Voices from the Jubilee of Youth 2025: The Experience of Jubilee Volunteers
Wearing their green vests, they’ve been visible at all the key locations of this Jubilee: around 4,000 young people have chosen, since the start of the Holy Year, to offer their time to welcome pilgrims arriving in Rome. Among them is Eleonora Cervai, 27, who came from Sardinia, driven by a desire to serve others. We met her at the Fiera di Roma, one of the main reception hubs for the event, which is expected to host around 22,000 people from all over the world during the Youth Jubilee. A true city within a city, where the Civil Protection Department has worked to ensure a smooth and welcoming stay for everyone.
Share something about yourself and explain why you chose to volunteer for the Jubilee.
My journey began with the scouts, an experience that taught me the value of service and care for others from a young age. When I learned about the opportunity to volunteer for the Jubilee, I immediately felt compelled to be there. It was a precious opportunity to continue this journey, to keep giving time and energy to something greater. What moves me the most is seeing how, sometimes, it takes so little to make someone feel welcomed: a smile, a hug, a small gesture. I always try to be there and make myself available for those in need, even in the simplest gestures.
What is your role during the event?
During the Jubilee of Youth, I am managing one of the pavilions at the Fiera di Roma. Our team consists of about 20 volunteers, and we organize ourselves into 6-hour shifts to ensure that the pavilion is staffed 24 hours a day. We even have night shifts from midnight to 6 a.m. because there may always be someone in need of assistance. We are there precisely for this, to ensure continuous welcome and support for the pilgrims.
Did any particular episode resonate with you recently? Something exciting or funny?
Just this morning, we experienced a scene that made us smile. While having breakfast and still a bit sleepy—it's hard to focus before having coffee—a volunteer walked by with a Bluetooth speaker in his pocket. He looked exhausted, but the music blared from the small speaker at full volume, and soon the entire pavilion was dancing. As he made his way through the crowd, surrounded by music, he maintained a serious and tired demeanour while a spontaneous party erupted around him. It was wonderful to witness such a moment, helping to lift our spirits and share the joy of being together.
One last question. Do you think you will continue to volunteer after this experience?
I have previously volunteered at various jubilee events and plan to continue doing so throughout 2025. Because of my field experience, I was assigned to the Fiera di Roma for this Youth event. Volunteering is a fundamental part of who I am. Being able to help others is something I feel deeply passionate about, and I intend to keep pursuing this even after the jubilee year.