West African youth seek unity for peace and hope

These gatherings are convened by CERAO, the Regional Episcopal Conference of West Africa, in response to the desire expressed by the young people themselves.

This year’s event is being held under the theme: “Take Courage” (John 16:33): Catholic Youth, Agents of Peace and Hope in West Africa.

The programme features a variety of activities, including spiritual celebrations, cultural events, and training sessions shared with bishops and experts throughout the five-day event.

The youth festival aims to strengthen the faith and unity of young people across this West African sub-region, which faces significant challenges related to insecurity, extremism, and regional integration.

Father Avelino Chico, who has travelled from Rome, will present the young people with a video message from Sister Alessandra Smerilli, the new Prefect of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, and Cardinal Michael Czerny, Prefect Emeritus.

Father Chico is accompanied by Mario Almeida and Beatrice Binaghi, members of the Dicastery, as well as Father Mattia Ferrari, coordinator of the EMMP (World Meeting of Popular Movements).

This major event is attended by young people from the parishes of Comboni communities in the Togo-Ghana-Benin Province, together with a strong representation of Comboni Missionaries, headed by Father Fidèle Katsan, Provincial Superior, and a representative of the Afriquespoir Centre in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Fr. Canisius Metin, MCCJ