We are pleased to contribute to meaningful experiences that bring young people together through community, travel, and personal growth. We are sharing highlights from “Barefoot Around the World,” a Franciscan youth pilgrimage across Lithuania.

Text written by Kristina Dapkutė:

From July 29 to August 2, 2026, young people from Vilnius, Kaunas, Panevėžys, Telšiai, Jonava, Senieji Trakai, Lazdijai, and Rumšiškės came together for the traveling camp “Barefoot Around the World.” As Pope Leo XIV proclaimed 2026 a special year dedicated to Saint Francis, this year’s camp was based on the Franciscan principle of “Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation” (JPIC), rooted in the spiritual legacy of the “Poor Man of Assisi” and his call to live in fraternity with every person and with all of creation.

During the camp, participants traveled by foot and by train along the route Vilnius–Šiauliai–Hill of Crosses–Kūlupėnai–Kretinga.

‘What impressed me most was the unique nature of this pilgrimage camp – the combination of traveling on foot and by train. I felt a special sense of community among the participants, and I was inspired by the strong faith in God. Prayer, testimonies, and sharing our experiences helped us build and strengthen our relationship with God and move closer to discerning our vocation,’ shared camp participant Austėja Čepaitytė.

‘For me, it was like a retreat – a partial transformation of the heart. It all began when I arrived in Vilnius, just before the camp. Before registering, I already knew it would be a good experience. What left the greatest impression on me personally was the final day of the indulgence celebration. I finally understood that I do not need to worry too much about earthly things – God will take care of them. I simply need to seek the Kingdom of God,’ shared another camp participant, Remigijus Visakavičius.

‘What impressed me most during the pilgrimage was experiencing God’s presence in every person I encountered and along every road I walked, while witnessing the incredible beauty of His creation. I felt how God renewed my spirit each day through various graces, strengthened me through the power of community, and kept me from becoming weary, physically or otherwise. Thanks to this camp, I have come to appreciate even more the contribution of the saints to the story of my life, and I have gained a renewed perspective on God, those around me, and the world,’ shared another camp participant, Rūta Širmulytė.

Through the Barefoot Around the World traveling camp, the young participants experienced the importance of inner freedom, community, and empathy. They had the opportunity to develop spiritual resilience and critical thinking while seeking answers to important questions about faith, their life paths, and their vocations. Experiencing the pilgrimage together and receiving the grace of the indulgence celebration inspired the young people to continue seeking God’s presence in their everyday lives.

Photo credits: Ramvydas Romankevičius, Sonata Totulytė, and Modestas Lapaitis