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Concón (Chile), 09/27/2025, Felipe Collet Gaete, Pastoral Coordinator, Santa María Goretti Parish School.- From Concón, on Chile’s central coast, we traveled with 12 pilgrims from Santa María Goretti Parish School to Rome, to take part in the Jubilee of Youth. For 10 days (from Sunday, July 27 to Tuesday, August 5, 2025), we shared our faith with millions of young people from around the world, gathered with Pope Leo XIV. It was a profound experience that marked us forever.

This trip was not only about accompanying students abroad, but also about bringing to life a project that had taken over a year of preparation. Families, many of them in vulnerable contexts, managed to gather the funds thanks to their effort, the support of the school community, and anonymous benefactors. Reaching the Eternal City was a dream come true.

As a teacher, it was moving to see how these young people, many traveling for the first time, were transformed day by day. What began as a tourist trip became a true pilgrimage of faith. One of the most significant moments was seeing them celebrate the sacrament of reconciliation at the Circus Maximus: a living testimony that God continues to touch hearts.

During the week, we crossed the four holy doors, prayed at the tombs of the apostles, and visited historic places such as the Colosseum and the Roman Forum. In Assisi, we prayed at the shrines of St. Francis, St. Clare, and the young Blessed Carlo Acutis. We also made a pilgrimage to the shrine of St. Maria Goretti in Nettuno, patroness of our school.

We were warmly welcomed by the Dominican Sisters at the Casa del Rosario. Their hospitality, closeness, and joy made us feel at home. We shared moments of prayer with them and a beautiful celebration animated by Christian singer Cristóbal Fones. We are deeply grateful for their generous welcome.

We also visited the General Government of the Congregation, where we shared a meal with Sr. Mariamma Paul Ollukaran, Superior General. Together with our young people, we sang with emotion the prayer of Marie Poussepin—a moment full of community meaning. We especially thank Sr. Nilda Miranda Romero, General Counselor, who was one more pilgrim among us. Her joyful and close presence was a true gift.

Accompanied by teacher Martín Laredo Vera and Sr. Jeny Obreque Maturana from our province, I lived this pilgrimage with deep gratitude. I witnessed how faith transforms, encourages, and ignites the hearts of young people. Many returned changed, with renewed hope and the desire to continue sharing what they had experienced.

Today, with pride, I can say:
“If they could do it, many other young people can too.”

May this Jubilee of Hope continue to bear fruit and inspire other young people to discover the joy of believing.