Message from Archbishop Christian Lépine of Montreal

Dear Young People,

It is with joy and hope that I invite you to join this year’s diocesan celebration of World Youth Day (WYD), taking place November 15–23, 2025, right here in Montreal.

This year, Pope Leo XIV invites us to reflect on the inspiring theme from the Gospel of John:
“You also will bear witness, because you are with me” — John 15:27. These words remind us that Jesus calls us His friends—and it is from this friendship that our witness to Him flows.

We are living in a Jubilee Year, a special year of grace where each of us is called to be a pilgrim of hope and a courageous witness of Christ. I encourage you to read the Pope’s full message, where you will find words of comfort and guidance for your journey.

Come celebrate with us!

During this week of festivities, several events are planned for you:

November 15 – TEEN Festival (9:30 AM–5:00 PM)
At Saint-Sauveur Melkite Cathedral, for youth aged 13–17. Come experience a day of prayer, joy, and fellowship.

November 21 – VIVA!

• 6:00–8:00 PM: Reunion
  Join us in the parish hall of the Cathedral (1110 Mansfield Street) for a shared Korean meal, as we prepare together for WYD Seoul 2027.
• 8:00 PM: Christ the King Vigil
  At Mary, Queen of the World Cathedral. A special evening of prayer, adoration, and witness. We will bless and send forth all those preparing for WYD Seoul, as well as catechists, those essential companions in our faith journey.

November 23 – Solemnity of Christ the King
Celebrate Mass in your local parish. A wonderful opportunity to strengthen the bonds within your communities.

For full details: https://missionjeunessemtl.org/en/wyd-montreal/

You are invited – we’re waiting for you!
Come as you are—with your questions, doubts, and longing for meaning and truth. Come meet other young people on the same journey. Come experience that you are not alone, that you are infinitely loved, and that your life has deep meaning.
The world needs authentic witnesses like you—youth who dare to live differently, who choose love over indifference, truth over lies, hope over cynicism.

You have a place in the Church. You belong. You are important.
Come discover—or rediscover—the friendship of Christ. You will find not only a living community, but also a Christ who awaits you to fill you with joy and hope. Together, let us be His witnesses in our city and in our world.

Don’t go alone!
Invite your friends! Reach out to those who may never have attended an event like this. I assure you, this experience can be life-changing.

I pray for each one of you and look forward to meeting you during these moments of grace. May the Lord bless you and guide you on your journey of faith.

Jesus loves you!

✠ Christian Lépine
Archbishop of Montreal

Download the Archbishop's message (PDF)