National Youth Conference a “Pentecost” of Unity, Catholic Archbishop in Uganda Urges Deeper Communion with Christ
December 10, 2025 | Nicholas Waigwa, aciafrica.org
Archbishop Raphael p’Mony Wokorach of the Catholic Archdiocese of Gulu in Uganda has described the six-day National Youth Conference, which he officially opened on Tuesday, December 9, as a “Pentecost” of unity and urged young Catholics across the East African nation to deepen their communion with Jesus Christ.
In his remarks during the official opening, Archbishop Wokorach said that the conference, convened under the theme “You are also my witnesses; having been with me from the beginning”, offers a timely opportunity for spiritual renewal in a world, “where many people, especially young people, are turning away from their faith because of the many novelties that are pleasing to the body and senses but disastrous to our souls.”
“We need to strengthen our relationship with Jesus and work diligently on our spiritual life. Coming here is an occasion to do so,” Archbishop Wokorach said referring to the event that his Metropolitan See is hosting.
The Ugandan-born member of the Comboni Missionaries of the Heart of Jesus (MCCJ) invited Catholic youths to take advantage of the event “to reflect on how to follow Jesus and bear him witness” in their daily activities.
“I invite you to be open to learn, to process your life experiences with the lens of your duties as Christ's followers,” Archbishop Wokorach said.
He went on to highlight the unifying nature of the event, stating, “The main purpose of the National Youth Conference is to create a forum where the youth are able to discuss their most intimate aspirations, challenges, and experiences with the Church as communion and make a common commitment to the urgent task of new evangelization and peaceful coexistence.”
“In doing so, you will join hands, forming an immense circle of friendship, uniting in faith all the different cultures God has endowed us with in Uganda. All parts of Uganda are represented here, and this is our Pentecost,” the Catholic Church leader said.
The MCCJ member reminded the youth of the importance of centering their faith on Jesus Christ, emphasizing that the “underlying principle of the conference is to make the person of Jesus the center of the faith and life of every youth so that He may be their constant point of reference and also the inspiration of every initiative and commitment for the education of the new generations.”
“Dear youth, build your life on the rock who is Jesus Christ. In young people, the Church sees herself and her mission to humankind. With them, she faces the challenges of the future, aware that all humanity needs to be rejuvenated in spirit,” he said.
The 64-year-old Ugandan Catholic Archbishop called on the youth drawn from all the ecclesiastical jurisdictions of the East African nation to actively participate during the conference, saying, “I invite you to actively participate and with full commitment. You have come as pilgrims, not as tourists and researchers, but as pilgrims of hope.”
He added, “Let your coming be a journey of faith, improving your relationship with God and with one another. Be conscious of God's presence in this gathering, and remember that you are on holy ground.”
“May this conference celebrated within the Advent season draw us closer to our expected King, who should be born in our hearts and reign eternally and transform our lives to be his witnesses,” Archbishop Wokorach said in his December 9 welcome remarks for the national event, which is set to conclude on December 14.
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