(ANS – Rome) – Two months have passed since the Jubilee of Youth 2025, an extraordinary gathering that brought together nearly 5,000 young people from the Salesian world in Rome from July 29 to August 3. These vibrant days remain etched in the hearts of the participants, who were guided by animators, Salesians, FMAs, and other members of the Salesian family. For the young people who came and participated, the Jubilee was much more than an event; it was a profound journey of faith, communon, and spiritual renewal.

To celebrate and preserve the spirit of this milestone event, the Social Communication Sector, in collaboration with the Youth Ministry Sector, has brought out a short documentary titled “Jubilee of Youth: A Journey of Faith and Hope” in five languages. This documentary captures the essence of the Jubilee, showcasing its highlights, the SYM fest and the Salesian moments.

The young people who participated in the jubilee have shared in their own words, share how this experience has transformed their lives, deepened their faith, and planted seeds of hope for the future.

A Church Alive with Hope and Unity

The Jubilee revealed the vitality and universality of the Catholic Church to many young people. For Tagbo John Chikwado from Nigeria, the most inspiring aspect was the Church’s resilience in the face of global challenges: “What inspired me most is that the Catholic Church is alive, seeing how many young people came from across the world. Despite the war and rumors of war all over, there’s still hope for a better world.”

Similarly, Tayo Jane Frances, also from Nigeria, found the experience spiritually enriching: “The Jubilee experience was profoundly enriching, marked by spiritual renewal through confession, a sense of unity through communal celebration and walking pilgrimage, and personal growth through reflection and prayer. This experience deepened my faith and connection to the global Catholic community.”

For Iberia Kwan from Hong Kong, meeting Pope Leo was a defining moment: “The most remarkable experience was meeting Pope Leo on Sunday morning. He said that ‘Friendship is the path to peace.’ We have made different friends these days, and we are companions on the Jubilee journey, yearning for Jesus Christ. This companionship could lead to a world at peace because Jesus is the only peace in the world.”

Discovering Diversity and the Universal Church

For many, the Jubilee was a celebration of the Church’s incredible diversity, unity and universality. Sylvia Showalter from Virginia, USA, was struck by the Church’s global reach and inspired by the Salesian Sisters: “What inspired me most was multiple things. Firstly, seeing how incredibly expansive the Church is through its history and architecture, but also its diversity, with so many young people from all over the world at the vigil. Secondly, the humility of Pope Leo in leading so many people under the mantle of his responsibilities. Thirdly, seeing the Salesian Sisters live their vocation with joy and grace, organizing the pilgrimage and leading us to places where I encountered the charity that is Salesian.

I feel renewed and encouraged to be salt and light to my community, showing charity and love in every way I can. I feel renewed from encountering the Lord in the Eucharist, both in receiving and in adoration. The Jubilee is a time of mercy and grace, where debts and sins are forgiven. I want my life to reflect the healing power of the Lord and to extend it to others.”

For Ana Inclán from Avilés, Asturias in Spain, the message of hope and unity was crucial: “What inspired me the most was the message of hope, sharing faith with people from different countries and cultures, the unity of the group, the encounter with the Pope, and the spiritual depth of the experience, which strengthened my faith and sense of belonging.”

María Carreño from Marbella, Málaga in Spain highlighted the shared faith that transcended cultural and linguistic barriers: “What inspired me the most at the Jubilee was seeing how, despite the differences in languages and cultures, we all shared the same faith in God. The joint adoration with young people from the Salesian world reminded me that, in diversity, God is our point of union. It was a profound experience of fellowship.”

Moments of Grace and Transformation

Some spoke of deeply personal moments of spiritual grace. For Daniela Cianca from Panama, crossing the Holy Door was a powerful experience: “What inspired me most about the Jubilee was crossing the Holy Door. At that moment, my heart felt peace, joy, and a step toward grace.”

For Kinga from Konin, Poland, the Jubilee was a deeply moving encounter with the global Church: “I prepared for the Jubilee of Youth in Rome for a long time, not knowing what to expect. This ‘not knowing’ allowed me to see the world and the Church from a completely different perspective. Seeing thousands of young people in the ‘Land of Saints,’ praying together, adoring the Blessed Sacrament, and sharing faith deeply touched my heart. We were called to be ‘Pilgrims of Hope,’ and we truly became that. It inspired me to spread the Gospel even more among my peers.”

Gabriele Salanitro, Salesian from the house of Catania Cibali, reflected on moments of prayer and connection: “The Jubilee was an intense experience, especially moments of deep prayer and reflection, like the Eucharistic Celebration at the Sacred Heart Basilica presided by Rector Major Fr. Fabio Attard, or the catechesis with MGS Italy, where we learned to dream boldly, trusting in God. The vigil with Pope Leo at Tor Vergata was equally unforgettable.  Meeting peers from all over the world and recognizing ourselves as children of the same Father, exchanging smiles and joy in the Salesian spirit, was truly amazing.”

The Journey of a Pilgrim: A Lesson of Hope

For many, the pilgrimage itself was a transformative experience. Gabriel Alexis Gonzales from the Philippines shared how the journey to Tor Vergata united people and taught him the essence of being a pilgrim: “As Pilgrims of Hope, we marveled at Rome’s engineering feats—the beautiful basilicas, churches, and holy places. But the most inspiring part of the pilgrimage wasn’t the destination but the journey itself.

Millions of us walked together under the scorching Roman sun, enduring over 40,000 steps to Tor Vergata. It was grueling, but along the way, we shared food, water, stories, laughter, and songs. Strangers became friends. People from different countries united.

The journey reminded me that being a pilgrim is about transformation—learning sacrifice, love, and respect. You feel God’s presence in others and discover that hope lives in every step we take together. We, the pilgrims, are the bringers of hope. This hope fuels our faith and unity. It’s a hope that will light the fire for the next generation, a hope that will never fail.”

A Seed Planted in the Hearts of the Young

Fr. Jose Lorbeth Vivo, member of the Youth Ministry Sector reflected on the impact of the Jubilee: “The Jubilee of Youth 2025 was not just a mere gathering; it was a transformative experience, a seed planted in the hearts of our young people. These testimonies reveal that this Jubilee has ignited faith, hope, and a renewed sense of purpose. It has deepened their Salesian Spirit and their love for Don Bosco and the Salesian Family”

The Salesian world reminices this historic moment, as young people have returned to their communities inspired to live the Gospel with joy and courage. The documentary, “Jubilee of Youth: A Journey of Faith and Hope,” now available in English, Italian, French, Spanish y Portuguese on the ANS YouTube channel, will serve as a tool to relive those moments and instill positive vibes in our young people.