Ankawa Hosts the Opening of “Ankawa Youth Meeting 2025” Under the Theme:“I Will Give You Shepherds After My Own Heart”

Under the patronage of His Excellency Archbishop Bashar Matti Warda, Chaldean Archbishop of Erbil, Ankawa Youth Meeting – AYM 2025 officially commenced on the evening of Wednesday, July 9, 2025, at the Church of Saints Peter and Paul in
Ankawa. This year’s theme, “I will give you shepherds after my own heart” (Jeremiah 3:15), sets the tone for a journey of vocational discovery and spiritual renewal. AYM is one of the most prominent pastoral initiatives embraced by the Chaldean Archdiocese of Erbil, bringing together hundreds of youth from various dioceses and churches across Iraq. Since its inaugural meeting in 2013, AYM has been walking alongside the young Church, nurturing discernment, faith, and authentic Christian
commitment.

Early Pastoral Preparation and Personalized Accompaniment
This year’s meeting stood out for its formation phase that began in April. A group of 38 spiritual guides accompanied their youth groups through regular meetings filled with dialogue, prayer, and reflections on faith, identity, and vocation. This phase reflected the Church’s dedication to deep listening and accompaniment — preparing participants to live these days as a true time of grace and discernment.

Prayer of the “Pilgrims of Hope” and a Spirit-Filled Opening
The event opened with a communal prayer titled “Lord, Make Us Pilgrims of Hope,” inspired by Pope Francis’ message for the World Day of Prayer for Vocations. In a moving moment of silent adoration before the Blessed Sacrament, hearts burned with longing for meaning and for an encounter with the face of Christ in the midst of the world.

In his opening remarks, Archbishop Warda warmly welcomed the youth, affirming that the Church remains alive as long as her youth are alive with hope and faith. “The Church is not a silent institution,” he said, “but a missionary communion. You are its beating heart and ever-renewed mission. Your calling is not limited to the priesthood or consecrated life, but extends to every path where life is built on love, service, and witness.”


He added: “When we hear the Lord’s promise, ‘I will give you shepherds after my own heart,’ we need not look only to heaven — we must also listen to our hearts. Perhaps we are the shepherds He has chosen for His Church.”

Music as Prayer: A Spiritual Symphony
Fr. Nashwan Kossa, a priest of the Archdiocese and musician, offered a contemplative performance blending spirituality and art. His musical reflection on Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony became a hymn of vocation — a journey into divine beauty that draws the heart to God. The evening concluded with a Eucharistic blessing given by Archbishop Warda.

An Evening of Hope with Fr. Roy Abdallah
The opening day continued with a fraternal Agape dinner at the Church’s Catechetical Center, filled with songs, joy, and shared moments. A short documentary showcasing testimonies from previous AYM editions was also presented — a reminder to keep memory alive and hope burning in every heart. The evening featured a dialogue with Fr. Roy Abdallah from the Maronite Marian
Order in Lebanon, who joined the gathering as a spiritual guide. In a heartfelt exchange with the youth, he addressed fundamental questions about vocation, discernment, and the importance of spiritual accompaniment.
 “God does not ask for perfection — He asks for listening,” Fr. Roy affirmed. “Vocation is not a privilege, but a response to love that reaches out to us. It begins with the cry of a heart searching for meaning.”
 He also shared his personal vocation story in which youth encountered the God who speaks through the simple events of daily life.

Days Ahead: Filled with Grace
The AYM 2025 program will continue over the next two days with daily morning Mass, spiritual workshops, prayer vigils, and opportunities for individual confession — all under the guidance of priests and consecrated men and women. These days are intended as a time of spiritual renewal and a shared path toward deeper understanding of the Christian vocation. More than just a spiritual-pastoral event, Ankawa Youth Meeting is a journey of the heart and a life-giving mission — one through which the Church seeks to illuminate the world through its youth.