Thousands climb Ireland's Croagh Patrick for annual pilgrimage
Croagh Patrick, nicknamed 'the Reek' is a mountain with a height of 764 m and an important site of pilgrimage in County Mayo, Ireland. (Photo: Wikipedia)
By Sarah Mac Donald, OSV NewsArchbishop Francis Duffy of Tuam put grandparents and the elderly at the heart of his message for the Jubilee Year's "Reek Sunday" pilgrimage at Ireland's holy mountain, Croagh Patrick, on July 27.In his homily on the eve of the pilgrimage, the archbishop told the congregation in St. Mary's Church in Westport, County Mayo, that it was "providential" that the pilgrimage, which takes place every year on the last Sunday in July, coincided this year with World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly.
Over 6,000 pilgrims, from before dawn until late Sunday afternoon, made the 2,500-foot climb of the Reek, as Croagh Patrick is popularly known locally. Many had traveled long distances from the surrounding counties to participate.
"The pilgrim path to the summit of the Reek has been made holy by the feet of those who have walked it before us, people who often had very little except for their faith and the virtue of hope that faith generated within them," Archbishop Duffy said.
Describing the importance of hope in this Jubilee year, he said an important channel for building hope was "the example and encouragement of older people."
The archbishop of Tuam noted that for many Catholics around the world, pilgrimage is in the air this year, because of the Jubilee Year of Hope. "Here, locally in Westport, there is a familiarity with pilgrimage, with the majestic presence of Croagh Patrick, 'the Reek,'" he explained.
Speaking to OSV News in the shadow of the mountain where St. Patrick is reputed to have spent 40 days fasting in the fifth century, Archbishop Duffy said the mountain is "part of the living history of this beautiful area."
Among the pilgrims undertaking the arduous climb for the first time was Dominican Father Fons Wilmes from Leuven in Belgium, who was wearing his white habit.
"I have done the pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela all the way from Belgium. This is much shorter, but I expect it to be rather challenging. Pilgrimages are an important part of our faith -- we walk together and pray together as we reach our goal together," he told OSV News.Another Dominican undertaking the climb, though in his bare feet, was Brother Bruno Mary Kelleher from Kilkenny who was ordained a deacon for the Dominicans in Ireland in June. He was wearing the distinctive black and white of the Order of Preachers.Acknowledging that his habit was "not ideal hiking gear," the young friar underlined that "we are not just going on a hike here -- it is a pilgrimage. The habit is an opportunity to bear witness and an opportunity for people to dialogue with me and ask questions. There are plenty of people here today doing this out of a faith motivation, but there are also many who are doing it for cultural reasons or the exercise. The Dominicans are the Order of Preachers so every moment is an opportunity to preach the Word."Twenty-one-year-old Catherine Cooney from Newtownforbes in County Longford is a student of agricultural science. When OSV News spoke to her, she was carrying a box of rosaries and holy medals for the Legion of Mary to distribute from the organization's stand at the base of the mountain.She, too, was undertaking the climb in her bare feet. "I have done the climb many times; I think it is something that should be done by everyone. Afterwards, I feel like I am taken care of by Our Lady," she explained.While many undertake the pilgrimage on their own, others do it as a family unit or as part of a couple. Both Scott Goodwin from Great Britain and Jean Picardao from the Philippines wore rosary beads for the pilgrimage. The couple plan to marry in the Philippines next year following their engagement in February."Jean came over from the Philippines to work in the U.K. three years ago and we met online through a Catholic friendship page. We met in person in a church for our first date," Goodwin explained.
