World Youth Day USA Guides Retreat Manual | Page 9

for example, do three (3) one-day retreats

mountaintop might have been. Like Jesus (and

between now and departing for

the disciples who witnessed the Lord in his

Poland. Another option, especially if time and

transfigured glory), all of us have to face our

availability are a concern for pilgrims, is to

own post-transfiguration experiences where

combine all three pre-WYD retreats into a

things aren’t exactly dazzling bright, but

single gathering (usually over a weekend).

mundane or even challenging. Your job as
group leader and retreat director is to facilitate

Regardless of what option you use prior to

the pilgrims’ spiritual journey – before, during,

WYD, it is highly recommended that you offer

and following the pilgrimage.

a post-World Youth Day retreat experience. It
is important to keep people engaged and

Leaders: consider yourself a spiritual tour

connected well after the international experience

guide. You will be pointing out where God

of World Youth Day. Helping pilgrims “come

might be present, asking people where they

down the mountain” of an event like WYD is

found meaningful experiences of the Lord, and

crucial; otherwise, they may be left feeling

linking the young with the vast and varied

stranded with little guidance on how to deepen

experiences of the universal Church. You will

the experience of the pilgrimage and to

also be equipping these pilgrims with insights

integrate the spirit of WYD into their everyday

and understanding of the message of mercy

lives. The memories of mountaintop

that the Holy Father and the Church’s teaching

experiences fade over time. That is normal and

and Tradition proclaim so dynamically.

even healthy. A pilgrim cannot be on the

Advanced preparation and a good team are

mountain forever, nor can they live in the past

essential for a successful formation process. So

as they move into the future, no matter how

put on your hiking boots and lace up! Your

phenomenal the encounter with God on the

journey, and that of your pilgrims, starts here.

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