World Youth Day USA Guides International Pilgrimage Leaders Guide | Page 36

(including the Kazimierz district, where Jews

as spiritual guides accompanying them in the

had lived for centuries; the Podgórze area,

building up of their skills as merciful and

which was made into a Jewish ghetto during

compassionate missionary disciples. As a leader

WWII; and the remains of the concentration

yourself, you are also in partnership with the

camps at Auschwitz and Birkenau). Such

bishops as you continue to unpack the lessons

conversations may be difficult for some, but it

of World Youth Day for the pilgrims in your

is an opportunity to discuss atrocities against

group throughout and following the

human dignity and life, challenges of religious

international pilgrimage events. Be aware of this

intolerance and persecution, and the need for

dynamic and help pilgrims find spiritual

interreligious dialogue and religious freedom to

directors and mentors that can journey with

advance true solidarity and peace. If visiting

them and help them to regularly reflect on the

these locations is part of the itinerary, it is

reality of divine mercy in their daily lives.

essential for leaders to spiritually prepare
pilgrims for what they will experience there and

Another powerful catechetical moment of

to offer appropriate opportunities for

World Youth Day is the Friday evening Via

processing afterwards.

Crucis (“Way of the Cross”) prayer experience
led by the Holy Father. During each World

Strong spiritual preparation should also include

Youth Day gathering, the Stations of the Cross

equipping pilgrims for receiving and engaging

are brought to life through the lens of the host

with the daily catechesis with an open mind and

country. For instance, in 2011 in Madrid,

heart. It is important to stress to pilgrims that

carved scenes used in processions for Spanish

the catechetical sessions are not lectures, but

feast days served as the images on the Way of

opportunities to hear wisdom from great

the Cross, while in 2013 in Rio de Janeiro, a

teachers of the Catholic faith from around the

country known for the colorful parades along

world – and a chance to engage with them

Copacabana Beach, each station featured actors

during the dialogue portion of the session.

reenacting the scene in a dramatic and visual art

Encourage them to consider positive,

tableaux. Through these unique approaches,

enlightening questions that will benefit their

young people are able to share their stories in a

peers in a deeper understanding of the theme or

way that connects F