Hispanic youth celebrate the jubilee in Washington, D.C.
By Magdiel Argueta
It is easy to remember someone who has left a profound legacy in our lives, especially when that legacy transforms souls. What is not easy is to leave an indelible mark.
Yet, there is a man who recently departed for the Father’s house who managed to write his story in this life—a story that carries not only his own journey but also the life of the Church Christ founded with Peter. I speak of Francis: our beloved pope, our beloved brother, the man, the friend, the Argentine who won hearts for God, especially the hearts of young people.
Father Dalton Reyes of New Jersey blesses the pilgrim cross as Magdiel Argueta holds the cross. (Photo courtesy Magdiel Argueta)
Today, I want to speak about his final call to the youth of the world: the Jubilee of Youth, which he convened for this year in Rome. Pope Francis invited the world to celebrate from July 28 to Aug. 3. This call gathered over a million young people from across the globe in the Eternal City for an event that occurs only once every 25 years, apart from extraordinary jubilees.
Responding to our local reality, the Pastoral Juvenil Hispana of the Diocese of Knoxville chose to celebrate the Jubilee of Youth in a similar way: with a pilgrimage, not to Rome, but to significant and holy sites in Washington, D.C.
This initiative arose from the need to offer our Hispanic youth, especially those unable to travel to Rome, the opportunity to live this encounter simultaneously with the youth gathered in the heart of Christendom.
At the heart of the pilgrimage, each young person carried his or her own story and reason for saying “yes” to this journey of faith.
José Damián López from Chattanooga was moved by an inner desire: he wanted to personally experience what a pilgrimage truly means. Emotion overcame him as he stood before the relics of St. John Paul II, gazing at his vestments and his blood.
“A great saint of our Catholic Church,” José shared. “His voice … hearing it brings peace to my heart. He is watching us from heaven.”
For Sandy, a young adult from the Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish, it was also her first pilgrimage experience.
“I was so excited because it was my first time, and everything met my expectations. The only regret I have is not having done something like this sooner. Now, I will make sure to invite many young people to join the youth group,” Sandy said.
Although she admitted feeling “out of place” at times due to her age, she is still well within the age range established by the Pastoral Juvenil Hispana (18–35 years).
The testimonies are inspiring. Elvin Galicia from St. Thomas the Apostle Parish in Lenoir City shared, “For me, it felt like a call from God … I immediately said yes.” For him, this was far more than just another trip; it was a life-changing experience.
“I didn’t know anything about the trip, but… once in Washington, I loved seeing the group of young people, all so kind and helpful. I loved how united they were,” Elvin said.
Jasaira Velásquez experienced her first pilgrimage as an opportunity to receive a plenary indulgence. What touched her most was sharing time with young people who share the same goals toward God, and the profound experience of confession.
“It moved me deeply, especially during the penance that followed the reconciliation,” Jasaira said.
The group gathers for a photo at the Chancery before leaving for Washington, D.C. (Photo courtesy Magdiel Argueta)
For Chelcie Gallardo, there was no single highlight. “Honestly, everything … because at every moment I learned something new,” she shared.
Cristian Figueroa described his experience as a reconnection with Jesus, with His Church, and with the communion of saints—a journey that renewed the freshness and joy of his faith.
Genaro set out seeking a deeper understanding of the beauty of Catholicism but found something more along the way: new friends who made the experience even richer.
For Eduardo, on his first pilgrimage, the most valuable part was seeing how each young person contributed their grain of sand to make the group feel at home.
“I took away lessons and stories I had never known,” he expressed with gratitude.
Danny Galicia began the journey wanting to know God more and to share fellowship. He returned certain that he had lived “a very beautiful experience” that he will not hesitate to recommend.
This pilgrimage not only brought Hispanic youth closer to holy places in Washington, D.C., it also strengthened their identity as disciples of Christ. They returned home with unforgettable memories, new friendships, and renewed faith because the Jubilee of Youth is not just another item on a calendar, it is an encounter with the God who calls, accompanies, and sends forth.
During our pilgrimage, we received a special gift. Father Dalton Reyes, a Colombian priest from New Jersey, invited us to join his Saturday Mass at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. In his homily, he offered a formative and transformative message about the jubilee, tracing its history from ancient Israel to the Church’s present-day celebration. He also blessed our pilgrim cross and the pilgrims themselves.
I wanted our Pilgrims of Hope to live a unique experience by staying in the homes of local families. We thank the parishes of St. Bernard and Our Lady of Fatima in the Archdiocese of Washington, D.C., for joining us, hosting us, and, most importantly, welcoming us as part of their family. Special thanks to our dear friends from the young-adult group Missionaries of Christ who worked tirelessly to ensure everything ran smoothly. We look forward to welcoming them soon to Knoxville: our home is theirs.
For me, as the organizer of this beautiful event, and as a Pilgrim of Hope, it has been a heart-renewing experience. I remember “to call oneself a Christian” is to be in love with someone—in this case, with Jesus—and when you see the beautiful things He can do through His servants, you fall more deeply in love and renew the “yes” you once gave Him. It is a constant “yes” that is never withdrawn, because you are truly happy.
I am convinced that where one is happy is where one should remain forever, especially if, by being there, you help others to be happy as well. That is why I invite all youth and young adults to join this beautiful ministry, where they will not only find a space to renew their faith in a dynamic way, but find a place to forge friendships with people who share their similar goals and love for Christ.
Magdiel Argueta is the coordinator of Pastoral Juvenil for the Diocese of Knoxville.