Sixteen thousand young Catholics filled the Indiana Convention Center and Lucas Oil Stadium with prayer, music, and energy as Pope Leo XIV joined them by livestream, urging young people to live their faith with courage in an increasingly secular world.
For Marian University student Kenlee Martin, the moment landed with impact.
“Hearing the Pope speak today…it just puts everything in a new perspective,” Martin said.
Marian University, the nation’s only Franciscan research university, was there to accompany and encourage the next generation of Catholic leaders. Throughout the National Catholic Youth Conference, Marian students, staff, and Father Rick Martignetti led breakout sessions designed to help young people explore their gifts and deepen their relationship with Christ.
At Marian’s booth, hundreds of teens stopped by to connect with current students, many of whom are part of the San Damiano Scholars Program, a faith-driven community inspired by the mission of Saint Francis of Assisi. Emcee Lucy Caltrider said the enthusiasm was unmistakable.
“They’re hungry for the Lord. The youth are the future of the Church.” — Lucy Caltrider
One of the booth’s most popular activities invited students to write messages of hope and prayer on building blocks, a symbolic effort to “rebuild the Church,” inspired by the call Saint Francis received centuries ago.
San Damiano Scholar Morgan Swick explained the meaning behind the project.
“We’re having people write on these blocks, and we’re rebuilding the Church here at NCYC,” Swick said.
As the conference came to a close, Adam Setmeyer, Director of the Franciscan Leadership Institute, reflected on Marian’s role in supporting young people on their faith journeys.
“It’s a profound moment of hope, seeing the Holy Spirit working in these young people,” Setmeyer said.
Through the San Damiano Scholars Program, the Missionary Disciples Institute, and a range of Franciscan leadership initiatives, Marian University walks alongside students as they grow into thoughtful, faith-filled leaders who will serve their parishes, strengthen their communities, and help build the Church of today and tomorrow.