"This is our first pilgrimage together and it is partly a preparation for getting married next year. We can see God in everything we do and that he is walking with us and guiding us on all his paths," he said.--ucanews.com
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Herald Malaysia
2 days ago
- Herald Malaysia
Thousands climb Ireland's Croagh Patrick for annual pilgrimage
Archbishop Duffy said hope grows through elders' faith in his message for Reek Sunday and the Jubilee Year Jul 29, 2025 Croagh Patrick, nicknamed 'the Reek' is a mountain with a height of 764 m and an important site of pilgrimage in County Mayo, Ireland. (Photo: Wikipedia) By Sarah Mac Donald, OSV NewsArchbishop Francis Duffy of Tuam put grandparents and the elderly at the heart of his message for the Jubilee Year's "Reek Sunday" pilgrimage at Ireland's holy mountain, Croagh Patrick, on July his homily on the eve of the pilgrimage, the archbishop told the congregation in St. Mary's Church in Westport, County Mayo, that it was "providential" that the pilgrimage, which takes place every year on the last Sunday in July, coincided this year with World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly. Over 6,000 pilgrims, from before dawn until late Sunday afternoon, made the 2,500-foot climb of the Reek, as Croagh Patrick is popularly known locally. Many had traveled long distances from the surrounding counties to participate. "The pilgrim path to the summit of the Reek has been made holy by the feet of those who have walked it before us, people who often had very little except for their faith and the virtue of hope that faith generated within them," Archbishop Duffy said. Describing the importance of hope in this Jubilee year, he said an important channel for building hope was "the example and encouragement of older people." The archbishop of Tuam noted that for many Catholics around the world, pilgrimage is in the air this year, because of the Jubilee Year of Hope. "Here, locally in Westport, there is a familiarity with pilgrimage, with the majestic presence of Croagh Patrick, 'the Reek,'" he explained. Speaking to OSV News in the shadow of the mountain where St. Patrick is reputed to have spent 40 days fasting in the fifth century, Archbishop Duffy said the mountain is "part of the living history of this beautiful area." Among the pilgrims undertaking the arduous climb for the first time was Dominican Father Fons Wilmes from Leuven in Belgium, who was wearing his white habit. "I have done the pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela all the way from Belgium. This is much shorter, but I expect it to be rather challenging. Pilgrimages are an important part of our faith -- we walk together and pray together as we reach our goal together," he told OSV Dominican undertaking the climb, though in his bare feet, was Brother Bruno Mary Kelleher from Kilkenny who was ordained a deacon for the Dominicans in Ireland in June. He was wearing the distinctive black and white of the Order of that his habit was "not ideal hiking gear," the young friar underlined that "we are not just going on a hike here -- it is a pilgrimage. The habit is an opportunity to bear witness and an opportunity for people to dialogue with me and ask questions. There are plenty of people here today doing this out of a faith motivation, but there are also many who are doing it for cultural reasons or the exercise. The Dominicans are the Order of Preachers so every moment is an opportunity to preach the Word."Twenty-one-year-old Catherine Cooney from Newtownforbes in County Longford is a student of agricultural science. When OSV News spoke to her, she was carrying a box of rosaries and holy medals for the Legion of Mary to distribute from the organization's stand at the base of the too, was undertaking the climb in her bare feet. "I have done the climb many times; I think it is something that should be done by everyone. Afterwards, I feel like I am taken care of by Our Lady," she many undertake the pilgrimage on their own, others do it as a family unit or as part of a couple. Both Scott Goodwin from Great Britain and Jean Picardao from the Philippines wore rosary beads for the pilgrimage. The couple plan to marry in the Philippines next year following their engagement in February."Jean came over from the Philippines to work in the U.K. three years ago and we met online through a Catholic friendship page. We met in person in a church for our first date," Goodwin explained. "This is our first pilgrimage together and it is partly a preparation for getting married next year. We can see God in everything we do and that he is walking with us and guiding us on all his paths," he
Borneo Post
5 days ago
- Borneo Post
Martyrs of one fire, witnesses in two lands
