West Africa Youth Days: A personal experience

The days I spent in Accra for the 2026 West Africa Youth Meeting will stay with me for a long time. I took part with a particular joy: that of being among young people my own age, and also of being there as a missionary, pastor and chaplain walking with the youth in one of the parishes entrusted to my community. I felt close to them, as one of their own, and at the same time called to accompany and serve them.

An ocean of youth

It was the first time in my life that I had seen more than 3,000 young people gathered together, supported by many priests, religious sisters and brothers, and bishops from over 14 countries across West Africa.

At first, standing before that immense crowd, I was simply amazed. So many languages, faces and cultures, and yet one faith! Looking at this gathered youth, I found myself asking: what could we achieve if this energy, joy and fellowship kept living on beyond these few days?

One simple moment stays with me: the small-group conversations. Seated with young people from different backgrounds, we began by getting to know one another, sometimes struggling with language. Very quickly, the barriers came down. Laughter, introductions and small exchanges created an unexpected closeness.

This memory touched me deeply. It reminded me that fellowship often begins with something very simple: taking the time to meet the other person.

From September 7 to 11, joy remained present throughout, despite the accommodation difficulties of the first days. The catechesis sessions, held in small groups according to language, enriched me greatly.

The discussions on peace and hope in West Africa, climate justice and the challenges of artificial intelligence gave me a new way of looking at the concerns and expectations of this generation.

I also had the privilege of serving as deacon at the opening and closing liturgies. It renewed my joy and gratitude toward the Author of my vocation, who calls me to serve at his altar and among the young.

Take courage

The West Africa Youth Days were celebrated under the theme “Take courage: Catholic Youth as actors and agents of peace an hope in West Africa”. In one of the Eucharists we read: “In the world you will have tribulation. But take courage; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).

These words remain deeply engraved in my mind as I leave Accra. I need this courage too, to face the challenges of my young missionary and religious life, especially in my commitment to young people. The courage Jesus speaks of is not the absence of difficulties, but trust in the One who has already overcome the world.

I am not leaving with just the memory of a great gathering. I leave with faces, encounters, words, laughter and a renewed hope.

My wish is that the fruits of these days will multiply and that the relationships formed will grow stronger. May the friendships woven among these young people go beyond this meeting and become paths of fellowship, collaboration and witness for the youth of our West Africa.

Deacon Sylvestre Kossigan Davon, MCCJ