FCJ Sisters and Jesuits in Britain accompanied a group of young adults in a pilgrimage to Rome to participate in the Jubilee of Youth (28 July – 4August 2025).
We began planning the pilgrimage to Rome in October 2024 – a group of FCJ Sisters, Jesuits and the Catholic chaplain from Oxford University worked together to plan the event. After difficulties finding accommodation, we were fortunate to make contact with the Cenacle sisters who were happy to let us use an empty house in the grounds of their Generalate. It was absolutely perfect for our needs and made the event possible for us!
The pilgrimage was advertised to young adults in the FCJ Young Adult Network, Jesuit Young Adult Ministries, and other FCJ and SJ young adult ministries. Participants were encouraged to participate in monthly formation sessions in preparation for our time together.
Five FCJs and two Jesuits accompanied the group of young adults (we were 24 in total). We met together for the first time as a full group in the Cenacle House, and it was great to be welcomed by Anouska fcJ, Ramona fcJ, and Dunstan SJ who had gone ahead to set things up for the group.
Each day had a simple rhythm of morning prayer on a particular theme, followed by breakfast together before setting out into Rome. Each evening we gathered again for the Examen and MAGIS Circle (a simple Ignatian method of sharing and deepening of our experience and Gods action).
July 29th
Walking pilgrimage to the Holy Door at Santa Maria Maggiore, visit to the tomb of Pope Francis and the Mass of Welcome in St Peter’s Square. Pope Leo made a surprise visit much to everyone’s delight!
July 30th
Mass for our pilgrim group in the Church of St Saba, followed by the opportunity for people to attend a wide variety of workshops, prayer services and visit various sites across the city. MAGIS Europe had set up a meeting space in the city and we used this as a base where we were able to run discernment workshops and have one to one meetings for those who wished.
July 31st Feast of St Ignatius
Meeting and prayer with Fr General Arturo Sosa SJ, visit to the Camerette of St Ignatius and Mass at the Gesu. Again, we offered a discernment workshop and one to one meetings.
Aug 1st Reconcilliation Day at the Circus Maximus
Our group had a simple service together in preparation for reconciliation. The FCJs then set up a space near to the Circus Maximus where we could welcome other UK Pilgrims. We had some great conversations! In the evening, we had a celebratory meal together before an early night and preparations for the Vigil.
Aug 2nd
Pilgrimage to Tor Vergata and evening prayer vigil with Pope Leo, followed by an overnight under the stars!
Aug 3rd – Closing Mass with Pope Leo
Aug 4th – Departures
Our highlights and reflections
The pilgrimage had many moving and wonderful moments but for me visiting the Basilica of Sta Maria Maggiore was a highlight. We got up relatively early, and after our usual caffe latte and cornetto, walked from our accommodation to the Basilica. It took us about two and a half hours and we walked instinctively in changing pairs, getting to know each other as we went. Most of the walk was in the cool of the morning and on a cycle path away from traffic. We stopped for reflection in a park and then walked a bit in silence, each of us reflecting on what grace we were asking God as we walked through the Jubilee Holy Door. When we got there, we queued, and queued but the atmosphere was jovial and happy and we had some good conversation with other pilgrims. Walking through the holy door was moving, and more so stopping for a few moments at the tomb of Pope Francis. Having studied Laudato Si‘, and read many of his other documents, I was glad to take a moment to pray in front of the tomb, thanking Pope Francis for his wonderful example and leadership, and asking him to pray for us as we try to continue his legacy. It was a prayerful and beautiful moment. MaryAnne fcJ
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I was especially touched by the way the group interacted and fully participated in the pilgrimage – everything provided a moment of encounter and genuine sharing. It was clear that the young people were grateful to be accompanied by us as FCJs and SJs working together, and whilst they took many opportunities to visit various places around Rome, they clearly wanted to also take every opportunity to deepen their understanding of Ignatian prayer and discernment. I loved the Mass at St Saba (dating back to the 7th Century), which was just for our group; it was so peaceful compared to the bustle of Rome with its additional one million visitors. I loved the simplicity of it. Lynne fcJ
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The special part for me was the invitation to spend 15 minutes in silence and pondering what we wanted to offer/pray for as we crossed the holy door. It gave time amid the hustle and bustle to have a God moment that stayed with me throughout the days together. I also really enjoyed the Mass for our group at St Saba and the way we widened out circle to welcome in other pilgrims who turned up. I was touched by the way the group worked together to make sure we all reached the vigil together. It was a challenge yet the authorities in Rome had planned it brilliantly and whilst you couldn’t do away with the push and shove of 1 million people on the move, there was a lovely atmosphere as we walked along, and one I was grateful to be part of. Anouska fcJ
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What was Magis for me? I can say it was a moment of reflection about my past 3 years, a moment where my gratitude was complete, especially on the Feast of St. Ignatius where many people gathered together sharing the same spirit and the love of God. I received many blessings during our Magis meeting starting with the message You’ll never walk alone because in God’s house which is our Mother earth, we are many, many young people from different parts of the World.
We had moments where we shared about our vocation, FCJ journey and discernment. Our group was very engaged in the conversations and activities, and I had a sense that they enjoyed the whole journey and were a beautiful group who were searching for a meaningful life.The welcoming Mass in St. Peter’s Square was a great moment of Hope and Joy, I was happy to see Pope Leo for the first time and to remember lessons that I had in novitiate with Sr. Ellen fcJ RIP. Another special moment was our visit to St. Maria Magiore where Pope Francis is buried. Ramona fcJ
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During these youth events I am always struck by the huge numbers of young people from all over the world who gather together to celebrate our shared faith. Flags from far and wide are waved enthusiastically, and highlight the distances people have travelled to be there. It is an extraordinary witness.
During the course of the week there were different workshops and events for people to attend. One of the most memorable talks for me was hosted by Sr Natalie Bequart (the first woman Undersecretary for the General Secretariat of the Synod). She wanted to give us a taste of the synod and had us gather in small mixed groups to listen to one another and share our personal experiences of our home parishes. In my group we were women from India, Hong Kong, Italy and England. It was amazing to listen and share deeply with one another on the joys and struggles we experience in our respective home countries. We had three rounds of sharing, and then fed back to the larger group a word or image that captured the essence of our sharing. Some of the feedback that really resonated with me was the importance of being in relationship with one another, and the importance of unity in diversity. During the course of the week I certainly experienced both of these; as our group grew in relationship with one another, and we saw how diverse and unified we all were.
The tangible energy and joy of the pilgrims left me feeling so hope filled. And as I looked around at our group, that was now a community, on our last day, I felt that this was our church at its best; being in relationship with each other and unified in our rich diversity. Christine fcJ novice
