When young people come together, the Church is renewed. In a world where so many young adults are searching for belonging and purpose, the Claretian Missionaries in Canada are helping keep hearts warm by bringing youth of all ages closer to Jesus.
On May 31, the Feast of the Visitation of Mary and Claretian Vocations Day, Claretians celebrated their first-ever Claretian Youth Gathering in Montreal. More than 30 young people from Montreal and Sherbrooke gathered for a day filled with prayer, friendship, formation, sports, and shared meals.
A place of welcome for all.
Entering the teenage and young adult years can be challenging, especially for children of immigrants and young newcomers adjusting to a new culture. Having a community where they feel welcomed, accepted, loved, and safe can make a profound difference.
The day began with games and icebreakers and continued with the celebration of the Eucharist presided over by Fr. Beauplan Derilus, CMF, and Fr. Reegan Soosai, CMF, Prefect of Apostolate for the USA-Canada Province. A special blessing was offered for the youth, and Fr. Reegan shared the Province’s pastoral priorities: migrant ministry, youth and young adult ministry, and Bible ministry.
After lunch, participants gathered in small groups to share their stories and get to know one another. For many of these young people—coming from different countries, languages, and cultures—the experience was much more than an event. It was an opportunity to discover that they belong to one family united in faith.
That was the experience of 19-year-old Colombian immigrant Daniel Hernández Vargas, who shared:
“It helped us better understand one another from various perspectives and encouraged us to socialize with other young people who share the same faith and values.”
Learn more about an upcoming international Claretian Youth Encounter at beaclaretian.org/claretian-youth-encounter.
The afternoon included a vocational testimony from Fr. Dosithée Mabwasele, CMF, who shared his journey from his native Congo to studies in Spain and missionary service in Montreal. Fr. Reegan then reflected on Jesus’ invitation and presented the inspiring examples of St. Anthony Mary Claret and Blessed Carlo Acutis, encouraging the young people to remain open to the Holy Spirit as they discern their vocation and seek to transform society.
Prayer, music, soccer, and outdoor activities rounded out the day, strengthening friendships and creating memories that participants will carry with them for years to come.
Joachim Kajibwami, a 19-year-old who emigrated from Congo to Canada two years ago, described the encounter as an experience that strengthened unity among the participants.
“We all left with wonderful memories and a stronger sense of unity. It was a complete success and laid the foundation for future collaborations and lasting friendships.”
Special thanks go to Dany El-Agha and Nazha Charabaty, whose dedication and leadership with the Claretian youth ministry at Notre-Dame d’Anjou made this inaugural gathering possible.
The joy of this youth encounter is only the beginning.
From July 24–26, 2026, young people from seven Claretian communities across the United States and Canada—including Montreal, Sherbrooke, Chicago, Jersey City, Perth Amboy, Fresno, and San Gabriel Mission—will come together for an international Claretian Youth Encounter:
As the province continues to accompany young people from every nation, culture, and background, one thing becomes increasingly clear: when young hearts encounter Christ and one another, hope grows, friendships flourish, and the Church remains alive.
Learn more: beaclaretian.org/claretian-youth-encounter.
