A Church… free, open, welcoming, inclusive, simple, poor, uncomplicated, closer, up-to-date, innovative, comprehensive, authentic, apolitical, humble, respectful, joyful… Behind the generic name of Church there are actually many different experiences and young people distinguish one from another: the Church is their own parish, their own group, their own association, their own priest, their own ecclesial…

Three young Comboni Missionaries from different countries speak about their vocation and missionary experience. My name is Lwanga Kakule Silusawa a Comboni missionary brother working in our missionary magazine Afriquespoir in Kinshasa, DR Congo. I was born in Butembo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, in a Catholic family.  In 2009, I joined the postulancy in…

More than one and a half million young people, the highest number ever, flew to Lisbon and filled its narrow and cobbled streets with its numerous climbs, on the occasion of the World Youth Day 2023. An unexpected encounter. The cry of pain of thousands of young Ukrainians. But evil will never have the last…

In Lisbon, during WYD23, Pope Francis indicated seven important steps that enable the youth to continue their journey. Step 1: Called by name This is how the Pope began his message at the welcoming celebration: “Called because we are loved [by] Him who calls us every day to embrace and encourage; to make each of…

Three young missionaries share with us their experience. My name is Father Clement Kazaku Bosh Bebe.  After ten years in South Africa, I returned to the land of my ancestors – the Democratic Republic of the Congo, to continue being a missionary among my people. I thought everything would be easier and there wouldn’t be…

World Youth Days have changed the lives of many young people. Some experiences. “My name is Barbara, but here in Poland, they call me Basha. I am 21 years old and I live in Krakow. The WYD pilgrimage to Panama in 2019 changed my life forever. My life before Panama was bad…really! In fact, I…

Pope Francis has sent a video message to young people registered for World Youth Day in Lisbon, Portugal, on 1-6 August, and urges them to prepare themselves to encounter others and grow in hope. In his video message, the Pope praised the excitement the young Catholics must feel as they prepare to travel. “I can…

The official anthem of World Youth Day is entitled “There’s a Rush in the Air!”. We talk about it with Father João Paulo Vaz, author of the texts. There is an official anthem at every World Youth Day (WYD). It is a song that marks every meeting of young people from all over the world…

Three young Comboni missionaries share their vocation and pastoral journeys My name is Alberto Parise, a Comboni Brother from Italy.  I first came to Africa as a student of architecture.  I had the chance to visit some missions in Tanzania and it was a life changer. The hospitality of the Christian communities, and the humanity…