July 27 – Our Youth Jubilee Experience Begins

This week, we joyfully celebrate the Youth Jubilee, a unique opportunity to share, deepen our faith, and walk together as part of the great Claretian Family. Over the weekend, 23 young people from Argentina, Spain, and Italy were welcomed at the Maria Immacolata School in Ciampino, Rome, where they began to live together and prepare spiritually.

On July 27, we woke up with joy and enthusiasm, sharing a delicious and varied breakfast among young people from the three countries. Then, we gathered in the chapel to begin the day with a heartfelt prayer, lovingly prepared by our sister Celeste Belardi. We focused on the passage from Matthew 14:22-33, reflecting on Peter’s experience walking on the water with Jesus, and how, when he takes his eyes off Him, he begins to sink. This powerful image invited us to always keep our gaze fixed on Jesus, especially during this meaningful week.

As a sending gesture, we shared the symbol of “Lucí”, carefully prepared by Sister Isabel Guillén, which symbolizes our mission to be light for the world. With this symbol, the young people sent each other forth, committing to illuminate with their lives and faith.

We continued with a dynamic activity called “the spider web”, led by Maria Rita Lovecchio, which encouraged mutual getting-to-know among the participants. At the end, we joyfully received the welcoming words of Sister Cathy Tulengi on behalf of the General Government and all the RMI, filling the atmosphere with warmth and fellowship.

In the auditorium, Yuli presented the different branches of the Claretian Family, and together we built the logo that represents our identity. Later, Geraldine, Sandy, and María Cruz offered a clear and inspiring presentation about the Claret Way network, strengthening our sense of belonging and shared mission. The lunch, carefully prepared by Sisters Orsolina and Maria Rita, was a true fraternal feast. In the afternoon, we went to the Basilica Santa Croce in Flaminio, where we will live the central days of the Jubilee and prepare enthusiastically for the official start of the Claret Way Encounter within this great celebration.