In joyful communion with the Catholic Church, SSpS communities around the world celebrate the Jubilee of the Youth in diverse and meaningful ways. In Rome, SSpS from Ukraine accompanied 20 young people to join the global celebration. In Cuba, the SSpS community marked the jubilee locally, in solidarity with the universal Church. In southern Chile, the mission with youth continues through education—at the Purísimo Corazón de María School in Fresia, project-based learning helps students connect knowledge with their cultural roots and local environment. A shared mission, lived out in different contexts—united in hope and youth-centered transformation
Jubilee of the Youth in Rome
From July 28 to August 3, 2025, over one million young people from 146 countries gathered in Rome for the Jubilee of Youth, a major event of the Catholic Church’s Holy Year. Dedicated to youth aged 15–30, the celebration included liturgies, cultural events, and moments of prayer and encounter across the Eternal City.
Pilgrims visited iconic sites such as St. Peter’s Square, Circus Maximus, and Tor Vergata, where the Vigil and Closing Mass took place. The theme, Pilgrims of Hope, invited youth to walk together in faith, solidarity, and peace.
Pope Leo XIV welcomed them in multiple languages, urging them to “spread your enthusiasm and your faith” and to be signs of a world built through dialogue, not conflict. The Pope’s surprise appearance in the Popemobile during the opening event thrilled 120,000 participants.
The Jubilee Cross, carried by the Pope at the head of the procession, glowing in the sunset with youth behind—symbolizing hope and unityAt the August 2 Vigil, the Pope led Eucharistic adoration and carried the Pilgrim Cross, inviting all to “stay with us, Lord.” The final Mass at Tor Vergata gathered the global youth community in unity and mission, where Pope Leo prayed for peace and announced the next World Youth Day in Seoul, 2027.
Ukrainian Youth Journey to the Jubilee
Amid the ongoing war and uncertainty in their homeland, 62 young people from Ukraine—accompanied by Sr. Liudmyla Kmet and Sr. Mariia Liuba—embarked on a remarkable pilgrimage to the Jubilee of Youth 2025 in Rome. Their journey was more than a trip; it was a testament to resilience, faith, and the unbreakable hope that defines their generation.
Before reaching Rome, the group undertook a pilgrimage, preparing spiritually and emotionally for the international gathering. This prelude deepened their sense of purpose and reminded them of the strength rooted in community, prayer, and shared stories of suffering and hope.
In Rome, surrounded by over a million youth from around the world, one moment stood out: a sea of young people on their knees before God. “The world says that young people don’t need God,” one Ukrainian teen shared, “but here, we see the opposite.” For many, this visible witness of faith brought healing and courage.
“Participating in the Jubilee Youth Days in Rome was a unique and unforgettable experience of unity, faith, and hope. It was truly inspiring to witness the scale of the event—a million young people gathered in Rome to bear witness to their faith!” Young Christians from around the world had the opportunity to pray side by side and celebrate the Eucharist together. One of the most powerful moments for me was the encounter with Pope Leo XIV in St. Peter’s Square, and the deeply moving evening prayer vigil at Tor Vergata. There, under the open sky, we bowed our heads together before the Blessed Sacrament—a moment of profound silence, reverence, and shared devotion.” Nastya Kaplychna
“What impressed me most was that every day we celebrated Divine Services—no matter the place. Whether in a small chapel or a magnificent basilica, we had the chance to encounter Jesus daily. It’s an incredible gift to receive Him into your heart not just once a week, but every single day! Among the most moving moments were the adorations dedicated to praying for peace in Ukraine. In those moments of silence and intercession, I felt the deep unity of the Church. This is exactly what every Ukrainian needs right now—prayer, peace, and the presence of Christ”. Ksenia Shmulko
This pilgrimage was a powerful encounter with the universal Church—a reminder that even in the darkest times, God walks with them. It rekindled their faith, affirmed their identity, and gave them a voice of peace amid the noise of war.
Youth in Chile: Transforming Communities Through Education and Commitment
In the small town of Fresia, in southern Chile, young students are proving that transformation begins with small, committed steps. At the Purísimo Corazón de María School, run by the Missionary Servants of the Holy Spirit, education is more than academics—it’s a mission of hope and change.
Through project-based learning, children and adolescents connect classroom knowledge with the realities of their environment and culture.
In 2023, the school’s “In Action for Water” project, focused on pollution awareness of freshwater ecosystems, won the top prize in a regional FIC science and innovation competition arranged by the Government of Los Lagos and Universidad San Sebastián.
As a reward, a group of students and their teachers, guided by Javiera Pino Cárdenas, received an 11-day study trip to Florida, including visits to NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, Disney Studios, and universities in early 2024
Their work has reached far beyond Fresia. Projects have been showcased at national science fairs, and in 2025, students represented Chile at an international youth gathering in Brazil. Upcoming events in Paraguay and Dubai will further highlight their impact.
These initiatives reflect a deep commitment to inclusive education, ecological awareness, and responsible citizenship. With each project, students become protagonists of change—living the Gospel through service, creativity, and compassion. As SSpS Sisters, we are proud to walk with these young people who, step by step, are shaping a more just and caring world
Youth in Cuba: Missionaries of Hope and Courage
In Cuba, where expressing faith publicly often requires discretion and courage, young people continue to be a powerful sign of life and renewal in the Church’s mission. Despite limitations under a communist system, youth in our SSpS communities find creative ways to live and share their faith.
The group brings together more than 20 young people from different parts of the Diocese of Bayamo-Manzanillo in Granma, as well as young people from different localities in the municipality of Mayarí in Holguín. They are accompanied by the Missionary Servants of the Holy Spirit and live their spirituality and charism primarily in their daily lives, wherever they are: at home, at school, at work, and in their communities. As a whole group, they meet twice a year to share their experiences of prayer and mission. However, every month, or at least whenever circumstances allow, they meet in small groups for formation, prayer, and service. These young people nourish their faith through small, simple things.
An example of the small and simple things that are immensely great in the current situation is the contribution they make with their joyful spirit and their desire to help and share by bringing food, medicine, and clothing to sick people, elderly people who live alone, and families whose income is not even minimally sufficient for their daily sustenance
Their presence is a reminder: even in difficult settings, the Holy Spirit continues to work through the hearts of the young, opening paths for communion, transformation, and hope.
