b'PILGRIMS OFHOPE PHOTOS BY ARELY REYESMarianist-connected young adults bear witness to their faith at Jubilee of Youth in RomeBy Father Bob Jones, SM O n a hot and sunny Saturday afternoon inhope, who courageously devote their lives to Christ August, a white helicopter appears in theand rejoice in being his disciples and missionaries. sky, and a loud cheer goes up from theTo bring this point home, the Vatican organized crowd gathered in a large open field outside ofthe Jubilee of Youtha sort of Jubilee-within-the-Rome. Pope Leo XIV has arrived! Jubilee. Young people from around the world gathered He is here to greet and pray with the more than in Rome in late July and early August to celebrate their one million young people gathered to celebrate the faith and to grow in hope.Jubilee of Youth, which is partI was privileged to accompany 20 Marianist- of the Jubilee of Hope. As heconnected young adults as pilgrims of hope tomakes his way through thethis Jubilee celebration. They came from the three crowd in the popemobile, aMarianist universities, a Marianist young professionals chant begins to swell: Papagroup, and new Marianist Lay Communities. They Leone! Papa Leone! The energywere from all over the country and from different and enthusiasm are electric. backgrounds and stages of life. But we were united as The Jubilee of Hope was pilgrims of hope, united in the Marianist Charism inaugurated by the late Popeand energized by the opportunity to take part in this Francis. When announcing it,pilgrimage. During our nine days in Rome, we prayed Pope Francis said, Hope doesin basilicas, walked through the Holy Doors, explored not disappoint.For everyone,the city, encountered other young adults from around may the Jubilee be a momentthe world, and, of course, enjoyed our fair share of of genuine, personal encounterpasta, pizza, and gelato. with the Lord Jesus.In a specialWhile all these things are wonderful and beautiful, way, he invited young peoplewhat remains with me, however, are the young peoplefor whom he always held themselves and the hope that they carry with them. a special place in his heart It showed in their enthusiasm for their faithboth in to be signs of hope. In one ofa large cheering crowd and in the silence of a small Father Bob Jones, SM his last direct appeals to youth, Pope Francis wrote,chapel. I witnessed it in the joy that oozed from every Our world needs young people who are pilgrims offiber of their beings as we venerated the relics of Saints 12Call 1.800.348.4732 Opposite page: Among the highlights for the Marianist group was walking in pilgrimage to St. Peter Basilica and through the Jubilee Holy Door.'