Youth rally participants told to be pilgrims of hope

BELIZE

The 2025 Diocesan Youth Rally took place Saturday, April 26, bringing together more than 500 young people at the Muffles College Auditorium for a day of faith, fellowship, and spiritual renewal under the theme Youths as Pilgrims of Hope.

The rally featured two distinguished guest speakers: Jesuit priest Fr Jeremy Zipple SJ and Loretta Palacio, both of whom offered encouragement and insights into the spiritual journey of young Catholics in today’s world.

A report from The Christian Herald stated that the highlight of the day came during the closing Mass, celebrated by Diocesan Administrator Fr Jordan Gongora.

Addressing the assembly, Fr Gongora echoed the words of Pope Francis, reminding the youth of their higher calling and the hope that lies in Christ.

“If you live your life in this way, as a pilgrimage toward Christ, then your life’s journey will be a pilgrimage of hope. Because of Christ, we have hope that our journey will end not with death but with eternal life. Because of Christ, we have hope that it will end not with sadness but with joy,” he said.

Participants were called to embrace the path of discipleship as a forward-moving journey toward Heaven, not in isolation, but in communion with others.

“We gather as pilgrims of hope, called to walk towards Christ, our sure hope to eternal life. The victory has already been won. It’s just being worked out in us as we pilgrim with Him, carrying our cross behind Him until we reach the heavenly Jerusalem,” Fr Gongora said.

Throughout the rally, speakers and youth leaders reflected on the transformative power of hope, especially during the Easter season, when Christ’s Resurrection offers the faithful a renewed sense of purpose and assurance.

“The hope of which Pope Francis speaks is not an unclear optimism or mere wishful thinking. It is the sure end to which we can confidently look forward because it is rooted in Christ’s victory over death. Scripture reminds us that hope in Christ does not disappoint, never.”

Fr Gongora also challenged the youth to resist the pervasive attitudes of the modern world that hinder spiritual growth.

“Much of that work involves refusing to let our minds and hearts be programmed by the mindset and attitudes which are so widespread today. Attitudes such as self-centeredness, pride and arrogance, indifference to God and the needs of others, makes it so challenging or sometimes impossible to be pilgrims of hope,” he said.