“You also will bear witness, because you are with me” (Jn 15:27).
 

This theme, chosen for World Youth Day 2025, illuminates the WYD MTL 2025 Cross, a renewed symbol of mission, hope, and fidelity to Christ's call.

Once again this year, the cross will be offered and distributed to young people during the Teen Festival and at the Christ the King Vigil, marking their commitment to the path of faith. Inspired by the international WYD cross, it unites the youth of the diocese with the universal Church and encourages them to live as living witnesses of Christ.

A 2025 Design Focused on Witness and Mission

This year's cross is once again the work of Michelle Beli-en David, a young artist involved in St. Kevin's Parish. Inspired by the 2025 theme and the message of Pope Leo XIV, she offers a deeply symbolic design rooted in the Gospel.

Her logo highlights two symbols:

• A group of fish facing the cross

This choice refers to Jesus' call: “I will make you fishers of men” (Mt 4:19). The fish represent mission: like the first disciples, we are sent to share the Gospel and lead others to faith.

Michelle explains:

“The group of fish symbolizes our vocation as witnesses: to follow Jesus, draw others to Him, and live in deep friendship with Christ. The disciples were the first witnesses—and we are called to do the same.”

• A dove representing the Holy Spirit

The dove reminds us that it is the Holy Spirit who enables us to be courageous witnesses and peacemakers.

“The Holy Spirit guides us in our mission, strengthens us, and sends us forth as witnesses of Christ in the world,” adds Michelle.

The cross, at the center of the logo, embodies our personal relationship with Jesus: true witness comes from a deep friendship with Him, from a heart that recognizes and reveals His presence.

About the Artist

Michelle Beli-en David is a young leader active in St. Kevin's Parish. Involved in the live broadcast team, Mass service, and youth ministry, she also puts her creativity at the service of the mission. She studied Communications, Media, and Arts at Vanier College and Photography at Dawson College.

A Gift from the Vocation Ministry of the Diocese of Montreal

The JMJ MTL 2025 Cross is made possible thanks to the generosity of the Vocation Ministry of the Diocese of Montreal.

It is distributed by witnesses from all walks of life—married people, consecrated persons, priests, deacons, youth ministry workers, and committed lay people—who concretely demonstrate that it is possible to respond to God's call at every stage of life.

Their presence invites each young person to ask themselves the question:

“What is God calling me to do today?”

Let us walk as witnesses of hope

The WYD MTL 2025 Cross reminds us that Christ walks with us. Anyone who remains with Him becomes, in turn, a witness.

Join us at the Teen Festival, where the cross will be distributed, as well as at the Christ the King Vigil 2025, and enter the Jubilee as joyful, courageous witnesses guided by the Holy Spirit.

Isabel Correa
Director, Evangelization and Christian Life, Mission Jeunesse Youth Ministry