It's estimated that almost 4,000 young, American pilgrims traveled to Rome this week to participate in the Youth Jubilee. Knowing this fact, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops organized an event at the Papal Basilica St. Paul Outside the Walls for U.S. faithful to convene while on their Roman pilgrimage.
Pilgrims in attendance were able to pray, worship, and walk through the holy door of St. Paul Outside the Wall. According to some of the young pilgrims, this was a once in a lifetime opportunity for spiritual and communal development alongside their international brothers and sisters.
CHRISTINA ESCATO
Georgia, USA
It's very emotional. I mean everybody has their own different experience, whether it's looking at the art and having their moments there or even just going to confession. It's so impactful.
For some of the pilgrims in attendance, this is more than just their first international Catholic experience – the Jubilee of Youth is one of their first Catholic experiences ever.
TRAVIS SHORES
Massachusetts, USA
The Jubilee has just been absolutely amazing. I just got confirmed Catholic at the Easter Vigil, so I mean… it's like… wow…it's like drinking from a fire hose you know?
One of the keynote speakers at the event was Bishop Robert Barron, founder of the Word on Fire Catholic Ministries, who rallied the crowd with his reflection on the Church's history and survival.
BISHOP ROBERT BARRON
United States
Where's the successor of Peter, who was put to death in the Circus of Nero, and buried away in the Vatican Hill? Where's his successor? I saw him last night, didn't you? Riding around Saint Peter's Square! I saw him last night! I saw him last night!
Along with the holy hour and spiritual testimonies, the event also featured a relic procession of twelve saints and blesseds related to young people in the United States in various ways.
CRT
