Diocese launches Jubilee youth project to bridge culture gaps

The Diocese of Metuchen launched a project for Hispanic youth, and Claretian Father Gilles Njobam said it was no coincidence that the project – part of the 2025 Jubilee of Hope – began on the feast of St. John Bosco.

Father Njobam, pastor of Our Lady of Fatima Parish, Perth Amboy, said St. John Bosco not only focused on evangelizing, but also on understanding young people, their concerns, and what brought them joy.

The saint knew that evangelization was not only about passing on knowledge but about accompanying young people through their struggles, addressing their concerns, and celebrating what makes them happy, Father Njobam said at the bilingual Mass Jan. 31, feast of the 19th-century Italian priest, educator and writer. He said the launch of the project was a pivotal moment to reflect on the future of diocesan youth and their vital role in creating a more hopeful world.

Father Njobam said St. John Bosco became a true mentor, guiding young people to discover their purpose in life with love and patience. His model of accompaniment is still relevant today, especially in light of the 2025 Jubilee Year, when Pope Francis invites Catholics to be “pilgrims of hope,” disciples and messengers of hope, the priest added.

“You are the first step toward transformation and growth in the highest good,” said Father Njobam, who added that young people – both in families and society – are the future and a source of hope. “There is hope, because we have young people growing in faith! Look to God, Jesus is our hope!”

Father Ronal Vega Pastrana, parochial vicar at Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Bernardsville, and assistant coordinator of Hispanic lay formation in the diocesan Office of Hispanic Evangelization and Pastoral Ministry, said the pilot project focuses on “the initiation of multiculturalism,” especially the biculturalism between Hispanics and non-Hispanic Americans. He said the initiative will be introduced in each parish across the diocese, because young people born between two cultures face challenges with identity, social pressure, and cultural integration.

Speaking during the opening Mass, Father Vega Pastrana said the Eucharist is where Catholics unite as one body, embracing diversity. This diocesan project seeks to contribute to the unity born of God, offered to all, starting with young people, he said: It provides them with a path of faith, hope, and accompaniment, especially at the crossroads of two cultures, languages, and perspectives – all leading to God.

The parish youth group’s choir, formed over 14 years ago, sang during the Mass. Afterward, Deacon José Díaz, who has coordinated the youth group and retreats for over a decade, led the gathering, supported by a team of parents and youth leaders. That evening, the young people participated in prayer, singing, praise, formation, and fellowship – a weekly tradition at the parish.

Ashley Alba, 14, and Esmeralda Reyes. 17, said they were invited to join the youth group during their confirmation preparation. Brayan Romero and Edwin Bautista, both 14, attended this year’s youth retreat after their confirmation preparation. They all agreed that the moments of prayer, formation, and fellowship help them navigate being teenagers in a complex world, while strengthening their faith alongside others who share a desire to grow spiritually.