More than 600 young adults from Ireland are expected in Rome for the Jubilee of Youth this week. The event is expected to gather up to 1-million young people from across the world for the once in a 25-year event marking the Jubilee year.
It will culminate in an overnight vigil outside the city in Tor Vegata on the grounds of a university campus where a million young people gathered 25 years ago with Pope John Paul II. This week, Pope Leo will preside over the Mass in his first official encounter with the world’s youth.
Across dioceses in Ireland, young people have been preparing throughout the year for this pilgrimage through special preparation Masses and catechesis. A unique programme has been organised by the Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference in collaboration with the Pontifical Irish College in Rome to bring Irish pilgrims together for catechetical sessions and social events.
These will feature national and international guest speakers, including Bishop Robert Barron, Sister Mary Grace and Bishop Alan McGuckian. The programme will also include an outdoor way of the cross processing to the Basilica of Santa Croce which houses the relics of the True Cross.
This initiative highlights the Church in Ireland’s strong commitment to supporting young people on their journey of faith, encouraging them to bear joyful and courageous witness to Christ in today’s Ireland.
The highlight of the Irish pilgrims’ programme will be an ‘Irish Gathering’, beginning with a time of prayer and reflection led by Bishop Fintan Gavin of Cork and Ross, followed by an open-air concert featuring musician Sarah Kroger on the grounds of the Pontifical Irish College.
It is hoped that these encounters will sow the seeds of an eternal harvest, inspiring young pilgrims to deepen their relationship with Christ. As they return home, the prayer is that they will carry the joy, enthusiasm, and renewed sense of mission gained on this pilgrimage back to their parishes, schools, and communities
