The International Regnum Christi Youth Meeting was held on Monday, July 28 at the International College of the Legionaries of Christ in Rome, gathering more than 1,500 participants from 16 countries and was part of the beginning of the great Jubilee celebration.
It offered spaces for silence and adoration, music and testimonies, reflection, confession and sharing, despite the rain that was present for some moments. It began with a deeply lived Eucharistic hour, in which silence spoke louder than words, and culminated with songs, shared emotions and a renewed desire to be light in the world.
A community that discovers itself sent
This meeting expressed something that many young people already live in their daily lives: that faith is not lived alone, but is strengthened in community. To be a Christian today means to walk with others, to learn to listen, to share the fire of the same mission.
«It is very beautiful to pray together, united in Him, to meet in Him, to live with Him. That is why it is very good to have these moments as a family.», says Juan Pablo, from Mexico.
«We are young people who are crazy about God and are constantly seeking the Lord.», says Sofia, from Chile.
«It has been spectacular to sing all together, the prayer has been very beautiful. We are looking forward to living this week to the fullest, to know God more and to have Him present day by day.», says Carlos, from Spain.
«We are a generation on fire, seeking Christ all the time and following Him to eternal life.», says Lucía, from Argentina.
His words reflect a generation that is not resigned, that seeks, that launches out, that wants to live the Gospel with authenticity.
Faces that accompany the path
The meeting was also a significant experience for those who accompany these young people in their faith journey. Consecrated women, legionaries and consecrated lay people shared the day with them as brothers on the journey, witnesses and formators.
«I see a youth with so much hope here, with so much joy... a little while ago it was raining and all they did was sing. It's going to be a great week with the apostles of the Kingdom.», Daniel Tezanos, L.C., from Chile.
«It is one of the most special moments... these young people are going to have an experience of the Church, an experience of Jesus Christ. The internationality has been impressive... Argentina, United States, Mexico, Chile... it is something they will never forget.», shared Lu Perez, a consecrated woman from Mexico.
His discreet but close presence made visible that Church that walks with young people, that believes in them and encourages them to give the best of themselves.
The encounter with Christ that unites cultures
From the moment we arrived at the International School, the atmosphere was charged with emotion and diversity. The Eucharistic hour was a moment of profound encounter with Christ and with others. Later, music, testimonies and spontaneous joy created an atmosphere of family, of a living Church rejoicing in shared faith.
Christ was the true center: the one who brought these young people together and sent them out with a burning heart. They were not united by ideology, nor by fashion, nor by simple enthusiasm, but by the common desire to follow him and proclaim him.
On the way with the whole Church
The International Encounter was just the beginning. These pilgrims are now fully involved in the Youth Jubilee CelebrationsThe main events: the opening Mass in St. Peter's Square, the penitential day at the Circus Maximus, the vigil on Saturday, August 2, and the final Mass with Pope Leo XIV on Sunday, August 3.
A journey of faith shared with thousands of other young people around the world. An experience that leaves its mark. A sending out to be, truly, pilgrims of hope.
You can see the photos of the event in this album.
