World Youth Day USA Guides Stateside Pilgrimage Leaders Guide | Page 15

resources invested in an endeavor like WYD

Stateside and international pilgrims will have

serve only individuals (and in particular,

distinct experiences for World Youth Day,

individuals with the means to travel) or serve

both special in their own way, but they can be

the whole Church community, both the

united as one community – and integrate the

pilgrims who travel to the international

entirety of their parishes, dioceses, campuses,

celebration and those who remain stateside.

workplaces, movements, and groups.

Conclusion

It should be noted, though, that not everyone

World Youth Day is a celebration meant for

participating stateside and internationally are

the whole Church. The challenge is to invite

pilgrims by definition.

the entirety of the Church to truly celebrate it,
Not everyone who travels abroad can call

rather than only those able to travel.

themselves a pilgrim (i.e. a European
As technology and media have progressed

backpacker is just that); neither is the one

from television to Skype to Instagram (and

who simply watches the World Youth Day

beyond), the ability to connect more people to

activities unfold on television or through

the celebration has increased readily.

social media. Pilgrims must be intentional in
their journey as they seek transformation
and closeness to God.

This in turn has awakened leaders of dioceses,
religious communities, and parishes to
understand more fully that this international

The international traveler does have a unique

festival is not just for the few, but is intended

role to play as they physically make their way

for the whole faith community.

to World Youth Day and that should not be
taken from them; nonetheless, the stateside

The young people who celebrate stateside are

pilgrim must also engage in movement in

not an afterthought, but can be pilgrim

whatever way they can, as they have a

travelers too. Technology and information

distinct role to play in the communal and

sharing has allowed the understanding of

ever-growing World Youth Day

“pilgrim” to expand in a certain sense, and at

phenomenon of the Catholic Church.

the same time, to connect us back to our
ancient heritage of feast and pilgrimage.

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