It was a true joy to host Fr. Albert Musinguzi, a vibrant diocesan priest from Uganda, who is spending his summer holidays with my family here in Sabah. Our paths first crossed in Rome during my family's pilgrimage in the Jubilee Year — a providential encounter that reminds me heaven has impeccable timing. He recently completed his Licentiate in Sacred Liturgy at the Pontifical Institute of Liturgy, Sant'Anselmo. His thesis? Brace yourself: 'A Liturgical Hermeneutical Study of the Divine-Human Exchange in the Three Proper Prayers of the Mass for the Memoria of St Charles Lwanga and Companions, Martyrs in Uganda.' Yes, it's a theological mouthful. I needed a glass of water just reading it. But beneath the Latin in the prayers lies a blazing, human story that caught me off guard. Through Fr. Albert, I was introduced to the Uganda Martyrs. They were a group of 45 young Catholics and Anglicans who were killed between 1885 to 1887 because they chose to defend their faith. Pope Francis calls this 'ecumenism of blood' highlighting the unity of Christians who have suffered martyrdom. There were also Muslim Ugandan converts who were martyred. Burned, beheaded, speared — but not defeated — their blood became the seed of a flourishing Church in Africa. Among them was Charles Lwanga, protector of young pages. The feast of St. Charles Lwanga and his companions is celebrated on 3 June by the Catholic Church. Today, Namugongo Shrine draws pilgrims from around the world, drawn by the power of a faith worth dying for. Their martyrdom wasn't about death. It was about unshakable love for God. The 22 Catholic martyrs were beatified by Pope Benedict XV in 1920 and canonised as saints by Pope Paul VI in 1964, during the Second Vatican Council — a momentous recognition of Africa's deep and growing Christian roots. Fr. Albert gifted my family a profound treasure, a book — African Holocaust: The Story of the Uganda Martyrs. The word 'holocaust' comes from the Greek 'holokaustos' , meaning 'completely burnt' — once describing offerings wholly consumed on the altar. In spiritual terms, it evokes lives poured out in love. In this light, the Uganda Martyrs' story is not just tragedy. It is sacred offering, a fire that still burns. The book by Fr. John Francis Faupel, first published in 1962, places their deaths within the swirl of colonialism and Buganda's court politics. Yet at its heart, it's not about empire. It's about love of God, of truth, of faith unshaken by flame. As I leafed through its pages, my thoughts drifted home to Sabah to a book launched on March 15, 2025. I recalled Reverand Fr. Cosmas Lee's book, Ultimate Sacrifice: The Tragic and Unaccounted Death of Catholic Missionaries, chronicling the fate of Catholic missionaries and laymen executed by Japanese forces in 1945. Their bodies were never found. Their names nearly forgotten. But like the martyrs of Uganda, they died not as victims of war — but as witnesses of the Cross. One Church, Two Stories, One Fire. Why Martyrs Matter? Two stories — one from the heart of Africa, the other from the highlands of Borneo — began to echo across time. Different empires. Different flames. But the same fire of faith. With kopi-O in hand and a notebook open, I did what any reflective soul might do: I drew quiet, reverent parallels. What follows isn't just a comparison, it's a celebration. Of two lands, two histories, but one Church. One of martyrs beatified and canonised — and others who, God willing, will be. In the Catholic faith, martyrs embody the ultimate witness to Jesus Christ — offering their lives out of love for God. Their sacrifice echoes His Passion, reminding us that faith is not merely belief, but the total gift of self. Martyrs deepen our courage, strengthen our devotion and draw us closer to God. Their stories unite believers, inspire hope in persecution and reveal the quiet power of grace. In honouring them, the Church proclaims: holiness can flourish even in suffering — and love is stronger than fear. Some die in fire. Others in silence. Some leave behind relics. Others vanish into the forest. But all leave behind a light that never goes out. Namugongo: Martyrs of the Flame In 19th-century Buganda (now Uganda), as colonial powers clashed and old kingdoms trembled, King Mwanga II ruled with paranoia and ruthlessness. Threatened by Christianity's influence, he demanded absolute allegiance from his court — including the young pages who had embraced the new faith. In a time of growing Christian influence, the King saw the new faith not only as a political threat but also as a personal challenge especially when Christian converts refused to indulge his sexual advances. Charles Lwanga became the protector to the younger boys under his care, shielding them from the king's sexual exploitation. His defiance, along with that of others infuriated the king. In May 1886, the King convened a court session and demanded that all his pages declare whether they were Christian. When a group boldly stepped forward affirming their faith, he ordered them imprisoned. They were given a stark choice: abandon Christianity or die. None recanted. On June 3, 1886, a group of Catholic, Anglican and Muslim converts were marched to Namugongo, a place that would soon become hallowed ground. Along the way, some were executed by spear or beheading, but most were reserved for a gruesome public spectacle of burning. At Namugongo, they were stripped, tightly bound in reed mats and tied to posts over a massive pyre. As the fire was lit, the martyrs prayed aloud, sang hymns and offered words of forgiveness to their executioners. One of the guards later testified, awestruck, that they died 'not like boys, but like angels.' These brave witnesses were not part of a political rebellion — they were peaceful believers who refused to leave their faith. All the converts were accused of embracing either Christianity or Islam, thereby being seen as undermining the authority of the monarch. In a heartfelt gesture of recognition and unity, the Government of Uganda has officially