To celebrate World Youth Day, called by His Holiness Pope Francis on November 24, 2024, under the theme: “Those Who Hope in the Lord Will Walk and Not Grow Weary”, APECL Jeune organized a celebratory gathering for youth.
The event brought together 700 young men and women from various Catholic dioceses across Lebanon, including 80 participants from the Chaldean Church. It was held on Sunday, November 24, 2024, at the Monastery of the Saviour—Kreim, Ghosta.
The gathering began with a welcome and introduction delivered by the committee coordinator, Roy Jreich. This was followed by a spiritual talk on Christian hope, given by Jesuit Father Dani Younes.
Later, the General Chaplain, Father Charbel Daccache, celebrated the Holy Mass, praising the youth for their participation and steadfastness in hope. The mass was led musically by the Gioventù choir under the direction of Tony Beylouni.
Afterward, the youth split into discussion groups to share their experiences of living with hope amidst challenges and difficulties.
The participants then gathered for lunch, followed by a session summarizing the insights and recommendations from the group discussions.
The youth also listened to testimony from Milad Kayal, the youth leader of Caritas in the Tyre region, who shared his journey of hope after being displaced from his home with his family. Following this, the talented young comedian Yorgo Kmeid presented a stand-up comedy performance.
The committee then launched the “Pilgrims of Hope” project, which will involve a pilgrimage to Rome for the Youth Jubilee celebrations from July 28 to August 3, 2025.
The event concluded with hymns, praise songs, and expressive dance by the House of Divine Providence, and commemorative gifts were distributed to all participants.
العربية