The Jubilee of Youth Mass presided over by Pope Leo XIV brought together more than a million young “pilgrims of hope” on the esplanade of Tor Vergata, on the outskirts of Rome. Among them were many young Lasallians from various countries and regions of the world, accompanied by some Brothers of the Christian Schools and several teachers from various ministries.
Renewing faith and hope
What has this experience meant in their lives? How will it impact their pastoral and evangelising mission? Brother Juan Felipe Mónoga, Director of Pastoral Ministry of the District of Bogotá, remarks that “the Jubilee has been an opportunity to renew our faith and hope in the one who is at the centre of our hearts and, for us as De La Salle Brothers, is the driving force behind our vocation, the one we follow, the one to whom we consecrate ourselves, but above all the one we transmit through education, in the classroom, in missions, in all parts of the world.”
“We are instruments of God, we are instruments of hope,” adds Brother Juan Felipe, echoing Brother Brian Alejandro Puentes, from the District of North Mexico, for whom this experience has left him with a deep sense of joy: “sharing with young people, walking [with them], seeing the faith and hope of the new generations who have such a strong faith” has strengthened his vocation as a religious Brother.
For his part, Brother Jairo Reyes, from the Norandino District, highlights that the Jubilee of Youth “has been a really enriching experience”, because of the fact that “we have been able to meet people from all over the world who share the same faith”. Then, “despite the long journey to get here, the atmosphere and feeling of being part of the Church is what motivates and inspires us,” as Brother Miguel Octavio Prieto, from the District of North Mexico, pointed out.
“I am surprised that there are so many young people in the Catholic world.”
For some young Lasallians such as Javier Ajenjo, from Colegio La Salle Griñón in Spain, the magnitude of the gathering allowed them to feel that Christianity and Lasallian spirit are living and revitalising realities: “I am surprised that there are so many young people in the Catholic world; it is something you don’t see in small towns or even in big cities.”
“This has been an unforgettable experience that has left its mark on my heart,” says Sara Pardo, a student at Colegio La Salle in Bogotá (Colombia), who acknowledges that, although “it is a little difficult to sleep outdoors or endure the heat, these are undoubtedly lessons that will last a lifetime and strengthen our faith.”
In the case of Damián Chamorro, a young Lasallian from the Colegio La Salle Hermano Miguel, also in Bogotá, “the Jubilee of Youth has been very meaningful for me,” not only because it was the first time he had been able to travel outside his country, but also because “it is one of the best experiences one can have,” since it is something unique and unrepeatable.