From the Leader of Faith and Mission

FIAT

Celebrating the Jubilee of Youth

Last week, the Catholic Church celebrated a significant global event, The Jubilee of Youth, a joyful and powerful recognition of young people as active witnesses of faith, hope, and renewal in today’s world.

As part of the Church’s Jubilee Year leading into 2025, the Jubilee of Youth calls young people from across the globe to reflect on their identity and their vital role within the life of the Church. It’s a reminder that they are not the Church of tomorrow, but an essential part of the Church today.

In his address to young people, Pope Leo XIV offered a bold and encouraging message:

“You are the salt of the earth, the light of the world! Today your voices, your enthusiasm, your cries—all of them for Jesus Christ—will be heard to the ends of the earth!”

His words echo the deep truth that the passion, creativity, and questions of youth are not something to manage; they are something to celebrate. The Church, and indeed the world, needs young people who bring flavour to life, who shine in dark places, and who are unafraid to live with compassion and purpose.

For us, as a Catholic school community, this Jubilee invites reflection. 

• How do we empower the young people in our care to live out their faith?
• Are we creating space for them to lead, question, and grow?
•  Are we walking alongside them with patience, humility, and belief in who they are becoming?

As we acknowledge this special moment in the Church’s journey, we are reminded of the hope and possibility that rests within the hearts of our students. May we continue to encourage them to be salt and light, in their friendships, their families, their studies, and their dreams.

We conclude with this prayer, inspired by the Jubilee of Youth:

Loving God, 

Thank You for the young people in our lives, 

their energy, their questions, their hope. 

Help them to know they are deeply loved, 

and that their voice and their faith matter.

Guide them as they seek truth, 

stand up for what is right, 

and bring joy to the world. 

May they be salt for the earth, 

bringing kindness and flavour to life, 

and may they shine brightly as Your light 

in classrooms, homes, and communities.

Bless their journey, and help us walk with them 

with patience, love, and faith.

We ask this through Christ our Lord 

Amen.