The Ghana National Catholic Youth Council (GHANCYC) has issued a nationwide directive calling on all Diocesan Youth Councils and member bodies to mobilise fully towards the successful celebration of the upcoming West African Youth Days (WAYD), which Ghana is privileged to host.
The directive was signed by the National Youth Chaplain of GHANCYC, Rev. Fr. James Bour-Mensah, and addressed to chaplains, chairpersons, coordinators, and leaders of Catholic youth groups across the country. It formally informs stakeholders of the commencement of preparatory efforts for the major regional youth event.
According to the statement, the West African Youth Days represent a unique and significant pastoral moment for evangelisation, faith renewal, unity, and youth fraternity within the Catholic Church in Ghana and across the West African sub-region.
In view of the scale and importance of the event, GHANCYC has strongly advised all diocesan youth councils and member bodies not to organise any diocesan or national youth programmes that may conflict with, distract from, or reduce participation in the West African Youth Days.
The directive explains that the decision is aimed at ensuring maximum youth participation from all dioceses, promoting adequate spiritual, logistical, and financial preparation, and fostering a united national effort in welcoming and hosting pilgrims from sister countries within West Africa.
Youth across the country have therefore been encouraged to prepare themselves spiritually, mentally, and materially to receive guest pilgrims with warmth, hospitality, and Christian charity, while also committing to full and active participation in all WAYD activities as a sign of national unity and youthful witness to the faith.
Furthermore, diocesan youth leaders have been urged to begin immediate sensitisation and mobilisation at parish, deanery, and diocesan levels. They have also been encouraged to prepare diocesan budgets specifically towards participation in the West African Youth Days and to initiate fundraising activities while encouraging young people to save intentionally for the historic event.
Rev. Fr. Bour-Mensah described the celebration as more than just an event, but a graced moment for encounter and renewal for young people of the Church. He assured stakeholders that further guidelines and details would be communicated in due course, while calling on the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Patroness of Catholic youth, as the Church journeys together towards the celebration.
By: Daniel Orlando/newsalertgh.com
