Diocesan youth prepare to visit Eternal City

It’s an experience of a lifetime. In three short weeks 45 teenagers from the Diocese of Tucson will set out for a pilgrimage to Rome. This year is particularly special because it’s the 2025 Jubilee of Teens.  During the pilgrimage the Holy Father will canonize Italian millennial Blessed Carlo Acutis on April 27, Divine Mercy Sunday. 

The teenagers represent parishes from throughout the diocese. They range in ages 14-18. To be considered for the trip the youths were nominated by pastor, youth minister, or theology teacher.  They also wrote essays of interest. In her application Andrea Castillo stated, “Hope is never losing faith and trusting that God will always be present. Hope is understanding that we can rely on Him and trust his word all the time even during hard moments in our lives,” The Yuma Catholic High School student is a parishioner at Saint Francis of Assisi Parish in Yuma. 

Xavier Mancha from Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament in Miami said he is grateful to journey together with other Catholic believers, “This experience will foster new growth and flourish friendships that with God’s grace will last throughout our lives. We will share and experience history together this jubilee year, and many historic moments will be made. May God bless us all and all travelers who will make their journey to the Vatican.” The 18-year-old said he expects the 9-day pilgrimage to help him further understand more his Catholic faith, “To visit and walk the same streets of many saints and other spiritual people of the church’s history. To visit the Vatican and appreciate the beauty and love of the holy church. Above all, I pray for a closer relationship with God.” 

As they prepare over the next few weeks, the pilgrims are spending careful time in prayer. Aiden Fitzpatrick, from Saint Andrew the Apostle in Sierra Vista said he anticipates personal growth and spiritual enrichment, “I am most looking forward to feeling closer to God by being at the heart of our church. By participating in the pilgrimage of Hope, I am blessed with the opportunity to visit some of the most holy and sacred sites of my faith. I believe this will deepen my faith and provide me with new opportunities for reflection and prayer.” The 15-year-old, who is homeschooled, said he’ll spend the next few weeks in prayer and conversing with his peers and parish priest, Father Greg Adolf, “Visiting the Eternal City during this year of jubilee will enrich my love for the church and her mission. I look forward to learning about the history of our faith, allowing me to share valuable lessons and stories with my community. My hope is that this trip will instill in me a greater zeal to serve the diocese through active participation in various ministries with my local church community. 

The teens will be led by Reverend Manu Franco, a Carmelite who serves as the Director of Youth Ministry, Reverend Luis Pablo Ochoa-Escárrega, the Associate Director of Vocations at Immaculate Heart Church in Yuma, Sister Mary Teresa Bettag from Yuma Catholic High School, Brother Matthew Chiantella from San Miguel High School, Charles “Carlos” Nagore, a diocesan seminarian, and several ministers who serve youth across the diocese along some parents. Father Manu said, “As part of the events of the Jubilee of Teen, we will be at the canonization of Carlo Acutis, a teen who will be declared a saint on April 27. We’ll be alongside thousands of other youths from around the world who are equally excited about the opportunity to participate in these events in this holy place.” 

The cost per student averaged about $4,000. According to Father Manu many parishes across the diocese saw their communities come together with several fundraising projects to support their pilgrims, “This is a sign that people are excited and support their young. As Pope Francis said, ‘Youth are the joy and hope of the Church and of the world.”’” The group will leave Tucson on Saturday, April 19 and return April 29. 

During the pilgrimage students will visit the birthplace of Saint Francis of Assisi, the Basilica of Saint Mary of the Angels, Saint Peter’s Square, the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls, and end the pilgrimage with the Jubilee of Adolescents. 

Join us in praying for a safe and successful journey to Rome. May the pilgrimage produce an abundant harvest in the Diocese of Tucson.