From July 27 to August 3, the Jubilee of Youth took place in Rome, where we arrived from Transylvania with 100 young people on Monday evening 🚌. Our pilgrimage was not only about discovering the city but also about renewing our spirits – in the Year of Hope, we truly became pilgrims of hope.

Guided by Father Ede Csont, we explored Rome’s significant holy sites 🏛️. In the first days, we visited, among others, the tomb of Pope Francis at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore 🙏, and passed through the Holy Doors of the Lateran Basilica of St. John, the Basilica of St. Paul, and Santa Maria Maggiore ✨.

A highlight of our pilgrimage was the Hungarian Mass at St. Paul’s Basilica 🇭🇺⛪, attended by hundreds of Hungarian youths.
We were especially honored that Archbishop Dr. Gergely Kovács and Rector István András joined us for a day, strengthening the spiritual unity of our community.

🙏 What stays in our hearts – testimonies of the youth:
“During our journey to Rome, we truly were pilgrims of hope. Through many surprises and challenges, we learned to hope and to live in the present moment. To break out of the rush and experience God’s presence and love here and now.”
(Antal Eszter)

“For me, this pilgrimage showed that even if I cannot change my circumstances, I can change my attitude. I tried to see difficult moments as ways God strengthens me through patience, humility, and perseverance. It was a life-changing experience to take part in this jubilee with my friends, and I am grateful that faith and community are important to so many young people.”
(Ilyés Gyopár)

“In the Year of Hope, we managed to pilgrimage to Rome. During this year, I received seven things that help give hope: God’s unconditional love, the silence of prayer, communities, God’s providence, repentance, the source of hope, and the example of others (the lives of saints). Throughout the pilgrimage, I continually experienced God’s providence.
My most outstanding experience was meeting the Pope at Tor Vergata and the night vigil with one million young people. We started to explore the area and noticed everyone running somewhere. I caught myself running too. I got to see the Pope from the front row. But the Pope wasn’t the most important for me; through him, I felt I could see God himself, as he is the leader of the Church.
The night vigil was a very beautiful experience. It was moving to pray together with so many young people. The next morning’s shared awakening gave me the feeling that if there are so many Christian young people, then Christianity has a future.”
(Lőrincz Anikó, Szentegyháza)

“This week was very intense and blessed, full of new people, situations, and encounters. It is hard to pick one moment from the many goosebump-inducing experiences.
It gave something that can only be experienced, not easily told. The feeling when young people from all over the world pray together at Tor Vergata, or when they cry together during Eucharistic Adoration, how God’s presence touches everyone differently yet equally – that is an indescribable great miracle.
Our patience, perseverance, and faith have strengthened. We experienced that when we start walking the path toward Jesus, He somehow meets us halfway.
I am grateful to have been part of these moments!”
(Szőke Orsolya)

We thank everyone who contributed to making this pilgrimage possible – the young people who bravely undertook the journey; the pastors who supported them; the organizers who managed everything; Father Ede Csont for spiritual and historical guidance; and Archbishop Gergely Kovács, whose support allowed 100 young people to participate at a discounted rate on this life-changing journey. 🙏

Arrivederci Roma! 🇮🇹
Ciao CSIT – see you soon!