Second Day of the Ankawa Youth Gathering 2026: A Journey in the School of the Apostles, Nourished by the Eucharist and Bearing Witness to Christ

The activities of the Ankawa Youth Gathering 2026 continued on their second day under the theme “School of the Apostles – Partners in Mission,” in an atmosphere deeply marked by prayer. The participants experienced a spiritually enriching day that brought together the celebration of the sacred mysteries, reflection on the Word of God, apostolic formation, and the joy of Christian fellowship.

The day began with the celebration of the Holy Eucharist, presided over by His Grace Bishop Bashar Matti Warda, Archbishop of the Chaldean Catholic Archdiocese of Erbil. The homily was delivered by the Apostolic Nuncio to Iraq, who encouraged the young people to listen to the Word of God with open hearts, to respond generously to the work of the Holy Spirit, and to remain steadfast in the mission of the Church, so that they might become faithful witnesses to Christ in today’s world.

Following the Eucharistic celebration, the participants gathered for the first spiritual formation session, which provided an opportunity to reflect on the purpose and spiritual focus of the gathering. The session invited the young people to discover their personal vocation within the Church and to walk in the School of the Apostles with the spirit of discipleship and mission, each becoming a bearer of the Gospel in his or her own community.

The programme then continued with a series of formation sessions centred on the Acts of the Apostles, through which participants reflected on the experience of the early Church and the work of the Holy Spirit in the lives of the Apostles. Drawing inspiration from their witness, the young people explored the enduring values of hope, perseverance, and faithful testimony—virtues that the Church continues to call her children to embody today.

In a spirit of prayer and trust in God’s mercy, the participants gathered to pray the Chaplet of Divine Mercy, offering their intentions for the Church, for Iraq, and for peace throughout the world. The programme also included moments of joyful fellowship through cultural and recreational activities held in the courtyard of the Christian Education Centre, fostering an atmosphere of enthusiasm, participation, and fraternity.

The day concluded with a profound spiritual celebration during a Holy Hour of Eucharistic Adoration before the Blessed Sacrament, attended by His Beatitude Mar Paul III Nona, Patriarch of the Chaldean Church in Iraq and throughout the world. United in silent prayer before Christ truly present in the Eucharist, the participants entrusted their intentions to the Lord in an atmosphere of reverence and contemplation. During the adoration, the young people were also offered the opportunity to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation through individual confessions, accompanied by the sacred hymns of the Choir of the Church of the Apostles, allowing them to experience the abundance of God’s mercy and the joy of returning to His loving embrace.

Thus, the second day of the Ankawa Youth Gathering came to a close with the participants strengthened in faith, enriched in ecclesial communion, and renewed in their missionary calling. They continue their journey in the School of the Apostles, rooted in the life of prayer and the sacraments, and empowered by the Holy Spirit to carry the light of Christ and the hope of the Gospel to the world.