acknowledged these Muslim martyrs. Beginning in 2024, it has allocated funding to support the annual commemoration of Muslim Martyrs' Day. This move underscores the government's commitment to promoting religious tolerance and historical acknowledgment in Uganda. Today, Namugongo is one of the largest Christian pilgrimage sites in Africa. Every year on June 3, millions gather to honour their memory. The story of the Uganda Martyrs continues to inspire Christians worldwide, a testament to youthful courage, sacrificial love and the power of faith to withstand even the fiercest flames. Their legacy is not merely one of suffering, but of triumph — proof that even in death, light shines through. Tenom: Martyrs of the Mist Half a century after the Uganda Martyrs, and thousands of miles east in the highlands of North Borneo, another chapter of quiet 'martyrdom' was written. This time in the misty hills of Tenom. It was 1945, the final months of World War Two. As Japanese forces crumbled under Allied pressure, paranoia and brutality surged through the interior. In this chaos, 12 men of faith— nine missionaries and three local lay Catholics — were arrested by Japanese troops between May 19 and 20, 1945. Among them was Monsignor August Wachter, the Apostolic Prefect of North Borneo, a towering figure who had served in Borneo for 40 years. Their decision to stay was not born of recklessness but of love. They had planted seeds in the hearts of the people. And like all good shepherds, they did not abandon the flock during World War Two. The missionaries were German-speaking Austrians, members of the Mill Hill Missionary — men whose homelands, ironically, were aligned with Japan in the Axis pact. By the cold logic of wartime alliances, they should have been safe — spared the suspicion and hostility faced by British or other nationals. But war, as history often reminds us, obeys neither reason nor righteousness. These men were no ordinary foreigners. They had immersed themselves in the lives of the people, speaking their languages, walking village trails and bearing the burdens of the poor. They were shepherds of souls. Fathers, teachers, friends. They didn't just serve the communities; they became part of them. It is believed they had witnessed atrocities committed by retreating Japanese forces — forced labour, executions, acts of cruelty. And in those final desperate months of war, knowledge became a threat. When Japan's defeat was inevitable, fear overtook reason. The missionaries, it seems, became liabilities. In the eyes of their captors, they were men who might speak truth when the silence ended. Under Japan's war doctrine of 'Senjō' — the battlefield purge. Anyone deemed a danger to military withdrawal or future accountability was to be eliminated. Priests, too, became targets. Not for action, but for the possibility that they might bear witness. The official version claimed the missionaries perished in an Allied bombing of Sapong Estate on July 3, 1945, supposedly vapourised without a trace. But there were no bomb craters, no bodies, no evidence. Only a silence too clean to be believed. Yet in the kampungs, the people whispered. Stories passed in hushed voices — of blindfolds and ropes, of final prayers in the jungle, of graves that disappeared beneath the earth and vines. For years, these whispers went unheard, swept aside by colonial politics and post-war rebuilding. They were not spies. They were not soldiers. They were men of peace, caught in the storm and eliminated not for what they did, but for who they were: steadfast shepherds in the image of God. Their deaths were not collateral damage; they were a deliberate silencing of moral witness. Their bodies were never found. But their names remain etched into the soul of Tenom, in the chapels they built, in the generations they catechised and in the courage of a Church that remembers. Thus, we honour them not as pawns of politics, but as martyrs of mercy. In a world gone mad, they chose to stay. When flight was an option, they remained. When silence was survival, they still stood for truth. The Tek family shared a special moment with Fr Cosmas Lee and Fr Albert Musinguzi through the gifting of books. The Priest Who Would Not Forget Then came Fr Cosmas Lee — a Sabahan priest turned quiet investigator — who refused to let truth fade into silence. Over decades, he gathered testimonies, pored over wartime records, and built a case: the missionaries weren't casualties of war, but deliberately executed just weeks before Japan's surrender. 'No remains were found. The bomb was too small. Their deaths too convenient,' he said. With the heart of a pastor and the eye of a historian, Fr Cosmas spent 15 years uncovering this painful chapter of Church history. He travelled to Rome, Amsterdam, London, and Tokyo, sifting through letters, war reports, and dusty archives. He spoke with villagers, heard survivors' stories, and pieced together long-buried truths. This wasn't just research — it was an act of love. As a boy, he had heard whispers of what happened. As a priest, he vowed to 'unturn every stone.' Silence, he believed, should never be the final word. His book presents compelling evidence that the missionaries were executed. It stands as the first detailed account of priests who died not in combat, but in faithful service. A turning point came from a 1952 memoir by Ain Yamazaki, wife of Japanese officer Kenji