history, and culture of its cities,

around the host city; listening to inspiring

most especially Kraków – where churches can

words from the bishops; the presence and

be found on nearly every corner of the old city.

wisdom of the Holy Father; and the jubilant

Consider spending time talking about the

Closing Mass, at which the participants are sent

specific holy sites the pilgrims will encounter

out on a mission back in their native lands.

and tie it to the pilgrim experience:

For pilgrims to fully experience these moments

On Wawel Hill in the heart of Krakow can be

and recognize Jesus in their midst, they must be

found the origins of Poland and the Catholic

spiritually prepared for the journey and all its

faith of its people. Atop the hill stands the

parts. Just as Olympic athletes would train and

Wawel Royal Arch-Cathedral Basilica of Saints

prepare themselves (physically and mentally) for

Stanislaus and Wenceslaus with its ten centuries

their sporting competitions, so too must World

of rich Polish history. On the grounds of this

Youth Day 'F