Editor’s Note: Five students from Rowan University’s Catholic Campus Ministry, Glassboro, traveled with their peers from the Archdiocese of Philadelphia to Rome for the Jubilee of Youth, which was celebrated from July 28 to Aug. 3. Following are some of their reflections of their experience.
“I was amazed to see the sacrifices youth made to get there. We took an eight-hour flight, but I was talking to pilgrims from Spain, and they said they took a 20-hour bus ride. … Seeing how many people were there filled with me a lot of hope. We can be a beacon of hope for others around the world who don’t follow Jesus. The trip lit a new fire in me.”
~ Donovan Kenny, rising senior, mechanical engineering major, Catholic Campus Ministry president
“It was very cool to see different cultures united for the same thing, and to see the joy and unique way we each live the Gospel. We had all different songs and dances and cheers happening while waiting in lines, but all with the same goal. When people tell you the Church is outdated or dying, looking across a field of thousands of young adults from every country kneeling before the Blessed Sacrament, you realize our hearts are on fire for Christ and the Church isn’t going anywhere. … [Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati] has always been one of my favorites because I can relate to him so much; he was just a regular college-aged guy like me. He loved people and let God love through him in everyday life. Getting the chance to be right next to his casket was surreal – and to see how loved he is by so many youth, you could see how living like Christ in the simplest ways really does change the world.”
~ Stephen McClain, rising senior, mechanical engineering major, CCM treasurer
“This was my first pilgrimage, and I didn’t really know what to expect, but I took what I learned from Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati and the spirit of adventure to lean into that unexpected and trust Jesus. Not to make decisions on the challenges involved, but the good that lies at the end. … It was so special to have Pope Leo XIV take the time to be with us, address us personally and speak hope into our hearts. … I want to inspire hope in others, and help them see the good in situations when it might seem dark. God is our good Father, and we have nothing to fear. We can trust in his providence.”
~ Peter Romeo, rising senior, electrical and computer engineering major, CCM secretary
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