Ilse García Sánchez, con a decade of experience working in the administrative area of the company.educational bras from Regnum Christi family, had the opportunity to live the Jubilee of the Jóvenes in Rome. It was a journey that transformed her deeply. Your shared experience reflects cóThe Jubilee became a platform for young people around the world to recognize themselves as agents of change.l change, drivens by faith and by the desire to be hope for society.
A call for hope
The Youth Jubilee was more that a religious event; it is the result of a call that was made to the youth dthe world, powered at the invitation ofl Pope Francisco and today carried forward by Pope Leo XIV. This event has formdo part of the Jubilee Year that, like Iglesia, vivimos during 2025 under the slogan «Peregrinos de Esperanza» for a spiritual renewal. The celebration for young people had site from July 28 to August 3 in Rome, Italy.
One of the young women who was able to live this experience was Ilse García, a collaborator in the administrative area of the educational works ofl Regnum Christi family of Mexico. More than a decision of join this massive gathering, Ilse considers which was like a call from God to which decided to respond.
«I decided to bet on this invitation despite the uncertainty that surrounded me. Throughout this year, I was moved by the feeling of hope., because I felt it so much in my life, as well as in my profession, my family and my at all the things I do. I had no choice but to say that yes to the Lord».
After months of preparation, it was finally time to embark on the journey to Rome. Your experience was marked by coexistence with various religious congregations, each bringing its own charism and spirituality. The community fThe Franciscan community welcomed her with faith-filled activities, while with the jesuitas was able to experience spaces for prayer and reflection. Next to the Regnum Christi, Ilse joined . and holy hours that were offered during the year. the week, what it made her feelto in the family.
«It was amazing to be part of the activities of the Regnum Christi family together with my coworkers, consagradas, laity consacred & legionnaires. A although also there was other people from other parts of the world that I did not know, it felt like being at home. Being in community with the Regnum Christi family was a gift».
There are no barriers to faith
As this is a large-scale event, more than a one million young people from 146 different countries came to Rome to live the Jubilee those days. Ilse mentions that being a part of this transformed his vision of faith and its spiritual experience by immersing oneself in all cultures, feeling accompanied in everything moment. It is therefore that, For her, the word that best defines this experience is «accompany».
«I firmly believe that God always sustains us and accompanies us at all times, but in this experience with an extraordinary strength, difficult to describe. Walking this road with so many people made me realize that you never walk alone, but that the Lord is always there.».
In addition to being able to feel God's presence in her and others, she emphasizes that something she really appreciated was to see how the culture, emotion and faith of each country was reflected in the various events: «I got to see Brazil doing their beautiful praises accompanied with drums and dances. I could see people from Africa with their colorful clothes celebrating with much fervor, as well as the impeccable solemnity of the French bowing to God.».
This internationality was reflected in every moment of the Jubileum, where it was able to witness how faith truly transcends borders e languages. In fact, Ilse mentions that the attendees exchanged images, stamps and badges from their countries: «Most of them carried images of the Virgin of their country or holy cards of saints. In my case, I took little chains of the Virgin of Guadalupe to exchange with others. It was something very special».
It also gave him the opportunity to open their hearts to new ways of understanding and living spirituality, and this is just a reminder that, although our cultures are different, the desire to connect with the divine is a powerful reminder that, although our cultures are different, the desire to connect with the divine oos unites everyone.
The messages of the Pope Leo XIV
The departure of Pope Francis left a void in those young people who had the desire to meet him, since it was he who invited them to participate in this Jubilee Year. However, one of the most eagerly awaited moments for Ilse was meet the new Pope and witness the message I wanted to convey to them.
«Lo that resonated a lot with me was the humility & the simplicity of Pope Leo XIV, for it was something that we embraced a lot of Francisco. We realized that León has maintained, for it had all the touch and affection at talk to us at, always taking as inspiration at Pope Francis. “Cs Francis told them”.” was a sentence very common in its speeches, considering the achievements from his papacy and respecting what was in our hearts».
Ilse adds that another surprise that was taken by listening to the Papa is that visit very well what's in the mind and in the heart from youth: «I remember that he took a time to quote to St. Augustine in speaking of friendship and the taking of decisions», share. «Feed that many young people today are not fortunate enough to feel welcomed by their families. family members, and, therefore their friendships have been turned into their families. I found it very touching that the Pope will speak about the importance of knowing how to make decisions about qwho your friends are and the way in which they we must care . our friendships».
On another occasion, Pope Leo XIV spoke about fear and how is that this emotion affects to young people. Ilse comments that fear is a constant; however, accepts that isto emotion refusal acted as an engine for the generations of our parents and grandparents. «At our generation, fear paralyzes us», admits Ilse. «The Pope's words were comforting because it recognized that fear that we feel collectively, making us feel understood».
Then to recognize this sentiment that distresses young people, the Pope invited them to be brave: «He told us “May fear be no more than a noise; may it not stop, may it not paralyze”», he adds. Lion made a request particular to answer what is in the inside, letting it be that which resonates and thus overcome fear.
Attitude and openness: how to say yes to the Lord
Prior to the closing of this great trip, Ilse took a moment to reflect on what she had been doing in the past. entails accepting an invitation as the Jubilee. From make a budget for the trip, . all the responsibilities of everyday life before travel to the destination, follow a route & be prepared . adapt to the circumstances that may arise.
«To all the people who would like to live an experience like this, I encourage you to respond to the invitation that God is making to you. If you are giving God a yes, you will see how things will be accommodated and strengthened so that everything will be adjusted to this experience. He will always be with you, He will give you the resources and provide the means. Nothing compares to the invitation that the Lord makes to you; you will be able to accept it with great fear, but at the same time with a lot of faith.».
Likewise, share that no need to go to another country for to live an experience like this: «An experience to connect with God is sought from within. What I lived there I have also lived here, in my communities, with my groups, with the diocese. At the end of the day, you can find something as rewarding in your city, even in our offices or particularly in our work.».
Also points out the relevance of maintaining an open and humble attitude to participate in this type of experience, whether in our community or in another country. This is something extremely important, since it is that the message that God sends through his faithful resonate in accordance with what each of us needs to hear at that moment: «The Lord speaks and shouts everywhere, so I invite you to always have openness in your hearts and listen to God's will. Every day he invites us to tell him yes Sir».
Apprenticeships & other lessons from life
Upon reflection on the most significant moments of this Jubilee, Ilse highlights the lessons learned that it considers fundamental for their personal development. This being a very significant experience, she is committed to integrate all this learning into your life and share it with your family and friends. the people around her.
«Nor it can't stay in me alone, I have to share it with others.s. Hemos forgotten to see ourselves as brothers and sisters, as a society, as a family, but we must to be hope for others. The Lord invites us to take action always considering the common good. Nasks you to be hope & I believe that that comes from feeling that we are truly loved by God».
For her it is very clear that to take action means to follow the example of Jesus every day: «God calls us to be consistent. You cannot separate one reality from the other, in the sense that you cannot be a person who boasts of being spiritual or religious and treat others badly. As a Catholic, you will not live in anything other than being honest, supportive, fraternal, loving... because that is the foundation of your existence.».
Finally, Ilse you want to spread the message Pope Leo XIV expressed on courage. «To be brave is to understand this quality from your daily life, from your reality, from your community, from your existence, from your calling.. But nor is it courage with me same, own or individual, but the courage in God, because dhis hand we can do everything».
Image credit: Ilse García Sánchez
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