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.
Walking around Italy during the Jubilee of Youth felt light, warm and welcoming. I think it was due in part to the fact that we all shared a common Catholic identity. Everyone was open to meeting new people and talking to strangers on the street. Making connections felt easy when we all had something in common. Whether it was joining another group for Mass, chanting with the crowds, or yelling across the street, “Where are you from?,” the whole experience felt very intimate and friendly.
It felt surreal to see Pope Leo for the first time. His message of hope felt like a big send-off as I start to forge my own path. During the first 18 years of life, your faith life is basically predetermined for you. My parents decided to baptize me, and every Sunday they took me to church, regardless if I wanted those things or not. In college, nobody will take me to church. I have to make that conscious decision myself. Attending the Jubilee not only affirmed that I will keep going on this faith journey with my newfound independence, but also inspired pride in this choice.
During the trip, I was introduced to St. Faustina, whose quote stuck with me: “When I look into the future, I am frightened, But why plunge into the future? Only the present moment is precious to me, as the future may never enter my soul at all. It is no longer in my power to change, correct or add to the past, for neither sages nor prophets could do that. And so what the past has embraced, I must entrust to God.” I often have a hard time with change. Especially as I leave for college — which is one of the biggest changes I’ve ever faced — I needed to hear that now more than ever.
I gained a new perspective about the Catholic faith. Seeing how proud and joyous others are in their faith has encouraged me to feel the same. Before this trip, it was sometimes difficult to find the motivation to go to church, but now I am more eager to find time for Christ.
Attending the Jubilee not only affirmed that I will keep going on this faith journey with my newfound independence, but also inspired pride in this choice.
—Audrey, college freshman