Bishop of Palencia launches international youth pilgrimage project

Monsignor Mikel Garciandía Goñi, the Bishop of Palencia, has introduced ‘Journey to Redemption’ (J2R2033), an international ecclesiastical itinerary designed for youth. Supported by the Pope, the project aims to provide spiritual guidance leading toward the Great Jubilee of Redemption in 2033. The initiative features three major spiritual milestones: Rome in 2025, Santiago de Compostela in 2027, and Jerusalem in 2033.

The project is supported by the J2R Foundation, which will establish the ‘Inquietum’ World Institute for Youth Observation to conduct sociological and spiritual research on younger generations. The program follows a pedagogical model based on the Emmaus narrative, focusing on listening to youth concerns, providing guidance for healing, and sending them out as missionaries.

In recognition of his pastoral work and his promotion of various pilgrimage routes and international youth projects, Bishop Garciandía will be named ‘Pilgrim of Honor’ during the 2026 Pilgrim Day celebrations in Guardo. This event highlights the town's role in the ‘Forgotten Way’ to Compostela and includes representatives from the Archdioceses of Oviedo and Santiago de Compostela.