Focolare Movement

Jubilee of youth: pilgrims of journey, hope, reconciliation

Jun 25, 2025

A pilgrimage in Rome during the event that will see the participation of young people from all over the world. It will follow the historical itinerary of the Seven Churches with catechesis, prayer, testimonies, spiritual insights inspired by the charism of unity, music and sharing.

On the occasion of the Jubilee of Youth, from 29th July – 1st August 2025, the young people of the Focolare Movement are offering a special programme for fellow pilgrims: four days of spirituality, sharing, testimonies, prayer, catechesis, fun and walking together!

It is a unique opportunity to set out on a journey through places full of history and spirituality, meeting many people along the way and growing in faith and hope.

Each day is built around a key word, a stop that includes a time for reflection and prayer and a spiritual focus rooted in the Focolare charism of unity, with testimonies and songs so that the Jubilee of Youth may be lived as a journey based on 4 key ideas: pilgrimage (a journey), holy door (an opening), hope (looking forward) and reconciliation (making peace). For those who wish, there will be catechetical sessions at the Focolare meeting point led by Tommaso Bertolasi (philosopher), Anna Maria Rossi (linguist) and Luigino Bruni (economist).

The Pilgrimage to the Seven Churches

The programme follows the historical itinerary used by pilgrims since the 16th century. The Pilgrimage of the Seven Churches was designed by St. Philip Neri. It is a journey of faith and fraternal communion, made up of prayer, songs and reflections on the Christian life.

The stages of this pilgrimage are seven symbolic places in Rome: the Basilicas of: St. Sebastian, St. Paul Outside the Walls, St. Mary Major, St Peter’s, St. Laurence, the Holy Cross in Jerusalem and St. John Lateran. The total route is 20 kms. Over the centuries, thousands of young people and adults have engaged in this experience. Participants will also join the main events of the Jubilee of Youth, including: the moment of reconciliation at the Circus Maximus and the meetings with Pope Leo XIV during the vigil and at the final Mass at Torvergata which was the location of the vigil and the Youth Mass of the Jubilee of 2000. For those who can stay longer, on 4th August, there’s an opportunity to visit the International Centre of the Focolare in Rocca di Papa

This programme offers many opportunities to experience the Jubilee, to discover Rome and to live a moment of deep faith and spirituality together. Along the route, each participant will receive a Pilgrim’s Passport. In every church they visit, they’ll be invited to write a single word describing what they experienced or what struck them most. At the end, this will become a unique keepsake of their journey.

Are you ready? Safe journey!

For more information: sgmu@focolare.org – +39 338 159 3455.

Lorenzo Russo

Download ‘Stages of Spirituality’ meditation booklet

Download Pilgrimage programme

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