Yamazaki, who plainly stated the priests were executed — a long-awaited affirmation for grieving villagers. The book's launch was more than literary — it was spiritual. Parishioners wept. Elders remembered. Young people listened, many for the first time. Fr Cosmas reminded us that memory is sacred — and these men must never again be forgotten. Their legacy now fuels calls for recognition as martyrs. With the Church newly stirred, a cause for beatification is on the horizon. Recently, Archbishop Datuk John Wong led a two-day clergy pilgrimage retracing the path of Msgr Wachter and his companions. Marking 80 years since their deaths, the journey — from Kota Kinabalu to Tenom — paused at historical sites with prayers of gratitude and renewal. Guided by Fr Cosmas's reflections, the pilgrimage became not only a tribute to their sacrifice but a call for priests to rekindle courage and perseverance in their vocations. Archbishop John Wong led a Pilgrimage of Hope (23–24 June 2025), retracing the steps of WWII martyred missionaries in remembrance and renewal. (Photo: Fr Terans Thadeus) When Uganda Meets Sabah: Convergence and Contrast At first glance, the Uganda Martyrs and Sabah missionaries seem worlds apart—different lands, cultures and eras. But look closer and a shared spirit emerges. Both faced fear and violence, yet chose to stay, to serve and to surrender their lives to God. What follows is a reflection on the parallels and contrasts between these two martyrdoms—two lights that rose from very different soils, yet shine with the same unwavering flame. One Church, One Memory, One Hope Unlike their canonised Ugandan brothers, the missionaries of Sabah have not yet been formally declared martyrs. But as Fr Cosmas Lee reminds us, the road to sainthood begins with remembrance. To be recognised as a martyr, the Church looks for three things: that the person truly died for their faith, that their death stemmed from hatred of the faith, and that it was accepted willingly — a conscious 'yes' to God, even unto death. By these measures, the twelve victims of Tenom surely qualify. They didn't flee. They stayed — and bore witness with their lives. While martyrdom permits beatification without a miracle, a verified miracle is generally needed for canonisation—the final step to sainthood. The Church in Sabah now hopes to open this cause. If affirmed, they would join a sacred lineage — from the Colosseum to Namugongo, and perhaps one day, to Tenom's misty forests. Namugongo rejoices today. Its shrine sings with pilgrims and praise. The Uganda Martyrs live not only in stained glass, but in Africa's young hearts. In Sabah, we still wait — praying for the day when Tenom becomes holy ground, and Msgr August Wachter and his companions are remembered not just in history, but in liturgy and prayer. Hope does not disappoint. From Namugongo's fire to Tenom's silence, the Church walks with her martyrs. Though their deaths were separated by continents and centuries, they share one sacred thread: unwavering faith and surrender to God. In both Uganda and Sabah, holiness wore ordinary faces: young pages, seasoned missionaries, faithful laymen. All said yes. All gave all. They remained. They witnessed. They trusted. And because they did — we remember, we honour and we carry the flame. In the end, their stories speak the same truth: That the Church is built not only on stone and incense, but on the quiet courage of those who refuse to leave when the cross appears. And that martyrdom, whether by fire or silence, is never the end. It is always a beginning.
Herald Malaysia
24-07-2025
- Herald Malaysia
Bringing the hopes of young South Africans to the Jubilee
A bishop and young person from South Africa share how young people have been preparing to attend the Jubilee of Youth in Rome from July 28 to August 3, despite challenges and issues. Jul 24, 2025 Young people in the Archdiocese of Pretoria, South Africa By Isabella H. de Carvalho'We've already started packing our bags, we can't wait to travel!'. Gladness Mashumbuka Lobina's excitement is palpable over the phone, as she speaks to Vatican News at the end of July, a week before she is due to travel to Italy. The 35-year-old Youth Commission Chairperson, from the Archdiocese of Pretoria, is one of almost 160 young people coming from South Africa, Botswana and Eswatini to attend the Jubilee of Youth, taking place in Rome from July 28 to August 3. Despite 70% of sub-Saharan Africans being under the age of 30, making Africa the continent with the youngest population in the world, many young people had difficulties raising money to be able to fund the pilgrimage to Rome. Nonetheless, the dioceses have been organizing many activities and events for people to experience this Holy Year locally and the youth who are coming are taking the dreams and aspirations of their cohort with them and hope to return to their respective countries with a newfound energy. 'The youth has prepared well during this Jubilee Year', Bishop Siphiwo Paul Vanqa of Queenstown, South Africa, told Vatican News in an interview. As the Liason for Youth of the Southern African Bishops' Conference (SACBC) - which covers South Africa, Botswana and Eswatini - he has seen the preparations for the Jubilee up close. 