Editor’s Note: Fatima Cabrera and Elis Suarez are students at Liberty Ranch High School and members of the local St. Christopher’s Church youth ministry, led by youth minister Eva Delgado. The teens co-wrote a piece on their experience attending the 2025 National Catholic Youth Conference along with four other youth.

GALT, CA (MPG) - The 2025 National Catholic Youth Conference (NCYC) took place from Nov. 20 to 22 in Indianapolis, Indiana, where thousands of Catholic youths were invited into a pilgrimage of transformation during the Jubilee of Hope. A journey where youth could explore their faith, make choices rooted in their beliefs and find strength in the shared experience of thousands of fellow pilgrims.

Inspired by God’s revelation to Moses through the burning bush, the theme of this year’s conference of “I Am/Yo Soy,” highlighted how the Sacraments form the living story of God’s love, uniting youth as the Church.

Through this sacramental encounter, youth came face-to-face with the greatness of “I am.” Discovering that we are chosen, anointed, called, transformed, loved, forgiven, restored and healed.

St. Christopher’s Church youth member Jesus Casillas said in regard to their experience, “Now is the time to dream big, be open to what God can do through your lives.”

As we joined the largest gathering of Catholic youth in the United States, we experienced Mass and prayer with more than 16,000 catholic teenagers, catechetical sessions, a digital encounter with Pope Leo XIV and powerful general sessions. These sessions helped youth unpack each “I Am / Yo Soy” identity through the Sacraments: Baptism, Confirmation, Reconciliation and Anointing of the Sick, Holy Orders and Matrimony, and the Eucharist.

The opening ceremonies, led by master of ceremonies Sr. Eifler Del Rosario and Gian Gamboa, drew youth into this encounter with God saying, “I am,” inviting each young person to respond, “You are…” and discover our identity in Christ.

“NCYC was bigger than a conference, it was 16,000 teenagers rediscovering God embracing who He made us to be, and walking forward with renewed faith,” said St. Christopher’s Church youth member Mia Hernandez.

Arriving at the convention center. Left to right are Fr. Miguel Silva, Marisela Suarez, Jesus Casillas, Elias Orejel, Elis Suarez, Nathalie Ochoa, Mia Hernandez, Fatima Cabrera and Eva Delgado. Courtesy photo 

One of the standout moments for many pilgrims was a special digital encounter with Pope Leo XIV, prepared specifically for NCYC. The Holy Father spoke directly to young Catholics, greeting them with warmth and enthusiasm. In his message, he reminded youth that the Jubilee Year is a privileged time of grace, urging them to encounter Jesus in adoration, receive Him in the Eucharist and rediscover the beauty of the Church’s liturgy.

St. Christopher’s Church youth member Nathalie Ochoa reflected on the journey stating, “When you feel lost in the dark, I am your light, and when you feel like your lost, I am your Shepherd.”

Powerful testimonies of young people helped us see how God works in our daily struggles. Mia from Baltimore, Maryland, shared that though we fall and make mistakes, God is the Good Shepherd who never stops inviting us home through forgiveness and reconciliation.

Ezeqiel from Los Angeles encouraged us to bring our worries to Jesus in prayer, Scripture, adoration and the rosary, trusting that authentic friendship with Christ forms us into better, more faithful people.

“A NCYC quote from Pope Leo XIV that really spoke to me said, ‘we the youth are not just the future of the church, but also the present,’ said St. Christopher’s Church youth member Elias Oregel.

Lastly, Chris from Las Vegas, Nevada, challenged us to use technology wisely, not as a replacement for real connection, but as a tool to deepen our faith and serve others, following the example of Blessed Carlo Acutis. Mic from Honolulu, Hawaii, spoke about using artificial intelligence with caution, ensuring education and safety while grounding our choices in God’s grace and a strong moral foundation.

“In the loud noise of the world, NCYC reminded me to listen for the quiet truth: I am chosen, I am loved, I am transformed. I am a child of God,” said Elis Suarez.

 

St. Christopher’s Church youth members make sleeping mats out of plastic bags for the homeless community of Indianapolis. 

Fatima Cabrera also quoted Pope Leo XIV stating, “God never gets tired of forgiving you, we normally get tired of asking for forgiveness.”

Leaders from the Archdiocese of Dubuque and Iowa reflected on how the Church, guided and protected by Jesus, is preparing for the future by inviting the young church, who are not just the future but the present of the Catholic Church, to be involved now through Mass, service, prayer and authentic discipleship.

To sum up this NCYC experience, we would like to thank all our chaperones for handling our youth group that decided to travel. Thanks to Maria Polanco, our priest Father Miguel Silva, Chaperone Miguel Orejel, and all those in and out of our parish who supported us with all the fundraising. Lastly, a special thanks to Eva Delgado and Marisela Suarez, who planned everything for us to come closer to God, closer to each other, and closer to ourselves.

“NCYC ‘25 transformed many Catholic family groups into one, all in a matter of a few days,” said Miguel Orejel.

Marisela Suarez added that, “Watching thousands of young Catholics worship was deeply moving. Pope Leo XIV’s message resonated with me just as much as it did with the youth.”

Youth minister Delgado said, “The NCYC experience brings the young church back closer to God. You believe, pray, and listen for I am with you always!”

 

The final blessing before flying to National Catholic Youth Conference. Top row, from left to right, are Eva Delgado, Marisela Suarez, Fr. Miguel Silva, Jesus Casillas and Miguel Orejel. Bottom row, left to right, are Mia Hernandez, Elis Suarez, Nathalie Ochoa, Fatima Cabrera and Elias Orejel. Courtesy photo