World Youth Day USA Guides International Pilgrimage Leaders Guide | Page 74
It is also important for leaders to help the
blog, social media page, newsletter,
international pilgrims engage with stateside
newspaper, or magazine.
pilgrims – those fellow youth and young adults
Encourage pilgrims to speak to people in
who journeyed locally, digitally, or in their
their parish, campus, or diocese after one of
home parish or diocese for the World Youth
the Masses or during any large gathering
Day experiences. Helping them to understand
within their local community.
that their overseas experiences were not
Help pilgrims to direct their renewed
superior to those of stateside pilgrims, but
energy and enthusiasm into projects or
simply different, is very important. Encourage
activities in their local parish, campus,
them to be humble in their approach and to
diocese, or community, especially beyond
unite with stateside pilgrims who shares a
the work of their particular youth or young
different aspect of the WYD experience.
adult ministry program.
In all matters, the group leader should readily
Point pilgrims towards a spiritual director
keep in touch with their pilgrims, asking them
or mentor, who can help them process their
how they are doing and giving them strength
ongoing spiritual development.
and guidance whenever necessary. Following
up, asking good questions, and praying for and
collaborate with stateside pilgrims in the
with the pilgrims in the months and years after
weeks and months following the summer
World Youth Day will remind pilgrims that
season; this collaboration can include a
their journey does not end at the airport on the
jointly-planned event or reunion
way home. It continues throughout their lives.
experience, as well as shared service,
formation, and social events.
Ideas to help pilgrims return home:
Encourage pilgrims to write thank you
Questions leaders can ask pilgrims upon
notes to his or her youth or young adult
returning home from World Youth Day:
minister, pastor, parents and grandparents,
benefactors, and anyone who had a hand in
What was the high point of your World
Youth Day experience? Why?
providing the opportunity for them to
attend World Youth Day.
Encourage international pilgrims to
What was the most frustrating part of your
World Youth Day experience? Why?
Encourage pilgrims to write an article for
their parish, campus, or diocesan website,
What is one thing you learned about being a
missionary disciple and an agent of mercy?
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