'The jubilar theme 'pilgrims of hope' has very much been taken on in the dioceses of southern Africa', he explained, adding that between 2000 and 3000 young people attended a local youth pilgrimage earlier in the year. Organizing events to prepare for the Jubilee Year Gladness has seen the same level of enthusiasm in her own diocese, where the Youth Commission launched the initiative 'A Road to the Youth Jubilee' featuring different activities and projects. These included masses, rosaries and other spiritual events centered around 'pilgrim symbols' that travelled around the Archdiocese of Pretoria, novenas and social media campaigns focusing on the Holy Year, and monthly meetings with discussions on different topics from the perspective of the theme 'pilgrims of hope'. These subjects ranged from reflecting on what it means to be a pilgrim, to focusing on serious issues that affect South Africa, such as gender-based violence and femicide. During those events for example 'we would also hold special prayers, as pilgrims of hope, to remember those who lost their lives because of gender-based violence and femicide. We would pray for them and their loved ones but also for the conversion of the perpetrators', Gladness said. Some parishes have also launched their own initiatives to prepare for the Jubilee, such as helping the elderly as part of living the Holy Year concretely. 'It has been quite an amazing journey, young people are excited', she continued. 'It is so refreshing to see the youth wanting to do more for the Church'. Taking the hopes of their cohort with them Gladness and her travel companions will be in fact taking with them the aspirations of their fellow young South Africans who will not be able to attend. During one of the preparatory events in the Archdiocese 'we had this hope room where the young people could write down their dreams and aspirations on a 'hope cloth'. At the Mass with the Holy Father we will carry this cloth with the intentions of our fellow young people here in South Africa to pray for them', she explained. 'We hope that God will indeed grant them their aspirations, their dreams and their hopes'. These different initiatives are also a way to help whoever can't travel to Rome to live the experience of the Jubilee locally. 'We're trying to encourage the young people and show them that, even if you can't afford to go to Rome, in your own space you can be a 'pilgrim of hope',' Gladness said. The challenges faced In fact, in a country like South Africa where over half the population lives below the poverty line and wealth inequalities are stark, many could not gather enough funds to come to Rome. 'There are some dioceses that aren't sending anyone because they couldn't fundraise enough', Bishop Vanqa said, highlighting that even his own diocese was unable to send pilgrims to the event due to economic limitations. Gladness echoed similar issues. 'Finances have been one of the major challenges as most of our pilgrims come from modest families', she said. However, she underlined that several young people did organize fundraising initiatives to raise money, such as making and selling rosaries. For her, another stressful aspect of this trip was visa application processes as 'they were quite lengthy, with tight timelines and some backlog'. About half her group was still waiting on their visas a week before their trip. Gladness' positivity is, however, unshakeable: 'the logistics just require a lot of dedication and teamwork, but we are winning, regardless of the challenges. This is what gives us the reassurance that God has been with us from the start of the process up until now'. A young and energetic population despite the issues Gladness acknowledges that being a young person in South Africa is not easy. 'It's challenging considering the socioeconomic issues of our country. Our unemployment rate is very high, which affects our young people', she explained. The youth unemployment rate in the first half of 2025 was 46%, according to the South African Department of Statistics. Gladness also highlighted other problems such as gender-based violence or mental health issues. However, she also insists that there are a lot of opportunities. With the median age in the country being 30-years-old, young people are very 'energetic and full of life', she said. She for example highlighted that many young people in the Church are active in trying to organize career events or other initiatives that can help respond to the needs of the youth. 'We also have democracy and freedom of rights, we can express ourselves and practise our faith freely', she underlined. 'There are challenges that as young people we find ourselves exposed to. But I believe, as we are pilgrims of hope, we will continue to be hopeful as hope does not disappoint', she said, citing St. Paul's letter to the Corinthians. Coming back with a new energy This type of energy is what Bishop Vanqa has seen young people take back to their countries after other pilgrimages and he hopes this Youth Jubilee will produce the same effect. 'They come back from these trips rejuvenated and re-energised', he said. 'They can always help us to give that spark to others to love and work for the Church. […] The young people can also share with others their experiences'. 'I'm looking forward to participating in the mass with the Holy Father and doing a pilgrimage to the Holy Doors, to pray at the tombs of Sts. Peter and Paul', Gladness said. 'For our young people, most of us, we're just looking forward to our faith being renewed'.--Vatican News
