On Saturday, November 15, 2025, over 350 young people from across Montreal gathered at St. Sauveur Melkite Greek Catholic Cathedral for the annual Teen Festival: an exhilarating celebration of faith organised by the Mission Jeunesse Coordination Team, Service Team, and several partners from the Network, including the Melkite St. Sauveur Cathedral as part of the 40th World Youth Day observances. This year’s theme centers around a verse from the gospel of John:

“You are also my witnesses, because you have been with me.” (Jn 15:27)

This biblical passage emphasises the importance of personal testimony, as well as a shared mission between disciples of Christ. Attention to fellowship and witness was felt throughout the day, as young people from various Catholic groups intermingled and shared their journeys of faith while wearing matching outfits of red T-shirts and blue jeans in the spirit of St. Carlo Acutis, “Patron Saint of the Internet” and the first millennial Saint, whose painted portrait presided over the festival stage.

When asked about the personal significance of the day for young people, Anne, 13, replied:

“Today honestly means a lot to me because there is a lot of fun and we get to meet new people. It is a one-day thing that we get to do every year to connect with each other, connect with other communities, and most of all, connect with God.”

As attendees made their way into the venue, they were met with a variety of EXPOS: interactive kiosks to encourage exploration of the theme, participation, and conversation with others. Kiosks this year included, but were not limited to, a face painting booth, a Zacchaeus tree to write messages to Jesus, educational posters to help young people become informed about Catholic history, and themed backdrops to encourage them to document their experiences with group selfies.

Once all were settled in, the program kicked off with icebreaking games hosted by our MCs, which asked teens to get up out of their seats and move around the reception, making new connections with people from other communities. Playfulness and mingling was encouraged with Would you rather? and other interactive games that motivated young people to make connections through common interests.

Later, His Excellency Bishop Milad El Jawich, Bishop of the Greek Melkite Catholics of Canada, joined youth leaders on stage to share his experiences with faith and participate in a question-and-answer panel, during which young people were given the chance to express their thoughts and concerns in a welcoming environment. At times, they were also invited to take the stage and share their experiences with faith in the ever-changing contemporary world.

Abigail, 15, reflected on the day’s opportunities for sharing, “Today is an opportunity for young people to come together and realise that they’re not alone, and there are a lot of people that have the same beliefs as you. I think it is a very rewarding experience because you get to see that you’re not alone if you’re struggling.”

Matthew, 18, felt a similar sense of community, stating about the various moments for cross-parish socialisation: “You actually realise that you’re all just brothers in Christ.”

After an energizing lunch break, the Apostles Olympics began! Attendees shared in joy during a variety of challenges, such as Guess that Song! and Red Light, Green Light! to inspire friendly competition and further animate the venue.

There was also an opportunity for intercultural exchange across Montreal’s many diverse Catholic parishes, as the Melkite community shared their traditions with attendees through a group-wide Dabke dance that brought all to their feet, joining hand-in-hand. A blend of music and laughter filled the room, revealing the power of song and dance to promote connection through shared movement.

During the next phase of the festival, teens got to choose from a variety of dynamic and interactive workshops designed for spiritual, intellectual, and creative development. These sessions were meticulously catered to the interests and needs of young people, so that each could find something suited to their curiosities and relevant to their lived experiences. Workshops covered a variety of activities, such as arts and crafts, content creation, theatre, and physical activity, designed to aid teens in building life skills such as stress management, critical thinking, and financial responsibility.

At the end of the Teen Festival, the day was punctuated with prayer and closing ceremonies in the chapel, hosted by the Archbishop of Montreal, Christian Lépine, and Archimandrite Rabih Abou Zgheib. Young people, clergy, and festival staff had the opportunity to reflect on the hope and joy brought forth during the day’s festivities via group prayer, song, quiet conversations with God, and a youth-led procession for St. Carlo Acutis. The ceremonies concluded with the distribution of World Youth Day crosses and a group photo of all in attendance: a visual representation of the closeness with other Christians and with God that was nurtured throughout the celebration.

“It is really wonderful to see that, despite our young age, I can see them growing in their faith and that I’m growing in my faith as well, and that there are other people of a similar age who also care about God. It brings hope in me.” said Isabel, 19, about her experience chaperoning a group of teens from her parish, and the tangible sense of hope and faith felt by many in attendance.

Mission Jeunesse would like to thank all of those who made this day possible, including the hundreds of young people present, our volunteer service team and partners from the network as well as the Greek-Melkite Catholic community for welcoming us into their Cathedral.

Kay Henry

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