If one word had to be chosen, it would be communion.
When a group of young people from Finland travelled to Rome for the Jubilee Year’s worldwide youth pilgrimage, each carried their own expectations. Some longed to see great churches and ancient history; others sought the strength of prayer or hoped to make new friends.
This article brings together the young pilgrims’ reflections after their journey. The same themes appear again and again — presented here through their own words.
Adoration Touched Me Deeply
Almost everyone mentioned Mass and times of prayer first. The vigil and adoration with the pope — worship before the Blessed Sacrament at Tor Vergata on the outskirts of Rome — left a lasting impression: “It was incredible to pray together with a million young people. The presence of Jesus felt so strong in that moment.”
For many, the Eucharist was central. “I was able to receive Holy Communion often, and it strengthened my faith and gave me deep peace,” one wrote. Another said that kneeling before Christ together with such a great crowd made the universality of the Church visible and real.
I Couldn’t Stop Crying
Experiences of holiness were often connected to places and symbols. St Peter’s Basilica and its history made a great impact: “It is the most beautiful church in the world, and there the pope’s role and the continuity of the Church became alive.”
Many mentioned the Holy Doors, whose passage was experienced as liberating and blessed. “After walking through all four Holy Doors, I felt immensely blessed.”
Relics and the presence of saints also moved them. “It was touching to see thorns from Jesus’ crown. I felt so close to Him.” Another wrote: “Seeing the relics of Saint Giovanni da Triora made me long deeply to be with Jesus myself.”
Friendship United by Faith
Community was another strong theme. “Living in a truly Catholic environment, meeting new people, and deepening the bonds among Finnish Catholics” appeared in many answers. Others rejoiced in new friendships: “I gained many new friends – friendships united and strengthened by faith.”
The joy of communion could also be seen in singing on the streets and spontaneous dancing. “The joy and vitality of the young people made a great impression. Despite cultural differences, we were united by the same faith and the same Church.”
God’s presence was also found in the ordinary: “All the small conversations and kind words made me braver and opened my heart.”
I Kept Complaining in My Mind
The pilgrimage was not only a celebration. Many first mentioned the long walks and the heat. “The walk to Tor Vergata was exhausting. It was hard to trust in God when I kept complaining in my mind.”
Some found it difficult to stay positive after tiring days: “After a long and hard day it was difficult to be kind to everyone, but the Holy Spirit helped.”
For some, the grandeur and decoration of Rome’s churches were challenging: “The enormous size and ornamentation of the churches began to feel heavy, even overwhelming.”
Personal feelings also surfaced. “I didn’t dare to be completely myself. Later I understood that through those difficult moments Jesus was drawing me closer to Him.” Another wrote: “Singing in public and living openly as a Christian was difficult – but it became a moment of growth.”
If I Had to Choose One Word
In the end, all the young people’s testimonies come down to one word: communion. Communion with Christ in the sacraments and in prayer, communion with the universal Church, and communion with other young people.
“When I looked toward the horizon during the papal vigil and saw people kneeling before Christ, I realised: this is the Catholic Church – living and universal.”
Another described how the journey affected daily life: “I felt God’s presence more strongly than ever before. I also learned to open up to others and found the courage to be myself. This experience changed me.”
One young pilgrim summed it all up: “If I had to describe this journey in one word, it would be communion.”
KATT
About fifty young people from Finland’s Catholic parishes took part in the Jubilee Year youth pilgrimage to Rome together with Bishop Raimo, Sister Maria Lezhnina USJK, Fr. Eze Nwoko, and Fr. Stanislaw Zawilowicz SCJ.