By Madalaine Elhabbal
Washington D.C., Jan 7, 2025 / 12:00 pm
Witnessing the end of an inspiring journey, some 3,500 young Catholics bid farewell to newfound friends at SEEK25 in Washington, D.C. The Fellowship of Catholic University Students (FOCUS) conference concluded on a high note, leaving spirits uplifted and hearts full of joy.
Exiting the Washington Hilton in downtown Washington, D.C., after the final Mass, 3,500 young Catholics, priests, and religious were filled with gratitude and hope.
Bishop Nelson Jesus Pérez of Philadelphia delivered a powerful homily during the concluding liturgy, reminding the attendees: “Never, never, never underestimate the power of the spirit of God working in you, through you, and despite you.”
Reflecting on the event, 40 Days for Life founder David Bereit shared his thoughts with CNA, stating, “It is such an incredible blessing to have seen SEEK, both in Salt Lake City as well as here in Washington, D.C., to see, combined, more than 21,000 on fire Catholics. It provides enormous hope for the current state of the Church as well as for the future of the Church,” the pro-life advocate and recent Catholic convert said.
Immerse yourself in the powerful words of young people who attended SEEK, a conference that left hearts on fire for Our Lord.
“To hear so many great speakers, to meet so many young people who are falling deeper in love with Our Lord, and to see them making commitments to go out and set the world on fire,” expressed one attendee with passion.
Another participant shared, “I have great hope for where the Church is going, and it makes me so proud to be a Catholic.”
Discovering Joy and Revelation at SEEK
A student from Mercy University, Gina Capello, 20, shared her experience at SEEK, saying, “I have been struck by seeing so many people come together with such joy, especially during adoration — just looking around and seeing people reach out to Jesus, all wanting the same thing.”
“We all want God,” she added, emphasizing the unity and love present at the conference.
Reflecting on her time at SEEK25, Katerina Carducci, a recent graduate of Clemson University, shared her moment of revelation. Carducci, who uses a wheelchair due to a nerve pain disorder, experienced a flare-up during the conference, questioning its timing.
However, during Eucharistic adoration, Carducci felt a profound connection with God. She expressed, “God opened my eyes to show me that it’s like, not only is this pain the pain that Jesus feels, but it’s also how Jesus feels when we don’t turn to him.”
Carducci continued, “As someone in a wheelchair, a lot of the time, it’s like I’m invisible almost,” highlighting the deep spiritual insights she gained during the conference.
