- Bishop Robert Barron’s address to young Irish pilgrims in Rome, “I urge you to take up the mission of Saint Patrick. Let his courage, faith, and love for Christ inspire you. Bring that mission home. Be radiant signs of hope and faith in Ireland and beyond.”
This week in Rome over 600 vibrant young adults from the island of Ireland have joined up with more than 700,000 young Catholics from around the world for the Catholic Church’s 2025 Jubilee of Youth: a landmark international celebration taking place as part of this year’s universal Jubilee Year under the theme ‘Pilgrims of Hope’.
Travelling alongside several Irish bishops – including Bishop Fintan Gavin of Cork & Ross who serves as chair of the Council for Evangelisation, Catechetics and Pastoral Renewal of the Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference – the Irish young adult pilgrims are participating in a week of prayer, formation, cultural exchange, and Eucharistic celebration, all aimed at renewing missionary spirit and deepening their witness of faith today.
The opening of the Jubilee of Youth was marked by a vibrant and deeply moving Mass on Tuesday in Saint Peter’s Square, celebrated by Archbishop Rino Fisichella, Pro-Prefect of the Vatican’s Dicastery for Evangelisation and who previously visited Maynooth, Ireland, as keynote speaker for a conference on vocations in April 2023. Pilgrims from every continent filled the square in a powerful witness to the global Church. After Mass, Archbishop Fisichella announced a huge surprise: he said, “Pope Leo wants to greet you”. Pope Leo XIV greeted the crowds in the popemobile, warmly welcoming the young pilgrims and reminding them that they are “the salt of the earth, the light of the world.” He called them to be messengers of hope and peace, encouraging them to carry God’s grace into the world and to gather again for this weekend’s vigil and Jubilee Mass, saying simply: “See you in Tor Vergata.”
Reflecting on the experience, Bishop Fintan Gavin shared: “To stand in Saint Peter’s Square as the Jubilee of Youth began was a moment of profound joy and spiritual unity. The opening Mass was not only a celebration of faith, but a reminder of the vibrant, living Church that our young people embody. For the more than 600 Irish pilgrims who journeyed here to Rome, this celebration marked a milestone of grace, hope, and communion with the universal Church – an inspiring start to a week of spiritual renewal and missionary energy.”
A highlight of the week for the Irish pilgrims was a morning catechesis and Eucharist at the Instituto Santa Maria, on Wednesday, where Bishop Robert Barron of the Diocese of Winona–Rochester delivered a stirring message to young Irish participants. In his address, Bishop Barron challenged young people to reclaim the missionary zeal of Saint Patrick, saying: “Ireland once sent saints and scholars to re-evangelise a continent. That missionary fire is still alive – and it’s in you. I urge you to take up the mission of Saint Patrick. Let his courage, faith, and love for Christ inspire you. Bring that mission home. Be radiant signs of hope and faith in Ireland and beyond.”
The Irish programme for the week, organised by the Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference, in collaboration with the Pontifical Irish College, Rome, includes catechesis led by Bishop Alan McGuckian SJ of Down and Connor and Sister Mary Grace SV; a national Irish pilgrims’ gathering today at the Irish College led by Bishop Gavin and featuring music from acclaimed Christian artist Sarah Kroger; and a deeply moving Way of the Cross tomorrow, which will wind through the streets of Rome and conclude at the Basilica of Santa Croce, home to relics of the True Cross.
The Jubilee of Youth will conclude with an overnight vigil and closing Mass this weekend to be celebrated by Pope Leo in Saint Peter’s Square, sending pilgrims out with renewed faith and mission.
In Ireland, the 2025 Jubilee Year continues to be marked by pilgrimage events at the national sites of Knock Shrine, Croagh Patrick, and Lough Derg, ensuring that the spirit of the Jubilee resonates far beyond Rome.
To follow the journey of the Irish pilgrims, please visit the social media pages of each diocese, those of the Irish Catholic Bishops, and on our new digital platform The Way.
ENDS
Notes to Editors