Young people from Guarda attend the Youth Jubilee

Creating new friendships, deepening faith, and renewing the mind and spirit were some of the motivations that the group of young people from the diocese of Guarda took to Rome, the place that hosts the Youth Jubilee until this Sunday, August 3rd.

It was just after 9:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 26, when the Guarda Municipality bus began its journey to Lisbon airport, where the group of 32 people, including the Bishop of Guarda, had a flight booked for the following morning. Despite the last-minute hitch, when the strike by the former Groundforce workers forced them to repack their bags, the enthusiasm of everyone preparing to depart was evident.

In their suitcases, which contained only the essentials, some still managed to save space for small souvenirs they intend to exchange with young people from other countries. Some even remembered the Portuguese flag and even their home parish.

The Mayor of Guarda, Sérgio Costa, wanted to mark the moment of departure by wishing a good participation in the Youth Jubilee to the entire group made up of 32 people aged between 17 and 34, two priests, Father Rafael Neves and Father Paulo Figueiró and the diocesan bishop, D. José Pereira.

At the time of departure, Beatriz Costa told the newspaper A GUARDA that she was going to the Youth Jubilee in search of “a different experience”, after having participated in the World Youth Day, in 2023, in the city of Lisbon.

Rodrigo Loureiro, 17, sees this Jubilee as "a unique opportunity" that must be seized, highlighting the presence of the Pope and young people from other countries and cultures. He is one of the participants who didn't forget the national flag, believing that "it's good to show where we come from." He is excited about meeting "so many young people from all over the world who share the same faith and are willing to grow."

Inês Garcês is from Porto, but joined the group through her cousin, who's from Guarda. She packs "only the essentials" in her suitcase and is deeply motivated by "connecting with people" who come together for the same ideal.

Lúcia Cabaços heard about the Jubilee in the youth group and that the gathering would offer incredible experiences. Since she was already familiar with the dynamics of these initiatives, she thought it would be a great opportunity to deepen her faith in Jesus.

Guilherme Almeida is from Seia and goes to the Jubilee for the fellowship, to be with friends, and to share faith experiences with other young people. He brings bracelets in his luggage to exchange with other young people, and upon his return, he "would like to bring back souvenirs from young people from other countries."

Afonso Cardoso is also from Seia, and similar to the Lisbon conferences, he now intends to meet with young people and the entire world in Rome. "The presence of young people in the Church is impressive and captivating."

He carries Portuguese souvenirs, the flag of the parish of Folhadosa, and the flag of Portugal. He explains: "I always have my homeland and my country in my heart." From the Jubilee, he wants to "bring new friendships and the spirit of youth."

Samuel Barros is from Rebolosa, in the municipality of Sabugal , and following WYD in Lisbon, he wants to “meet new people, make new friends, with people who follow the same Jesus as I do.”

In his luggage, he carries the Portuguese flag and a basic life support mask. "I know how to perform basic life support and decided to carry the mask in case it's needed," he explained to the newspaper A GUARDA. From Rome, "I would like to bring new friendships, a new spirit, a new way of seeing the church, and a new desire to change the Church."

Afonso Frango is also from Rebolosa and often participates in events organized by the Youth Ministry. He attends the Jubilee because he enjoys "making new friends, renewing his faith, and seeing other young people around the world who share the same beliefs and values."

In his luggage he takes a souvenir from home, a rosary, because he believes that “we should never forget where we come from”.

He goes to the Youth Jubilee seeking “a renewal of mind, of spirit,” as he needs strength to face the new challenge that is University.

The group from the Diocese of Guarda that participates in the Youth Jubilee through the Department of University and Vocational Youth Ministry, is, together with other Portuguese groups, at Fiera di Roma, in Pavilion 1.