From the Holy Land to Rome. From the place where Salvation began to the center of the universal Church. This is the meaning of the trip to Rome made by the young people of the St. Francis Youth group of Jerusalem. The group, as Maria, a volunteer, tells us, brings together teenagers from middle school to high school. Inspired by the spirituality of Saint Francis, the movement meets every week, sharing moments of fraternity. “We reflect on the Sacred Scriptures and the Sunday liturgy, and we help young people deepen their understanding of Christian identity” she explains, “we also organize educational and recreational activities, including visits to the Holy Places. And through this youth group, we are committed to the spiritual, cultural, and civic formation of the young people of Jerusalem, helping them grow as faithful Christians and responsible members of society”.

In this journey of joy and formation, the pilgrimage to Rome is also included. A trip in which the young people of the Holy City, led by Fr. Butrus Muallem of the Custody of the Holy Land and Sister Amal Hijazin of the Sisters of Saint Dorothea, were able to bear witness to their faith and their daily life in the heart of the Church. And there were several moments that deeply touched the hearts of the young pilgrims. Above all, as Maria recounted, the meeting with Pope Leo XIV. For the young people of Jerusalem, being able to stand before the Successor of Peter represented the beauty of unity and the embrace of the universal Church towards the faithful all over the world. “It was a great blessing to receive the grace of seeing the Pope and praying from the bottom of our hearts. Despite the greatness and magnificence of the ancient buildings, the main message of Christianity remains love, peace, humility, and service to others” recounted Lourdes and William.

An experience of faith and prayer. An emotion that shines through in every account given by the people who participated in the trip. Even climbing the Holy Stairs on their knees, one of the most symbolic places of Roman pilgrimages, was experienced as an act of penance and contemplation of Christ's suffering, leaving an indelible mark on many of them. An act “tiring but spiritually intense” according to Guadalupe and Jocelyne. And between prayer, testimony, and gratitude, all the young people were also able to experience being part of the Church in a different way, visiting the Vatican and the sacred places of the Eternal City. “In Rome I felt that the trip was much more than walking among ancient streets and stones. Every place invited one to slow down, reflect, and get closer to God” said Nicola. For Clarisse, “these were days full of laughter, prayer, and beautiful memories shared with our youth group”. The meeting with their Italian peers was also profound and fun. And so, returning to Jerusalem, the thought of the group was unanimous. To live even more convinced of the beauty of witnessing Christ through acts of love, humility, service, and hope. The young people of Saint Francis return home renewed in faith and united by a deep friendship, ready to be light and living testimony in their beloved land.