World Youth Day USA Guides International Pilgrimage Leaders Guide | Page 48
to as the “Cultural Youth Festival” and are free
Papal Welcome Ceremony
to all registered WYD pilgrims.
On Thursday afternoon (July 28), World Youth
Day pilgrims will joyfully welcome Pope
Leaders will want to take time to look over the
Francis to Kraków at the Papal Welcome
Cultural Youth Festival schedule, in advance if
Ceremony. Included in this event will be a
possible, and plan on visiting some events
prayer service with the Holy Father and his first
throughout the week. This is also a great way
remarks to the young pilgrims gathered there.
for pilgrims to take in more of the local Polish
Since this will be held in Błonia Park, the same
culture, to go deeper in their formation or
venue in which the Opening Mass on Tuesday
spiritual growth, and to meet other pilgrims
(July 26) was held, leaders will have an idea of
from around the globe at less crowded venues.
what to expect, how to arrive there, and where
More information on the specific activities
to sit or stand. It is anticipated that the pope
during the Cultural Youth Festival will be
will speak in languages other than English, so
available in the official World Youth Day
be sure to remind pilgrims to bring their radio
guidebook upon arrival in Kraków.
and headphones so that they can listen to the
simultaneous translation.
Afternoons are also a great time for groups to
take a much-needed break, allowing pilgrims a
This event will be very crowded, as it is the first
chance to rest and refocus their energies with
encounter between the Holy Father and the
some unstructured time. For example, some
young people, and many people are looking
leaders find a quiet park for their pilgrims to
forward to seeing him for the first time. If your
pray, rest, or converse among themselves. You
group is able to arrive early in Błonia Park, you
may also seek out a local restaurant or sidewalk
may have an opportunity to find a space near a
café to taste some of the local food and drink.
fence or roadway where the popemobile will be
passing en route to the stage. If you should
These afternoons can also be used for small
have this chance, it is important to know that,
group discussions or theological reflection, if
immediately prior to the pope’s arrival, it will
that is what is best for the group members at
get even more crowded and people may be
that time. Other group members may want to
pushing and shoving their way to get into your
take in the Cultural Festival or use the time to
area. Encourage pilgrims to be calm and
meet international pilgrims. Do what you feel
gracious, yet also protective of their belongings
the group needs to do to recharge its batteries.
as well as those in their immediate group.
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