In August, we celebrated the Jubilee of Youth in Tor Vergata (in Rome) with Pope Leo XIV. We discovered some amazing stories there, and we want to share them with you now. Here’s what Ivana has to say:

My name is Ivana. I’m 16 years old and I live in Ratmalana, an industrial suburb to the south of Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka.

I travelled to Rome for the Jubilee of Youth, encouraged by some friends in Opus Dei. For me, it was a huge grace to be part of a celebration that only happens every 25 years.

The few days I was there, I got to feel the deep fraternity and universality of the Catholic family, right from the place where it all began: Rome. This holy city, the heart of the Church, is where the seed of faith was planted through the blood of the martyrs, and from there it spread throughout the world, bearing abundant fruit.

When I returned home, I felt strengthened in my desire to be a better Christian, a reflection of God for the people around me, spreading love and care. I also came back with a fresh desire to be more sensitive to other people’s needs and to use my talents so that God’s creation can reach its fullest potential.

I like to think of my future as something faithful to what God has designed for me: a paintbrush in his hands, creating a beautiful world.