Y Franciszek Mróz The Pedagogical University of Cracow, Poland Youth pilgrimages along pilgrimage routes in Europe Amongst hundreds of speeches of Saint John Paul II to young people, his most permanently remembered words were uttered on 3 June 1997 on Adam Mickiewicz Square in Poznań: “Be in this world bearers of Christian faith and hope by living love every day. Be faithful witnesses of the Risen Christ, never turn back before the obstacles that present themselves on the paths of your lives. I am counting on you. On your youthful energy and your dedication to Christ.” 1 his youthful enthusiasm and faithfulness to Jesus is clearly visible when we look at thousands of young people who go on a pilgrimage along the pilgrim routes in Europe. Probably for many it seems startling that going on a pilgrimage has become a popular phenomenon in the contemporary world, in which each day the processes of secularisation of the public life and societies builds up, in the world where the feeling of abandonment, loss and emptiness 1 Apostolic Journey of His Holiness John Paul II to Poland (May 31 – June 10, 1997), Youth Meeting, Homily of John Paul II, Poznań, 3.06.1997, 5, https://w2.vatican.va/ content/john‑paul‑ii/en/homilies/1997/documents/hf_jp‑ii_hom_19970603_giovani‑ poznan.html (07.07.2016). DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.15633/9788374385268.24