Written by Louis Hopton- SVP1833 member at Durham Catholic Society which is in the Diocese of Hexham and Newcastle and his home Diocese is Westminster

Pope Leo XIV’s visit to Madrid brought millions together to celebrate their Catholic faith. Seven of us from the young adult community of the St Vincent de Paul Society (SVP1833) joined thirty other wonderful young adult Vincentians from across Europe.

A real highlight of the pilgrimage, was the meeting at the Society’s office in Madrid, led by none other than Juan Manuel Buergo Gómez, International President of the Society. We got to hear about the many different ways young adult SVP members, like us, our living out the Gospel in their daily lives. From visiting those in prison, leading Vinnie Camps for children to providing meals for families, it was a stark reminder that serving others as Jesus did is central to our faith.

We were lucky enough to participate in two papal events: the Youth Vigil, and the Corpus Christi Mass followed by the procession of the Blessed Sacrament. On reflection, there were so many takeaways, but I would like to share a few that stood out to me from the Holy Father.

Pope Leo entrusted us with a mission: to be human. To be people who seek justice, and who live honest and true lives. To be human as Jesus Christ was human. Among the final things he said at the Youth Vigil was this, “we can change society, and we can do it with love”. In a time of such division, that call to love as Jesus loves us is a profoundly inspiring one.

These few days in Madrid, celebrating the Society, the youth, the Pope and our faith, were truly remarkable. We loved exploring the beautiful city and discovering more of Spanish cuisine and culture – octopus included! On our final day, we visited San Sebastián church, where the first SVP Conference was founded in Spain in 1850, and celebrated Mass there. This was a very special moment indeed. Many thanks must go to the Society in Spain for their generous invitation, marvellous organisation and warm welcome. The experience was a testament to the truth that, despite differences of language, culture and background, we share far more than what sets us apart.

To find out more about SVP1833, visit their website here<<