Opening one’s heart to the love of Jesus Christ through Eucharistic Adoration is an opportunity that must be cherished as we are all invited on a journey with God.
This was the idea behind the Jubilee Youth Adoration Nights which took place at four Parishes, with the first Jan. 16, 2025, and last on May 2. Hundreds of teens from all regions of the Diocese participated in the gatherings, which were part of the 2025 Jubilee Year as established by Pope Francis. The theme for the special year is “Pilgrims of Hope.”
Organized by the Diocesan Office of Youth and Young Adults, each night included a talk about the 2025 Jubilee Year, with a special emphasis on the importance of understanding the Real Presence of Christ in the Most Blessed Sacrament.
Sister Faithful Konkolics, S.S.V.M., spoke to the youth from several Parishes in the Eastern Deanery at the closing Youth Adoration Night at St. Paul Parish in Arcadia, which appropriately took place on May 2, the First Friday of the Month.
Opening with pizza and fellowship in the Parish Hall, Sister Faithful addressed the boys and girls, about the miracle behind the Most Blessed Sacrament.
“Even though He ascended into heaven, Jesus left Himself behind because He didn’t want to leave us orphans,” Sister Faithful said. “Jesus instituted the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist so He will be with us, here on earth, until the end of time. This is found at every single Mass. The Eucharist is the fuel we need to live our lives.”
When preparing the teens ahead of going into the church to participate in Eucharistic Adoration, Sister Faithful encouraged them to open their hearts a little bit and to look at Christ in the Most Blessed Sacrament. “He’s looking at you. He wants to come to you, and He is not going to do it by force because He loves us too much. He wants us to receive Him. He wants us to love Him back. That is all He desires. Just let Him love you.”
Following the talk, the teens proceeded into the Church for Eucharistic Adoration, and several priests were available for the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
Tamara Reyes said the Adoration Night was emotional for her because she had only been to Adoration a few times, but honestly never took it as seriously as she should have. “I know Jesus is there, but I never really thought too much about it. I was sad when we first came into the church, but then knowing Jesus wanted me there really made a big difference to me. I also went to confession because it felt right. My heart is now full of joy from Christ’s mercy,” Tamara said.
The first Youth Adoration Night was Jan. 16 at St. Agnes Parish in Naples, then Jan. 31 at St. Andrew Parish in Cape Coral, and March 22 at St. Patrick Parish in Sarasota.
While each night was geared toward teens, many adults, mostly parents, also participated in the Eucharistic Adoration portion of the evenings.
The Youth Adoration Nights were among several events that have been hosted by the Diocese of Venice in conjunction with the Jubilee Year 2025. For example, in February hundreds of the faithful participated in a Eucharistic Pilgrimage that included five different Parishes, and in March there was a Diocesan Eucharistic Conference held in Punta Gorda which drew more than 1,800. Additional events are being planned throughout the year.
For more information on the Jubilee Year 2025, please visit at https://dioceseofvenice.org/jubilee-2025-pilgrims-of-hope/.
The Jubilee Prayer
Father in heaven,
may the faith you have given us
in your son, Jesus Christ, our brother,
and the flame of charity enkindled
in our hearts by the Holy Spirit,
reawaken in us the blessed hope
for the coming of your Kingdom.
May your grace transform us
into tireless cultivators of the seeds of the Gospel.
May those seeds transform from within both humanity and the whole cosmos
in the sure expectation
of a new heaven and a new earth,
when, with the powers of Evil vanquished,
your glory will shine eternally.
May the grace of the Jubilee
reawaken in us, Pilgrims of Hope,
a yearning for the treasures of heaven.
May that same grace spread
the joy and peace of our Redeemer
throughout the earth.
To you our God, eternally blessed,
be glory and praise for ever.
Amen
