From July 23 to August 6, 21 young people from Claretian parishes across the U.S. and Canada came together for a once-in-a-lifetime pilgrimage through Spain, Rome, and Assisi. Guided by the Youth & Young Adult Ministry of our Province and led by Fr. Reegan Soosai, CMF, this journey was part of the international Claret-Way initiative—a committee made up of representatives from every branch of the Claretian Family.
Our pilgrims represented vibrant communities from:
- Our Lady of Fatima Parish (Perth Amboy)
- Notre-Dame-de-Guadalupe (Chicago)
- Saint Anthony Mary Claret & St. Paul (Fresno)
- Notre-Dame d’Anjou (Montréal)
What followed was nothing short of extraordinary.
Walking Together as Pilgrims
Our young people walked more than 2 kilometers to Tor Vergata, joining thousands of others from around the world for the Jubilee Year Youth Gathering. Along the way, they sang, prayed, and exchanged small tokens of friendship with fellow pilgrims. It was a moving reminder that faith knows no borders and that the Church is indeed alive and youthful.
A Global Encounter of Faith
The days in Rome were filled with moments of deep prayer, vibrant community, and spiritual growth. Our youth participated in the Vigil and Mass with Pope Leo XIV, celebrating alongside a sea of young Catholics united in joy and purpose. The experience was a powerful witness of hope in a world that so often longs for light.
Honoring Our Martyrs
As part of their spiritual journey, our pilgrims also remembered the Blessed Claretian Martyrs of Barbastro—51 seminarians, their formators, and brothers who were killed during the Spanish Civil War in 1936. Their courage and commitment to Christ continue to inspire Claretian missions around the globe.
What’s Next?
This pilgrimage lit hearts on fire—and the journey doesn’t end here. We’re already dreaming and planning a province-wide Claretian Youth Gathering in Chicago next summer. Our hope is to keep building bridges of faith, leadership, and connection among our youth.
Because yes—there is hope. And it’s alive in the songs, prayers, and dreams of this new generation.
