The series of events in the Diocese of Rome from July 28 – August 3 gave rise to a vibrant mosaic of exuberant youth and young adults, bursting into grace-filled experiences in and outside of “bella Roma.”
It is an extensively recognized fact that Pope Francis aspired to establish a connection between “the center” and “the periphery” in its many dimensions. Many reviewers, participants, commentators, and pilgrims have frequently noted that Pope Leo XIV continues in his own way this marvelous unifying mission.
Pilgrimage Moments at St. Peter’s Basilica and the Circus Maximus
Pilgrims from around the world gather joyfully near St. Peter’s Basilica, waving flags and sharing in prayer and fellowship as part of the Jubilee 2025 celebrations.
A seemingly perpetual flow of young individuals traversed the network of churches, convents, monasteries, as well as cultural hubs in the Eternal City. This phenomenon also extended to the suburbs and secluded areas. Consequently, St. Peter’s Basilica, the Circus Maximus, and the remote Tor Vergata emerged as the three focal points for young people during that week. To a certain extent, it demonstrated for us the potent and multifaceted connections between the center and the periphery as we persist in our pilgrimage of hope this year.
Sant’Onofrio: A Home for 600 Pilgrims
Pilgrims rejoice in music and dance outside Sant’Onofrio, celebrating faith and fellowship during a vibrant moment of the Jubilee 2025 journey.
I am happy to mention that our fraternity at Sant’Onofrio had the privilege of hosting numerous international groups, with around 600 pilgrims spending their time here. These pilgrims offered a moving witness to the depth of their relationship with the Lord and His Mystical Body, the Church. For example, the Community of the Beatitudes convened over 200 members from France, Switzerland, Italy, Poland, Lebanon, and the United States. They organized a full day of reflection, testimonies, a multilingual liturgy (in French, Arabic, and Hebrew), fellowship, and, of course, much-needed rest.
It goes without saying that the entire week at Sant’Onofrio preceding the encounter between young people and Pope Leo XIV in Tor Vergata also presented an opportunity for us to share the charism of “at-ONE-ment” and the legacy of Father Paul and Mother Lurana.