World Youth Day USA Guides International Pilgrimage Leaders Guide | Page 79

SAMPLE GATHERING #2

experience, the Final Mass; or it can include

What Just Happened?

something on the way home or an activity that

Unpacking World Youth Day

happened within your specific group before,
during, or after World Youth Day). In the large

Opening Prayer

group, take time to reflect on and discuss the

Lord, thank you for the opportunity

following questions about those experiences:

to gather with the Universal Church


at World Youth Day.

What was most exciting about
that moment?

Open our hearts and minds to discover


what was said, what was done,

What were you thinking then about
that experience?

and how your grace appeared


during that sacred moment in our lives.
In your Name, we pray. Amen.

What was most challenging about
that moment?


Reflecting on the Moments

Now having come back home,
what do you think of this moment?

Explain: We will take time to look back on



what just happened at World Youth Day – not

Why was this moment so moving
or special for you, for others?

in some nostalgic way, but through the lens of



prayer and discernment at where God is calling

What does this moment say about your
current situation and circumstances?

us now. First, we will reflect in the large group
on the major events of World Youth Day 2016.

After discussing each of the three moments,
take a few moments of silent prayer to thank

Action: If you are able, show video or photos

God for the experience the pilgrims were able

of, or bring up three major moments from your

to share together with the universal Church.

group’s particular pilgrimage journey (this can
include something that happened during the

Reflecting on the Words

preparation experience; traveling to Kraków;

Explain: Now we would like to have you

one of the main events of World Youth Day

reflect on the words spoken at World Youth

such as the opening ceremonies, the papal

Day – by the Holy Father, by the bishops, and

welcome, the U.S. gathering, the Via Crucis, the

by others. Take time by yourself for this

catechesis, the pilgrimage to the Divine Mercy

particular reflection.

Sanctuary, the walk to the vigil, the overnight
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