By Monina Mulleague
Photos by Fran Ruchalski
More than 50 young adults from across the Diocese of St. Augustine gathered on June 28 at San Juan del Rio Catholic Church in St. Johns for a grace-filled day of faith, fellowship and renewal during the Jubilee of Hope for Young Adults.
Coordinated by Chris Mueller of Holy Family Parish and Monina Mulleague of San Juan del Rio Parish, the event invited young adults to embrace the Jubilee Year 2025, a Holy Year of Hope proclaimed by Pope Francis. In his message announcing the Jubilee, the Holy Father encouraged the faithful to be “pilgrims of hope,” seeking personal and communal renewal in Christ. The Jubilee of Hope for Young Adults echoed that invitation.
The day began with a prayerful welcome led by Sister of St. Louis Rosaline Ashinaah James, who called upon the Holy Spirit to be present in the hearts of all. Joseph West, diocesan director of evangelization, offered a keynote reflection on the meaning of the Jubilee and the deep need for Christian hope in today’s world. Attendees then enjoyed a shared meal, generously provided by the Mabuhay Filipino Ministry of San Juan del Rio.
Marlys Adjevi, a licensed mental health counselor based in Jacksonville, followed with a personal witness, sharing how Christ meets us in our ordinary lives and reminding participants of the importance of pausing, resting and anchoring their hope in him. Small-group discussions, facilitated by diocesan seminarians and the San Juan del Rio Youth Ministry Core Team, offered space for reflection and spiritual connection.
A contemplative period followed, using the Varanasi Letter of St. Teresa of Calcutta to guide participants into silence and personal prayer. The letter’s focus on interior stillness and being fully present to Jesus offered a moment of deep spiritual encounter.
Throughout the day, many young adults shared how difficult it can be to live out their faith in a culture that often devalues religious belief, questions Church teachings or offers little space for honest spiritual searching. Conversations touched on loneliness, mental health, navigating identity and finding purpose in a noisy world. Yet, through the witness of peers, the guidance of mentors, and the presence of the sacraments, participants rediscovered a sense of belonging in the Church and a renewed hope rooted in Christ.
The day concluded with the sacrament of reconciliation and the celebration of Mass, where Father Peter Akin-Otiko, J.C.L., J.V., pastor of San Juan del Rio Parish, offered a special blessing for the young adults, commissioning them to go forth as “pilgrims of hope.”
The Diocese of St. Augustine offers its heartfelt thanks to all who helped make the Jubilee of Hope for Young Adults a meaningful experience. Please continue to pray for our young adults as they journey in faith and serve as beacons of Christ’s hope in the world.
Monina Mulleague is the director of Youth & Young Adult Ministry at San Juan del Rio Parish, St. Johns and Chris Mueller, leads the Adult Discipleship Ministry for Holy Family Parish, Jacksonville.
