By Patti Murphy Dohn
Their bags are packed, boarding passes are printed, and all those passports are ready to be stamped as our young pilgrims from the Archdiocese of Baltimore and other dioceses around our nation head to the airport.
The occasion?
World Youth Day 2016 in Kraków, Poland, the homeland of Pope Saint John Paul II.
Praying for our WYD pilgrims:
Let us join together each day and offer up this prayer for all those attending this year’s WYD celebration with Pope Francis.
Fashioned on the official prayer from the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, this version can be used each day by the parishes and families of our pilgrims.
A World Youth Day Prayer for parents, parishes, and friends:
(Based on the World Youth Day Prayer for the United States from USCCB)
God our Father,
Be with our young people on their pilgrim journey of faith.
Give them the grace and courage to step forward
in faith and hope on the road ahead.
Lord Jesus,
Open their eyes to see Your face in all those they encounter.
Open their ears to hear Your voice in those who are often ignored.
Open their hearts that they might be faithful disciples of mercy and truth.
Holy Spirit,
Transform them. Empower them to give of themselves to the poor;
to welcome the lost; to forgive those who hurt them;
to comfort those who suffer and are marginalized.
Bless all those who travel on mission from the United States of America
to Krakow in Poland, Land of Divine Mercy,
to join the universal Church for World Youth Day.
Bless, too, those who celebrate stateside, united in faith and joy.
Like the disciples who journeyed up the mountain
to witness the Transfiguration,
May this experience be an encounter
that strengthens them for their work in the world.
Through the intercession of Mary, the Immaculate Conception,
patroness of our nation,
May they be worthy witnesses of their faith,
humble representatives of our country,
and inspired missionaries
bringing peace, hope, and mercy into our communities. Amen.
Saint James the Apostle,
patron of pilgrim travelers,
pray for them.
Saint Kateri Tekakwitha,
young faithful witness from our native land,
pray for them.
Saint Therese of Lisieux,
patroness of missionaries and advocate for youth,
pray for them.
Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati,
man of the beatitudes and patron of young adults,
pray for them.
Saint John Paul II,
son of Poland and patron of World Youth Day,
pray for them.
Amen!
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Read more of my reminiscences on World Youth Day:
For more information on World Youth Day:
1. Visit the World Youth Day page on the website of the U.S. Catholic Bishops;
2. The Catholic Review will provide daily coverage about their experiences in “Pilgrims in Krakow”
3. The Official Program for Pope Francis at WYD 2016