Brothers and Sisters,
With immense joy, we share the story of what the Lord has done through your generosity and prayers. This summer, the youth of St. Mark’s embarked on a two-week pilgrimage to celebrate the Jubilee Year 2025, joining millions of young Catholics from around the globe to meet with the Holy Father, walk in the footsteps of the saints, and announce the Good News in the streets.
Your support made this possible. You sent us as missionaries. You sustained us with prayer. And God responded — we saw conversions, reconciliations, and many young people stand up to follow Christ in priesthood and consecrated life.
Everywhere we went, the Lord had prepared the way.
The Meaning of the Jubilee Year
A Jubilee Year in the Church is a time of extraordinary grace and mercy. Rooted in the biblical tradition of Israel’s jubilee, it is a season when the faithful are called to conversion, renewal, and mission. The Holy Father opens the Holy Doors of the major basilicas in Rome, symbolizing Christ Himself — the Door of Mercy — through whom we enter eternal life.
Crossing these doors is a visible sign of entering into a deeper relationship with God. For our youth, this pilgrimage was a living Jubilee: receiving the Word, celebrating the Eucharist, proclaiming the Gospel, and responding to God’s call.
Our Journey – Day by Day
July 25 – Turin
Arriving at the Milan airport, we traveled to Turin and processed to its Cathedral. In the streets, we began our mission of evangelization — announcing Christ to strangers. We received a Word that would accompany us: “Do not be afraid, I am with you.”
July 26 – Don Bosco & Cottolengo
At the Oratory of St. John Bosco, the great friend of youth, we prayed and celebrated a Penance Celebration. Many reconciled with God.
Later, in Cottolengo, we learned about St. Josephine Bakhita. Her story of forgiveness after a life of slavery deeply moved us. The sisters welcomed us warmly and showed us where charity is lived in silence every day.
July 27 – To Padua
We traveled toward Venice, stopping in the province of Padua. Songs, testimonies, and prayer on the bus prepared our hearts for the mission ahead.
July 28 – Venice
We entered Venice by boat, marveling at its beauty. After Morning Prayer in a local church, we went two by two into the squares to share our testimonies. At the Basilica of St. Mark, we prayed at the tomb of the evangelist — a powerful connection for our parish. The day closed with the Eucharist and a joyful gelato.
July 29 – Padua
We processed singing to the Basilica of St. Anthony of Padua. We prayed, met other pilgrims, and announced Christ in the streets. In the evening, we shared the fruits of the day in Chianciano.
July 30 – Siena
We visited the home of St. Catherine of Siena, the place of a Eucharistic miracle, and her convent. There we danced, prayed, and received a Word about her total love for Christ. In the square, we gave witness to the Gospel. That night we stayed in Visciano, a lively and welcoming town.
July 31 – Amalfi
We sailed to Amalfi, receiving a catechesis on beauty while surrounded by the splendor of God’s creation. On the return voyage, we celebrated the Eucharist on the boat — the sea and sky as our cathedral.
August 1 – St. Maria Goretti & Rome
In Le Ferriere, we visited the home of St. Maria Goretti and prayed at the site of her martyrdom. We received a Word on chastity and the beauty of purity.
Arriving in Rome, we joined the joyful chaos of street evangelization on the Spanish Steps.
August 2 – St. Paul & the Catacombs
We began at the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls, crossing the Holy Door in jubilation. Later, we visited the catacombs of St. Marcellino and Pietro, touching the deep roots of our faith. That evening, we prepared for the vigil with the Holy Father.
August 3 – Mass with the Holy Father
Over one million youth gathered at Tor Vergata for the Jubilee Mass with the Pope. A sea of joy, unity, and faith!
August 4 – St. Peter’s & Vocations
We processed singing into St. Peter’s Basilica, crossed the Holy Door, prayed at the tomb of St. Peter, and celebrated Mass.
That evening, at the Neocatechumenal Vocations Meeting, more than 5,000 young men and 5,000 young women stood up to follow Christ. Some were from our own group — a testament to the grace poured out on this pilgrimage.
August 5 – Bolzano
A day of travel and rest in Bolzano, surrounded by the Alps.
August 6 – Altotting, Germany
We joined 12,000 youth from the United States at one of Europe’s oldest Marian shrines. We honored Blessed Franz Jägerstätter, who gave his life in defiance of the Nazi regime to defend the faith. Celebrating the Eucharist in the town square was a fitting conclusion to our pilgrimage. Hundreds of youth stood up to confirm their vocational call.
August 7 – Return Home
We flew from Munich, our hearts full, our faith renewed, and our eyes opened to the mission ahead.
Highlights & Fruits of the Pilgrimage
🌍 Evangelization:
From Venice to Rome, from the Spanish Steps to small village squares, our youth proclaimed Christ without fear.
🙏 Encounters with Saints:
We prayed where saints lived, worked, and gave their lives — Don Bosco, Maria Goretti, Catherine of Siena, Anthony of Padua, Peter, and Paul.
✝️ Vocations:
The pilgrimage stirred many hearts. Some of our own youth stood up publicly to say “Here I am, Lord.” Please pray for them.
A Word of Gratitude
Brothers and sisters,
Your sacrifices, prayers, and support made this pilgrimage possible. Everywhere we went, we prayed for you. And everywhere, we saw that the Lord was already waiting for us.
May the fruits of this Jubilee Year continue to bless our parish for years to come.
Deo gratias!
📌 Sidebars / Extras
What is a Holy Door?
A Holy Door is a special entrance in a basilica that is sealed most of the time and opened only during a Jubilee Year. Passing through it is a symbolic act of crossing from sin into grace, from death into life, made possible by Christ, the “Door” of our salvation.
Who is Blessed Franz Jägerstätter?
An Austrian farmer and father of three, Franz refused to take an oath to Hitler during World War II, choosing to follow Christ even to death. He was executed in 1943. Today, he is honored as a model of courage and fidelity to conscience.
Why Pilgrimage Matters
A pilgrimage is not just a trip — it is a journey of the heart toward God. Leaving behind comfort, we walk in faith, trusting in the providence of the Lord. Along the way, He speaks through the Word, the sacraments, the people we meet, and the challenges we face.