A pilgrim’s reflection: Young adults, priests and sisters make Jubilee pilgrimage to Italy

By Axel Franco

PHOTO: Pictured are young adults from the Diocese of Colorado Springs who participated in a pilgrimage to Italy July 27-Aug. 5. They were accompanied by Father Thomas Pressley, Capuchin Father Alex Diaz, and Salesian Sisters Quynh Pham and Janna San Juan. (Photo courtesy of Sister Quynh Pham)

COLORADO SPRINGS. Our pilgrimage to Rome, Assisi, and Turin for the Jubilee of Youth July 27-Aug. 5 was eye opening, deeply moving, and spiritually awakening. But it really began back in November 2024, when we started preparing, offering our time, sacrifices, and prayers to shape ourselves into true pilgrims. We were carried by the prayers and support of many from our diocese. Along the way, we grew in virtue.

Once in Italy, we carried with us the intentions and prayers of everyone from the diocese who helped us get there. Every step, every Mass, every moment of silence was an opportunity to intercede on their behalf.

In Rome, we walked the same streets as the Apostles and felt the weight of St. Peter’s mission in the heart of the ancient world. In Assisi, we encountered the legacy of St. Francis and St. Clare and witnessed how God preserves those who remain faithful to him. St. Carlo Acutis was another beautiful example of this. In Turin, we learned the story of St. John Bosco, a saint who reshaped lives through love and truth. We prayed especially for our youth, that they may discover their purpose and embrace holiness.

At the Jubilee Vigil Aug. 2-3 in Tor Vergata, kneeling in silence with over a million Catholic youth from around the world, I was reminded that the Church is alive and we’re a part of something so much greater than ourselves. In that sacred moment, we didn’t just pray for ourselves; we prayed for you, for our parishes, our priests, our families, and our entire diocese.