Despite being unable to participate in the Youth Jubilee held from July 28 to August 3, 2025, due to the ongoing war that made travel impossible, the youth of Palestine insisted on carrying the light of hope to the world. Their journey to Italy became a faith-filled pilgrimage under the theme “From Palestine, We Carry Hope,” from September 28 to October 9, 2025.
More than just a geographical journey, this pilgrimage became a profound spiritual and humanly uniting experience. It embodied the youth steadfast hope in Christ that continues to be their guiding light despite the challenges and pressures facing the Holy Land.
The group included young men and women from various parishes across Palestine, accompanied by Faten Assaid, General Secretary of Jesus’ Homeland Youth, and Sarah Dibeis, Regional Coordinator for the Middle East Youth. Spiritual guidance throughout the pilgrimage was provided by Fr. Louis Salman, General Spiritual Chaplain of the youth, Fr. George Haddad, Deputy Spiritual Chaplain, and Fr. Abdallah Dababneh, Vocations Director of the Diocese of Jerusalem. They were joined by Sisters Rita Zayyadat and Rozan Faraj of the Rosary Sisters. They led the youth in moments of deep reflection and offered explanations about the holy sites they visited—places that tell the enduring story of the Church’s faith through the ages.
The first stop was Rome, where the youth visited the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore and offered morning prayers in thanksgiving for the grace of pilgrimage during the Jubilee of Hope proclaimed by the late Pope Francis. They carried the Jubilee Cross in a prayer procession toward the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica, and were blessed with the grace of meeting His Holiness Pope Leo XIV. This encounter deepened their sense of belonging to the universal Church and renewed their desire to be living members of the Body of Christ, witnessing to Him courageously in these difficult times.
The next destination was Assisi, the city of St. Francis, where their visit coincided with the saint’s feast day. They also prayed at the tomb of the young Blessed Carlo Acutis, drawing inspiration from his life as a modern example of holiness. The group then continued to Padua, where St. Anthony rests, and to Venice, where they admired the splendor of St. Mark’s Basilica, before concluding their journey in Genoa.
In Genoa, the youth met with local young people as part of a cultural exchange fostering unity among Christian youth worldwide. There, at the Church of the Annunciation, they celebrated the Holy Mass presided over by Fr. Louis Salman, concelebrated by Fr. Abdallah Dababneh and several local priests. The atmosphere was filled with prayer and gratitude, and the celebration was crowned by the renewal of the vows of Sisters Rozan and Rita on the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary. The event concluded with a fraternal gathering between the Palestinian and Italian Christian youth, where they shared their faith experiences and visions for the church.
At the end of the pilgrimage, H.E. Ambassador Issa Kassissieh, the Ambassador of the State of Palestine to the Holy See, welcomed the group at the Embassy, commending their mission of conveying to the world the image of a faithful and steadfast Palestine—witnesses of peace and hope from the heart of the Holy Land.
Living Testimonies from two participants
Tetiana Tadres, from the parish of Birzeit, shared:
|
“I will never forget the moments when I realized what a blessing it was to take part in this sacred pilgrimage to Italy. It was an extraordinary experience in every way — not merely a physical journey from one place to another, but a pilgrimage into the depths of my soul and a communion with God. From the moment I heard about the Jubilee of Hope 2025, I felt a strong inner calling that this journey would change my life. I persevered in faith until my dream of participating came true. What I experienced there taught me that faith knows no bounds, and that every step along the pilgrimage path was a new invitation to discover God’s boundless love for us. I felt His presence in every prayer, in every moment of silence, and in every tear of gratitude. Those days taught me the beauty of simplicity, communion, and living our faith together as one family seeking to encounter the Lord. I learned that faith is not merely spoken but lived — day by day. This journey renewed my relationship with God, with myself, and with others. I will always remain grateful for every moment, and for the grace of living the faith, our hope, and Christ’s love.” |
Katya Abdallah, from the parish of Zababdeh, also shared her reflection:
|
“Taking part in the Jubilee Pilgrimage in Italy was truly one of the most unforgettable experiences of my life. From the moment I arrived, I felt a deep sense of unity, peace, and spiritual renewal. Being surrounded by people from all over the world, filled with faith and joy, was incredibly moving. Walking through the Holy Door, attending Masses in historic and sacred places, and joining in processions filled my heart with gratitude and awe. The atmosphere in Vatican City was unlike anything I had ever experienced — a deep sense of holiness and celebration pervaded every corner. Beyond the spiritual aspect, the social experience was equally powerful. I met people from all walks of life — families, priests, youth groups — each with their own story and purpose. We shared meals, laughter, and conversations that transcended language barriers. There was a strong feeling of community and friendship, a sense that we were all part of something greater than ourselves. This was not just a religious trip; it was a transformative journey that touched my soul and reshaped my outlook on life. I returned home spiritually renewed, socially enriched, and filled with a renewed desire to live with mercy and purpose. It was, without a doubt, an experience I will carry in my heart forever.” |
