Between April 25th and 27th, 45 teenagers from various Dorothean presences in Italy (San Calogero, Rosarno, Bologna) and Albania participated in the Youth Jubilee, an event promoted by the Pastoral Juvenil e Vocacional of the Dorotea Youth of the European Province. The gathering took place in Rome, with accommodation at Casa S. Onofrio, and was guided by the symbolic theme of the “door,” evoking dreams, choices, and life paths.
During three intense days, the youngsters were invited to reflect on their own stories and to recognize who are the “gatekeepers” of their dreams — those who hold the key to helping them open horizons and face the challenges of personal growth. On the first day, participants met and began to get to know each other better, sharing their experiences in small groups, always remembering that “no one walks alone.”
The highlight of the second day was crossing the Holy Door at St. John Lateran Basilica — a traditional gesture during jubilee times that symbolically marked a desire for inner renewal. In the afternoon, the teenagers viewed their dreams from a new perspective: they visited the famous “Keyhole” of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta’s Priory, where one can see St. Peter’s Dome through a small keyhole — a view that delighted and inspired them.
The journey continued with attentive listening to the life of Mother Teresa of Calcutta, a model of service and total dedication to others. At sunset, the youngsters received a special message with words from Pope Francis, encouraging them to keep hope alive and cultivate a spirit of gratitude. The event concluded on Sunday with a celebration of the Eucharist at St. Peter’s Basilica.
With hearts full and renewed, the teenagers finished their pilgrimage ready to continue opening doors to their dreams for the world — aware that faith, community, and courage are fundamental keys on this path.
