Māori young people enjoy Jubilee celebrations in Rome

The Jubilee theme, Pilgrims of Hope, brought together Catholic youth for a week-long celebration of faith, unity and service. Norma-Dee Peita said being at a Mass celebrated by Pope Leo XIV was a heartfelt experience.

“It was a real treasure. It was special to go to church with the new Pope. I felt the Holy Spirit and faith,” she said.

The jubilee called on youth to renew their personal faith, serve the poor and foster global solidarity. This also marked the first major youth gathering led by Pope Leo XIV since his election to the papacy in May.

Ms Peita said she was moved by the Pope’s spirit and compassion.

“To me, he is a simple-minded person, a noble man, and a man who has love for believers,” she said.

Matira Kata said the experience allowed her to connect deeply with the rich heritage of the Catholic Church.

“One thing I like about this . . . jubilee is the Roman Catholic history.”

Ms Peita added that faith is a medicine for her in times of sadness.

“Faith is very important to me, it has helped me in difficult times,” she said.

On August 3, at the end of the Jubilee, the Pope celebrated an outdoor Mass in Rome’s Tor Vergata neighbourhood on the outskirts of the city with an estimated 1 million people present.

FULL STORY

Rangatahi Māori join 500,000 youth in historic Jubilee celebration in Rome (By Michael Cugley/Te Ao Māori News)

Don’t settle for less; God is waiting to transform your life, pope tells youth (Catholic News Service)