I was fortunate enough to attend the Jubilee Year event in Rome last week — an experience that has left a deep and lasting mark on my heart. Going into it, I had no expectations as I had never been to anything like ‘World Youth Day’ before, so I didn’t quite know what to expect. But from the moment I arrived, I felt something was different. I have been completely blown away by the beauty, energy, and profound sense of unity that filled every part of the experience.
From the very beginning, I found myself overwhelmed, not just emotionally, but spiritually. We spent many hours praying, worshipping and reflecting. There was such a strong and tangible presence of love and the Holy Spirit surrounding us in every conversation, every shared moment, and every silent prayer. Hearing the stories of others, strangers from around the world who quickly began to feel like family was a powerful experience. The people’s openness, courage, and faith inspired me. Many shared how they serve God in their everyday lives, whether through ministry, small acts of kindness, or simply living their faith quietly and faithfully. I felt both challenged and comforted by these stories. It was comforting to realise that not everyone had life all figured out, some had found their calling, while others were still seeking, still listening. It reminded me that serving God isn’t about titles or grand gestures; it’s about the sincerity in how we love, how we give, and how we show up each day with our hearts open.
One of the many discussion topics that stood out to me, was contemplation. We explored how contemplation isn’t just stillness or silence, but true communication, a dialogue between ourselves and God. It is through contemplation that we become more present, more receptive, and more attuned to God’s voice in our lives. This idea shifted something in me. It made me realise that transformation doesn’t always come from loud, dramatic moments — sometimes, the most life-changing encounters happen in quiet reflection, when we allow ourselves to truly listen. So, I took time to truly listen. I allowed myself to be washed over by the Holy Spirit, to sit in stillness and just be present. And in that space, I realised something that will stay with me forever: God had always been listening. He had been answering my prayers, not always in the way I wanted, but always in the way I needed. This realisation on understanding brought me a great sense of peace that I didn’t even know I was searching for.
Traveling with the Carmelite community was a truly wonderful and enriching experience. Along the way, I came to realize that many people weren’t very familiar with what it means to be a Carmelite, or how to even define it. At its heart, being a Carmelite means belonging to a community deeply rooted in prayer, contemplation, and faith. It’s a way of life that invites you to seek God in the silence of your heart, to walk humbly with others, and to trust in His presence in all things. What makes being a Carmelite so special is the sense of spiritual family, a bond that goes beyond borders and brings people together in a shared commitment to love, simplicity, and service. It’s a beautiful journey of growing closer to God while being supported by a community that encourages you to be your most authentic and faithful self.
These five days in Rome, spent among Catholics from every corner of the globe, were truly life changing. There was an unspoken bond among us — people from different cultures, languages, and backgrounds, all united by our faith. One of the most awe-inspiring moments was being part of a crowd of over a million people, all gathered with one purpose: to praise the Lord. At this gathering, the Holy Father, Pope Leo, celebrated Mass. It’s hard to describe the power of that image, the songs, the prayers, the joy, the tears, it was a glimpse of something far greater than ourselves.
I was extremely blessed to see Pope Leo up close as he drove around in his ‘Popemobile’. I felt an overwhelming sense of unity, peace, and joy, being so near to the Holy Father, surrounded by thousands of people from around the world. In that moment, I truly understood the meaning of The Universal Church — and it made my faith feel so much more alive and real.
I have come away with such hope for the future. My hope comes from seeing so many young people coming together — not just to attend, but to actively participate, to pray with depth, to serve with joy, and to witness with boldness….. In a world that often feels uncertain and divided, this gathering was a powerful reminder that the Church is alive, and the next generation is ready to carry it forward with faith, courage, and love.
To the young people in our parish: if you ever get the chance to go on a pilgrimage or a faith-based trip, I encourage you to go. You never know how God might speak to your heart or where He might lead you. These journeys can bring you closer to Him, deepen your sense of purpose, and help you discover more about yourself.
I would like to offer my heartfelt thanks to our parish for their generous support and prayers, which allowed me to go on this pilgrimage to Rome. It is so wonderful to be part of a parish that believes in and invests in its youth.
This pilgrimage was truly a life-changing experience for me — one that helped me grow not only in my faith but also in understanding who I am and the path God may be calling me to follow.
Reflection by Megan Salter (originally published in Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish, Faversham newsletter)
