Vatican City: Young pilgrims from the distant islands of Tahiti, Tonga, and Guam are journeying thousands of kilometres to bring their vibrant culture and faith to the heart of the Catholic world at the upcoming Jubilee of Youth in Rome, which begins on July 28 and runs through August 3.
Travelling nearly 18,000 km across two long-haul flights and spanning 12 time zones, a group of around 40 youth and adults from Tahiti, French Polynesia, have arrived with energy and enthusiasm. "For some, this is their very first time flying," shared Marevareva Teuira, 39, who is accompanying the group. “But for us Catholics, Rome feels like coming home.”
They are not alone. Six young people from Guam and three from Tonga have also embarked on this transcontinental pilgrimage, representing the Pacific region in this global celebration of faith.
Frankie Casill, a 32-year-old criminology student from Hagåtña, Guam, is filled with anticipation. "I can’t wait to be part of this global Church with so many young people," he said. Frankie, a youth ministry volunteer from the Archdiocese of Agaña, is travelling with five others and is open to whatever God has planned.
Reflecting on his previous experience at World Youth Day 2011 in Madrid, he recalled enduring hardship yet finding spiritual renewal in moments of deep prayer and unity. “That encounter gave me the zeal to serve back home,” he said. Now, he hopes to return once again with a spiritual recharge or as he jokes, a ‘faith-lift’.
Leading up to the Jubilee, Guam’s archdiocese has hosted youth Masses and "coastal rosaries" monthly prayers at different beaches to encourage youth involvement. Frankie hopes the pilgrimage will inspire new activities to re-engage young Catholics. “I just want to return with a message of hope for our island, to remind everyone to keep walking this journey together.”
Latu Malupo, 28, a civil servant from Tonga, is travelling abroad for the first time. Despite the exhaustive trip, she believes “it’s all worth it.” Representing her Diocese of Tonga and Niue, she’s one of three attendees from the island nation.
“Coming from such a small place to where Christianity bloomed is amazing,” she said. With only 13% of Tonga’s 100,000 population identifying as Catholic, Latu sees this pilgrimage as a chance to deepen her faith and bring home renewed spiritual energy.
She’s also taking part in the Caritas Youth Forum (July 24–26), which partially supported her journey. The theme of hope surrounding the Jubilee resonates deeply with her. “It’s the hope within us that drives the pilgrimage,” she said. “I want to bring that hope home and help guide other young people spiritually.”
Latu looks forward to sharing Tongan traditions and learning from other cultures. “We’re proud of our identity. Our country may be small, but our faith is strong and unifying,” she added.
For Marevareva Teuira and her group from Papeete, Tahiti, no pilgrimage would be complete without music. “Of course, our instruments are coming with us ukuleles, drums, keyboards… It’s how we live our Masses,” she said, smiling.
To her, the only difference between a Polynesian and European Catholic is in style. “We sing the same hymns, pray the same prayers, and worship the same God.”
In preparation, their parish organized catechesis sessions and spiritual gatherings. “Rome is where our shepherd, the Pope, resides. We love him deeply. Being here is monumental,” she emphasized.
Organizing the trip was a long journey in itself. The group raised funds for over a year through food sales and parish support. “In Tahiti, we lean on each other. Everyone pitched in,” Marevareva shared.
She hopes this experience will ignite stronger faith among the youth back home. “We want them to bring Jesus not just into churches, but into classrooms, homes, and daily life. May this Jubilee touch hearts everywhere.”
The presence of these pilgrims from the Pacific each with their own journey, struggles, and hopes—adds a rich layer of diversity to the Jubilee of Youth. Their testimonies speak of faith that travels across oceans, and a shared desire to be part of something greater: a universal Church united in hope, joy, and mission.