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A group of 18 young adults from the Diocese of Arundel & Brighton attended the Jubilee Youth Pilgrimage to Rome last month (July 28 to August 3), as part of the Jubilee Year of Hope, joining over one million young pilgrims from across the globe in sharing and celebrating their faith.

As part of the pilgrimage, the group had the opportunity to enter through the Holy Doors of St Peter's Basilica, the Archbasilica of St John Lateran, the Basilica of St Mary Major, and the Basilica of St Paul Outside the Walls, doors which are only opened during Jubilee Years and symbolise the spiritual journey from sin to grace. Catholics believe that entering these doors is a profound act of faith, offering pilgrims an opportunity for renewal, forgiveness, and a deeper connection with the divine.

A visit to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel were enjoyed, as well as visits to some of Rome’s most popular tourist destinations including the Trevi Fountain, the Spanish Steps and the Pantheon.

Speaking about the trip, one young pilgrim said: “I am so glad I had the opportunity to go on this pilgrimage to Rome, it allowed me to share valuable time with other young Catholics.”

The group were very fortunate to attend the Papal Audience on Wednesday morning and got a close-up view of Pope Leo XIV - with the Audience dedicated to the young people of Arundel & Brighton, amongst others in attendance.

The pilgrimage was concluded by a weekend in Tor Vergata (a large esplanade in Rome) where our 18 pilgrims camped out with more than one million others to attend the Papal overnight vigil, adoration and Mass. Reflecting on the experience, pilgrim Hannah Woodcock said:

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“My favourite part of the Rome trip was Tor Vergata! It was amazing to see Pope Leo so close; praising and worshipping Jesus with millions of other young people was an unforgettable moment and was a powerful reminder of how God is moving through this generation!”

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Another pilgrim said:

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“Adoration at the overnight vigil was breathtakingly beautiful, like nothing I have ever, or probably will ever, experience again. You could feel God moving amongst us. It was silent. Over a million people and it was silent. Everyone in shared prayer and adoration of our Lord.”

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Pope Leo XIV concluded the Youth gathering by addressing the young people in attendance, and encouraging them to carry their pilgrimage experience back home and into their daily ministry, saying: “My young brothers and sisters” he said, “you are the sign that a different world is possible. A world of fraternity and friendship, where conflicts are not resolved with weapons but with dialogue.”

Our diocesan Youth Project Officer, Bex Driver, travelled to Rome for the eight-day trip with our Youth Adviser, Lizzie Wakeling. Speaking shortly after the group returned to the UK, Bex said:

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"It was my fourth pilgrimage to Rome but my first experience of a ‘youth gather’. I found the pilgrimage incredibly spiritually enriching and was particularly moved by the enthusiasm – amongst the many thousands of young pilgrims – to be witnesses to their shared faith."

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Click the button below to find out more about our diocesan Youth Service.