World Youth Day USA Guides International Pilgrimage Leaders Guide | Page 50

The walk to Brzegi may be long and take place

is finished, most pilgrims remain in the field

over uneven, waterlogged, or dirty terrain. Tell

and sleep under the stars. However, be

pilgrims to be aware of their surroundings as

prepared in the case of rain or flooding by

they make the journey, especially if they are

sleeping in and around (or under) protective

passing through residential areas. It is essential

covering. Pilgrims may only get a few hours of

to be respectful of local residents’ property, and

sleep that night, but they should try their best

encourage other groups to do the same.

to rest. After a long walking pilgrimage and an

Pilgrims should drink plenty of water, wear

intense prayer vigil, they will need energy for

comfortable shoes, and, if any problems should

the final Mass the following day and the walk

arise during the pilgrimage walk, locate World

back to the starting point.

Youth Day volunteers for assistance.
Sunday Closing Mass with the Pope
Saturday Night Prayer Vigil

On Sunday morning (July 31), Pope Francis will

Although pilgrims may be tired and tempted to

preside at the World Youth Day Closing Mass

go to bed early on Saturday night (July 30), they

at the “Campus Misericordiae” in Brezgi.

should not miss the solemn and beautiful

Although only registered WYD pilgrims are

Candlelight Prayer Vigil on Saturday night with

invited to the previous night’s vigil service, all

Pope Francis. This is one of the most special

of the Catholic faithful in the host country are

aspects of the entire World Youth Day

welcome to attend the Closing Mass. So do not

experience. Encourage young people to sing

be surprised if that little bit of open space near

along with other pilgrims and, at the same time,

your group is filled by the time Mass begins. In

to embrace the silence that will be part of the

fact, rather than looking at the new people as

prayer vigil. In previous World Youth Days,

interlopers, encourage pilgrims to treat them as

one of the most remarkable moments was

guests and invite them into their area with

when the entire field of young people was

hospitality and graciousness. The pope is

moved to silence as the Holy Father led quiet

anticipated to arrive a short while before the

adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. During this

scheduled start time of Mass, so that he can

and the other parts of the candlelight vigil,

tour the open field in his popemobile. As with

pilgrims should maintain a respectful tone so

previous encounters with the pope, the

that they and others have the opportunity to

roadways and fences will be especially crowded

have a meaningful prayer experience open to

in advance of his drive through the area. Be

encountering the Lord. When the prayer service

cautious of your group’s equipment and
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