L Jubilee of Youth in Rome, held from July 28 to August 3, 2025, brought together thousands of young people in a vibrant celebration of faith and mission. Among them were two Good Shepherd Sisters, Emilia Daniel Martins from Mozambique and Ana Donana Xavier from Angola, who are here in Rome for their internship at GSIF. Together, their stories reveal how the Jubilee was not just an event, but a call to live with deeper faith, openness, and joy.
A Pilgrim of Hope: Discovering God in the Joy of Youth
By Emilia Daniel Martins
Looking back on the Jubilee of Youth, my heart remains full of joy and gratitude. One of the most unforgettable moments was standing among thousands of young people, united in prayer, song, and celebration. In that sea of voices, I felt small — and yet deeply connected to something much bigger: a Church that is alive, vibrant, and filled with hope.
This experience opened my eyes to the deep spirituality of today’s youth. I witnessed their longing for authenticity, for de joie, and for a faith that is truly lived. Their questions, their courage, and their steadfast hope reminded me that God continues to call and inspire — raising young prophets of love and truth even in uncertain times.
The experience also helped me grow personally. I came to realize that my questions and dreams matter and are worth sharing. Despite our many differences in language and culture, we were united by the same longing: to encounter Christ et pour bring His love into the world.
This wasn’t just a week-long event. It was a call to live differently. I left with a renewed desire to bring more joy to everyday life, to be more attentive to others, and to help create spaces where young people feel seen, valued, and loved.
There were, of course, challenges — moments of tiredness, misunderstanding, and even feeling overwhelmed. But those moments became opportunities: to grow in patience, humility, et trust in God’s timing. These lessons will stay with me, especially in my future ministry with young people.
I didn’t leave the Jubilee simply as a participant, but as a pilgrim of hope. It was a time of grace and renewal, a reminder that Dieu marche avec nous and that the future of the Church shines brightly in the hearts of its youth. I return from this journey feeling called à la keep walking with joy, courage, and faith.
A Vocation Shared: Witnessing the Church Alive in Youth
By Ana Donana Xavier
Participating in the Jubilee of Youth was a profoundly moving and grace-filled experience for me. As a young consecrated woman, I was profoundly touched by the energy and faith of the many young people I encountered from across the world. Their joyful presence truly reflected the living face of the Church.
One of the most significant moments was during the gathering on consecrated life. Sharing my vocation story with the youth reminded me of how much they hunger for honest, personal testimonies of faith. Their openness, their questions, and even their request to take a photo with me made me realize how deeply they value the presence of consecrated persons among them.
Being surrounded by 123,000 young people from Spain, who joined the thousands of youths from different countries all over the world for the Jubilee celebration, rekindled in me a strong sense of hope for the Church’s future. The Jubilee was more than a celebration—it was a moment of personal renewal, where I was reminded that my vocation takes on its fullest meaning when it is shared with others.
The experience affirmed the beauty and relevance of consecrated life and deepened my desire to continue walking with the youth, witnessing to God’s love with joy, courage, and faith.
