Joining the Jubilee of Youth in Rome was one of those once-in-a-lifetime moments that still amazes me. When I reflect on it now, Pope Francis’ message for the Jubilee Year of 2025, “Spes non confundit” (“Hope does not disappoint”), really resonates with me. It makes me remember what Pope Leo said about hope being the desire and expectation of good things to come, and how much the people around us shape who we are. That idea stuck with me because hope, especially when mixed with faith, has been what keeps me steady through everything.
When I was first invited to join the International Gathering of Young Lasallians during the Jubilee, I won’t lie, I hesitated. The timing felt impossible, and I wasn’t sure if I was still the right person for the mission. Could I really take what I’d learn back home in the Philippines and make a difference? I was full of doubts and honestly felt overwhelmed. But after wrestling with those thoughts for hours, I said yes. A yes filled with hope, a hope to rekindle my passion for service, hope to inspire others, and hope to keep saying yes every time I feel God’s call.
What fueled my drive to overcome those doubts was my unwavering faith. I believe that during tough times, these challenges are just God’s training regimen, toughening me up for the bigger wins ahead. It’s just like preparing for a race; every grueling workout builds my strength and resilience, getting me primed for that finish line.
Arriving in Rome still feels like a dream. Even though the event is over, I’m amazed I got to be part of something so incredible. One of the most memorable parts was spending time at the Generalate and at the San Giuseppe School. We thought we’d just watch and learn, but God surprised us as we ended up volunteering. We were assigned to different stations, interacting and supporting young Lasallians from all over the world. That experience made me fall even more in love with the Lasallian mission. It showed me that sometimes, when you think you’re off track, you’re actually being guided to something better.
And this reminds me of what Pope Leo said during the vigil in Tor Vergata: that we, as young people, should “pray to remain friends with Jesus and be companions on the journey to whoever we meet.” It’s a reminder that hope isn’t just a warm feeling; it’s a choice to keep moving forward, to stay connected, and to be a light even when things get messy.
Looking back, this Jubilee wasn’t just about being in Rome or meeting amazing people; it was about living hope and faith out loud. Hope that never lets us down, faith that lifts us, and a mission that connects us all, no matter where we come from. As a young Lasallian from the Philippines, I’m coming home with a full heart, ready to say yes and be part of the mission again, because as Pope Francis has said, Hope won’t disappoint us, and with faith, neither will we.
