A Young Person’s Experience at the Jubilee

The Jubilee is a special event that happens once every 25 years. I wanted to make the most of this year of Jubilee by attending the events in Rome specifically for the Jubilee of Youths. I had no idea that I would make so many new friends and be a part of such a transformative experience.

What is the Jubilee?

The term Jubilee comes from the Jewish word 'yobel', which refers to a ram's horn used to announce the Day of Atonement. This day marked the beginning of the Jubilee year. According to the Bible, the Jubilee happens every 50 years, after seven cycles of seven years. The purpose of this tradition was to re-establish a proper relationship with God, others, and all of creation. It involved forgiving debts and returning land.

The first Catholic Jubilee, also known as a Holy Year, was held in 1300. The frequency of Holy Years has changed over time, from every 100 years to the current 25 years. There have also been extraordinary Holy Years, such as the Year of Mercy in 2015. Catholics participate in the Jubilee by being granted a plenary indulgence.(https://www.iubilaeum2025.va/en/giubileo-2025/segni-del-giubileo.html)

Plenary Indulgence

A plenary indulgence is a concrete act of God’s mercy. It frees our hearts from the weight of sin by providing a free and abundant reparation for our wrongdoings. This grace entered human history through Jesus and the saints, and by living in communion with them, our hope for forgiveness is strengthened. (https://www.iubilaeum2025.va/en/giubileo-2025/segni-del-giubileo/indulgenza.html)

My Personal Experience

When I heard about the Jubilee of Youths, I wanted to go but wasn't sure how until I received an invitation from a Carmelite youth group. This group also offered the opportunity to meet with other young Carmelites from around the world. I went with very few expectations. Having attended World Youth Day in Lisbon, Portugal in 2023, I anticipated a similar atmosphere. What I hadn't prepared for was making so many new friends.

I travelled with the Carmelite Youths of Malta, and in Sassone, I connected with other Carmelites from around the world. The walk to Tor Vergata was challenging, but it reminded me that life is a pilgrimage. Along the way, we meet people who help us carry our burdens.

The energy and excitement of the young people were contagious, especially when Pope Leo XIV arrived. For me, the vigil was the highlight. A profound silence fell over everyone when the Holy Sacrament was exposed and Frisina’s 'Anima Christi' was sung. It felt as though all of our hearts were united in prayer.

The Mass on Sunday was filled with pure joy, especially when the song 'Jesus Christ, You Are My Life' was played and everyone sang the chorus at the top of their lungs.

Reflecting on this experience, I feel hopeful. After all, the theme of this Jubilee is "Pilgrims of Hope." In today’s world, it can be challenging to practice the faith as a young person. However, seeing all these young people on fire for the faith and the Church, I felt encouraged knowing that others are still practising and not afraid to share the gospel.

I'll conclude with the words of Pope Leo XIV, which he said during his homily at Sunday Mass:

"Aspire to great things, to holiness, wherever you are. Do not settle for less. You will then see the light of the Gospel growing every day, in you and around you.”