On Friday, November 21, 2025, more than 160 young adults and youth ministry leaders gathered in the Parish Hall of Mary, Queen of the World Cathedral for the annual “VIVA! Reunion”—a local celebration of World Youth Day dedicated to thanksgiving and the witness of faith at the heart of the Catholic Church’s mission.

This year’s World Youth Day theme draws from the Gospel of John:

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

This invitation to witness shaped the evening, as participants shared personal testimonies of faith and, in turn, received the witness of others. Through storytelling and reflection on the fruits of the past year, attendees forged new connections and strengthened the bonds of youth ministry across the Diocese.

The reunion began with a warm welcome from Archbishop Christian Lépine, who highlighted the vital role youth ministry leaders play in fostering the Church’s mission in Montreal. The evening’s hosts, Danielle and Mario, guided interactive activities, encouraging participants to circulate, share their parish projects, and engage with peers from other communities. In doing so, each attendee embodied the Gospel call to witness and strengthened the local network of ministry across the city.

A shared spirit of solidarity and collaboration was palpable throughout the evening. Kim Gottfried Piché, Animator for Development and Peace-Caritas Canada, reflected:

"We need to work and pray together to support young people in the Diocese. Whether they are young people that are on fire for the Holy Spirit, or they’re young people mobilising people for social justice, or just young people who are searching for others and for God, we are there to support them. So we need to be in solidarity with one another.”

The reunion also looked ahead to World Youth Day 2027 in Seoul, South Korea, fostering intercultural exchange over a shared meal of traditional Korean dishes, including kimchi, japchae, bulgogi, gimbap, and mandu. Members of Montreal’s Korean community attended, offering insight into Korean language and customs, and connecting participants with the Greater Montreal Korean Language School and Fr. Damien of the Korean Catholic Mission.

As the evening drew to a close, Terrel Joseph, a Challenge Movement alum, reflected on the significance of gathering:

“I think today is important because often people working in the youth ministry give, but don’t get many opportunities to receive, so this is an opportunity to receive, to be fed, to pray together, and to build relationships with new people.”

The reunion then transitioned to the Christ the King Vigil in the Cathedral at 8 p.m. Archbishop Lépine welcomed all to an evening of thanksgiving, prayer, and a special blessing for catechists and youth ministers, acknowledging their dedication and service.

The Vigil, organized by Mission Jeunesse, featured the diocesan choir under the direction of Centre Étudiant Dominicum (CéDum). Their music filled the Cathedral with a profound hymn of praise, inviting all present into prayerful reflection and gratitude. Youth speakers from across Montreal shared the Gospel of John in multiple languages—including English, French, Spanish, and Korean—celebrating the diversity and unity of the Church’s young faithful.

Archbishop Lépine and the speakers offered prayers for those facing the hardships of war, famine, poverty, and persecution, invoking the protection and intercession of Mary, Mother of the Church and Mother of Youth. Special recognition was given to young people beginning their professional lives, serving their communities, witnessing their faith with courage, and to the teachers, catechists, volunteers, and benefactors who guide and support them.

The Christ the King Vigil concluded with the distribution of crosses, a special blessing for catechists, and the Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament. The Blessed Sacrament remained exposed on the Cathedral altar until 5 p.m. the following day, offering the faithful a sacred space for silent adoration and personal thanksgiving.

Kay Henry

Photo gallery of the event coming soon!