Maryland pilgrims bring energy and joy to NCYC 2025

Cheers erupted from the Maryland delegation at the National Catholic Youth Conference (NCYC) Nov. 21 in Indianapolis when Mia Smothers of St. Francis de Sales in Abingdon stepped up to ask the first question during a historic livestream with Pope Leo XIV.

Marylanders “hooted and hollered,” said Clarice Bialek, 15, a parishioner of St. Michael the Archangel in Overlea.

“We were so very proud of her,” said Clarice, one of 73 people from the Archdiocese of Baltimore attending NCYC. “We were happy.”

The excitement extended back home. At a watch party at Mercy High School in Baltimore, where Mia is a freshman, the entire school community and her family shook red pompoms as they awaited her moment with the pope.

“She is a role model for all of us,” Mercy Principal Jeanne Blakeslee told the crowd. “It is a historical moment.”

Archdiocese of Baltimore Chancellor of Catholic Education Gregory Farno later said he “felt an overwhelming sense of pride.”

“It is a banner day for youth,” Farno said.

Special moments

Mia’s exchange with the pope unfolded during a first-ever livestream conversation with NCYC participants. For almost an hour Pope Leo answered questions from five teenagers representing different regions of the United States. 

Father Chuck Wible, pastor of St. Peter the Apostle in Libertytown and a longtime NCYC attendee, said all five were “knee-shaking nervous” though they hid it well.
“He is so good,” Father Wible said of Pope Leo. “You could see he absolutely loved seeing the young people. This was important to him.”

NCYC itself offered many memorable moments. Youths from Baltimore joined thousands of their peers Nov. 20-23 for talks, prayer and fellowship. Society of Our Lady of the Most Holy Trinity Sister Miriam James Heidland delivered a “very powerful talk,” Mia later said, prompting her to reflect on forgiveness and growth.

Another moment came at the Indianapolis airport Nov. 23. “One of my parish youth leaders had everyone sing ‘Happy Birthday’ to me,” said Mia, who turned 15 that day. “It was really special and a great way to start off my 15th year.”

Participants described singing and chanting “God is good” through the streets, participating in eucharistic adoration and seeing 16,000 teens fall into silence before the Blessed Sacrament.

“It was a really great way to connect with other people who share the same beliefs as you,” Clarice said. “It is hard as a teenager to express your beliefs. There is a fear of people judging you. Being with all the same people was really beautiful.”

Confession was especially powerful for many.

“I was able to let it all go,” Clarice said. She completed her penance during adoration and then venerated saints’ relics. “I cried.”

Luisa Martinez, 18, also from St. Michael the Archangel, cried during adoration as well.

“It was so silent. I felt closer to God and gratitude,” she said. “Another girl was crying, and I was too, and I held her hand. She needed that and so did I.”

Some found direction in new experiences. Jesse Freiland, a parishioner of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton in Crofton, shadowed the audio and production team for eight hours on the last day.

“It offered Jesse a wonderful opportunity to receive guidance in discerning how God may be calling him to use his gifts,” said his father, John Freiland.

Hat-trading added a lighthearted touch. Maryland’s hat featured the state flag, while other dioceses showcased turkeys, flashing lights, flying pigs, ducks and bowls of ramen.

“It was a great way to meet other people from different places,” Clarice said. “We all got rid of ours pretty quick.”

“One of the kids from our mini group walked up to a chef and asked to trade hats and the chef did,” Mia said. “Everyone left with a different hat. My friend had a corn hat.”

Luisa said teens also traded clips with sayings like ‘Jesus loves you’ and ‘Be kind’ along with bracelets and mini-Jesus figures. The camaraderie continued as they walked back to their hotels, singing the entire way.

“They’re singing, they’re chanting,” Father Wible said. “Kids were giving their leftover food to the homeless and praying for them.”

Luisa said the “vibes” were “just great.”

“People were so kind,” she said. “I allowed myself to be open to the experience and take it in. It really worked. I felt the presence of the Holy Spirit.”

Anticipation built for Mia’s encounter with Pope Leo. In a Nov. 24 interview she said she was grateful for the preparation others provided.

“I didn’t feel as nervous as I thought I would be,” she said. “The pope was able to make a joke. It was really funny. I didn’t think he would do that.”

A pope’s humor – and a message of mercy

Before answering her question about how he accepted God’s mercy when he made mistakes, Pope Leo – the world’s most well-known Chicago White Sox fan – joked that he only wore white socks and used a different Wordle starter each day. He then told Mia her question was “an important one, because all of us struggle with this at times,” reassuring her that no one is perfect.

“Sin never has the final word,” Pope Leo said during the livestream. “Whenever we ask for God’s mercy, he forgives us.”

His answer moved her.

“It was very satisfying,” Mia said. “He stressed that God is always there to help us.”

Emily Ledford, 15, a parishioner of St. Michael in Overlea, was moved by seeing others celebrating her shared faith.

“Such an eye-opening experience,” she said in an email. “I’m not alone in this journey with my faith and there are thousands of other kids who are willing to take that leap of faith.”

On the final day of NCYC, Tim Janiszewski, pastoral associate and youth minister at Our Lady of the Chesapeake in Lake Shore, received a 2025 National Youth Ministry award for his impact on young people.

Email Katie V. Jones at kjones@CatholicReview.org

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