The Invitation
You are warmly invited to Rome in 2025 for the Jubilee of Young People, where you will join as ‘Pilgrims of Hope’.
“As young people, you are indeed the joyful hope of the Church and of a humanity always on the move. I would like to take you by the hand and walk with you on the path of hope.” Pope Francis
In response to Pope Francis’ invitation, the Carmelite European Youth Commission is organising a Jubilee pilgrimage for young adults aged 18 to 35, who have an association with a Carmelite community and our spirituality. It will take place at the Carmelite retreat centre just outside Rome – the Istituto Madonna del Carmine ‘Il Carmelo’ at Sassone.
Programme Outline
Groups will arrive at ‘Il Carmelo,’ Sassone, on Wednesday 30th July, to begin our programme at 7pm. Departures will be after lunch on Sunday, 3rd August, from St. Albert’s, a Carmelite house in the centre of Rome (near the Vatican). We will have two days together in Sassone, reflecting and sharing our experiences of Carmel, and two days joining the Jubilee celebrations in Rome with young people from around the world as ‘Pilgrims of Hope.’
Our time together is designed to build community, providing opportunities to explore and share in our Carmelite story. The programme will be varied, creative, and engaging, including presentations, small group time, prayer, and social.
Day 1 (Wednesday) – Arrival at Sassone. Welcome, registration, and introductions.
Day 2 (Thursday) – Sassone. Forming community, sharing experiences, contemplation, and key themes of Carmel.
Day 3 (Friday): – Travel to Rome and the Vatican. Pilgrimage through the Holy Door at St. Peter’s and an opportunity to explore key sights of Rome.
Day 4 (Saturday) – Sassone. ‘Inspired by our Carmelite heroes’, Reconciliation, and how we can build on our experience back home?
Day 5 (Sunday): – Travel to Rome and the Vatican. Sunday Eucharist with Pope Francis and young people from around the world, at St. Peter’s. Lunch at St. Albert’s. Departures.
Cost of the Pilgrimage
Approximate total cost: £550
Accommodation and programme: £300 per person. This includes a shared room, meals, coach travel from Sassone to Rome on two days (as described above), and pilgrim resources.
Travel (flights) to Rome, airport transfers and travel insurance: £200 – £250
What is a Jubilee Year?
The concept of a Jubilee Year originates from the Bible, specifically in the Book of Leviticus, the third book of the Old Testament. It outlines the instructions given to the Israelites for observing the Jubilee Year: “You shall consecrate the fiftieth year, and you shall proclaim liberty throughout the land to all its inhabitants. It shall be a Jubilee for you.” (Leviticus 25:10). Biblically, a Jubilee Year occurs every 50 years, marking a time of renewal and liberation.
At the beginning of His ministry, Jesus declared His mission by reading from the prophet Isaiah in the synagogue of Nazareth: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because He has anointed me to bring good news to the poor, to proclaim liberty to captives, and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, to proclaim the Lord’s year of favour” (Luke 4:18-19).
In 2025, the Catholic Church will celebrate a Jubilee Year, which occurs every 25 years. To mark this holy year, various events will take place, especially in Rome, attracting millions of pilgrims. The theme for the year is ‘Pilgrims of Hope.’ To introduce the theme, Pope Francis invites us all in his letter Spes non confundit, (hope does not disappoint) “May hope fill the hearts of those who read this letter.”
If you are interested in attending the Carmelite Jubilee Pilgrimage, please complete the ‘Expression of Interest’ form.