Fr. Matthew and St. Isidore youth traveled to Rome last summer to immerse themselves in holy places, become friends with the saints, and grow deeper in faith alongside a million young Catholics from around the world.
There were many powerful moments during the Jubilee of Young People. One was attending a Vigil with the Pope. We were able to spend time in adoration and reflection, away from all the distractions of the world. I knew at that moment that it was God’s doing that I was at the Jubilee.
During our visit to the Basilica of St. Francis in Assisi, I discovered a side chapel dedicated to St. Anthony of Padua, who was my Confirmation saint. I took some time to pray and reflect on how I had gotten to this point in my life. It was a small moment, but it had a big impact.
Another moment that stood out to me was climbing the Holy Stairs, located near the Basilica of St. John Lateran. These are the 28 marble steps that Jesus climbed to the Roman Praetorium in Jerusalem where he would be condemned by Pilate to death. We climbed these stairs on our knees while praying the Divine Mercy Chaplet. It was a great representation of the hardships of life. The fact that those were the stairs that Jesus walked on made me feel more connected to him.
Lots of times when I pray, it can seem like a burden. I feel like I only do it because I’m obligated to. Maybe it’s because I’m used to saying prayers that I have memorized. But I now realize that slowing down and making a prayer that comes from the heart is different. It can relate to what’s currently happening in my life. I no longer think of praying as a one-sided conversation, but instead, as talking back-and-forth and listening to God.
I think God has a bigger plan for me. I am called to serve Him in ways that can influence more people than I realize. In my life, I have seen people close to me have a change of heart in the way they view God because of my influence. If I can do that, I believe it is a small step in the right direction.
The Jubilee was a big milestone in where God wants me to go. I have talked with friends who agree that it is harder to stay in touch with the faith today. But being part of the Jubilee of Young People brought my life back into focus, remembering that without God, I am nothing.
Being part of the Jubilee of Young People brought my life back into focus, remembering that without God, I am nothing.
—Joe, high school junior