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.
For me, the Jubilee was about discovering what God wants me to do with His love and what I am going to do for others. God brought me to this place filled with holy people, saints, martyrs, and monuments that honor those who carried Jesus to the world. I felt Him whispering that I could be one of those people, too. Forming a friendship with the saints and speaking with those already in heaven with Jesus was monumentally inspiring.
What struck me most was realizing that these saints weren’t superheroes. The saints were ordinary people who simply responded to God’s call and brought others along with them. They said yes to Him, and if they can, why can’t I? I kept praying, “Jesus, help me be a mirror of You.” I felt a deep desire to live like the saints did. So that when people see me, they see the Lord. That longing has stayed with me.
The Jubilee was the first time I truly thought about seeking holiness. It made me consider what it means to actually desire to be a saint. I fell in love with the idea that I, too, could call others to the Lord. I’ve always known we’re all called to sainthood, but I had never thought about it in such a personal way. To realize that I can work toward that in my own life filled me with incredible joy.
One of the most special parts of this journey was learning about St. Carlo Acutis and St. Pier Giorgio Frassati. They were young, ordinary people living lives much like mine, yet they chose to do everything for Jesus.
I especially came to love St. Pier Giorgio Frassati and his story. He was just a simple guy, outdoorsy, athletic, chilling with his friends, etc. He did all the things a normal person would do, but always with his heart set on the Lord. Even though he came from a wealthy family, he cared deeply for others and had a constant desire to serve the poor.
I found myself really relating to him in certain ways. I wanted to ask for his prayers because it gives me so much hope to know that someone so normal was always striving, in simple ways, to grow closer to heaven and closer to Jesus. That’s exactly what I want to do, too.
Jesus, help me be a mirror of You.
—Kaitlyn, high school senior