Conclusion of the Ankawa Youth Meeting (AYM) 2026

  • July 11, 2026
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The Ankawa Youth Meeting (AYM) 2026 concluded on its third and final day, bringing to a close a journey of spiritual formation that accompanied the young participants throughout the gathering under the theme “School of the Apostles – Partners in Mission.” The day unfolded in an atmosphere of prayer, reflection, and ecclesial communion.

The programme began with formation sessions led by the meeting’s facilitators, who offered spiritual and pastoral reflections encouraging the young people to listen attentively to the voice of the Lord, deepen their Christian vocation, and translate their faith into a living witness and an active mission within the Church and society. Inspired by the example of the Apostles, participants were called to proclaim the Gospel with the power of the Holy Spirit.

The participants then visited monasteries, religious communities, and apostolic movements in Ankawa, where they learned about their spiritual charisms and apostolic missions while gaining a deeper appreciation of the diversity of vocations within the Church. Through dialogue with priests, religious men and women, and members of ecclesial movements, they heard personal testimonies of vocation and the joyful commitment to a life dedicated to the service of God and His people.

The day’s activities continued in a spirit of joy and fraternity through cultural and recreational competitions that strengthened the bonds of friendship and communion among the participants. This was followed by a reflective session on the Acts of the Apostles, during which the young people drew inspiration from the witness of the early Church and the steadfastness of the Apostles in proclaiming the Gospel, renewing their own commitment to be faithful witnesses of Christ in today’s world.

The gathering reached its culmination with the celebration of the Closing Holy Eucharist, presided over by His Beatitude Mar Paul III Nona, Patriarch of the Chaldean Church, together with His Grace Bishop Bashar Matti Warda, Archbishop of the Chaldean Catholic Archdiocese of Erbil, the Apostolic Nuncio to Iraq, numerous priests, and the participating youth. United in thanksgiving, all gave praise to God for the abundant graces received throughout the gathering and prayed that the Holy Spirit would strengthen them in their vocation and mission.

The celebration concluded with a moving candlelight procession, a powerful symbol of the light of the Risen Christ dispelling the darkness of the world. Carrying their candles, the young participants renewed their commitment to be a light and a sign of hope within their families, parishes, and communities, pledging to continue walking with Christ, living according to the Gospel, and bearing witness to His love and peace.

Thus, the curtain fell on the Ankawa Youth Meeting (AYM) 2026, following several days marked by prayer, the celebration of the sacred mysteries, spiritual formation, reflection, and Christian fellowship. The gathering leaves its participants with a profound spiritual experience and a renewed commitment to continue the Church’s mission by walking together in the School of the Apostles as missionary disciples and faithful witnesses to Christ wherever they may be.