San Luis Potosi: More than 6,000 young Catholics from across Mexico gathered in the Archdiocese of San Luis Potosí for the 15th National Missionary Youth Congress, where Church leaders encouraged them to embrace their missionary calling with courage, faith, and hope in a world that is increasingly in need of the Gospel.
The congress, held from July 23 to 26, was organised by the Pontifical Mission Societies of Mexico in collaboration with the Archdiocese of San Luis Potosí. The event brought together young people from dioceses across the country under the theme, "With Mary, Virgin of Expectation, Young People Bearers of Hope Through Mission."
Over four days, participants took part in prayer, missionary formation, Eucharistic celebrations, faith sharing, and practical experiences aimed at strengthening their commitment to evangelisation. This year's gathering also placed special attention on digital evangelisation, encouraging young Catholics to use social media as a meaningful way to share the message of Christ with others.
One of the main speakers was Archbishop Fortunatus Nwachukwu, Secretary of the Dicastery for Evangelization. Addressing the thousands of young participants, he reminded them that every Christian receives a missionary vocation through Baptism and is called to share the Good News wherever they are.
Drawing inspiration from Jesus' command to "go into all the world and proclaim the Gospel to every creature," the Archbishop encouraged the young people to move beyond their comfort zones and confidently witness to their faith both in everyday life and in the digital world.
Using the image of the Sea of Galilee, Archbishop Nwachukwu said that missionaries are not called to remain in places that are safe and predictable. Instead, they are invited to step into the wider world, trusting in God even when the journey is uncertain.
He compared the Christian mission to sailing on the open sea rather than living in an aquarium. While an aquarium may feel secure and controlled, he said the mission of Christ calls believers to enter the vast and sometimes challenging sea of humanity, where people are searching for hope, truth, and love.
The Archbishop reminded the young people that their mission is not something for the future but something they have already received through their Baptism. He encouraged them to make Christ known by loving Him deeply and following Him faithfully in every aspect of their lives.
During his address, Archbishop Nwachukwu highlighted three qualities that every missionary should develop. The first is detachment, which means letting go of anything that prevents a closer relationship with Christ. The second is encounter, recognising that true evangelisation begins with genuine relationships and personal witness rather than simply sharing ideas. The third is accepting the Cross, understanding that missionary work often requires sacrifice, perseverance, and faithfulness, even when the results are not immediately visible.
He assured the young people that they should not be afraid of the challenges they may face in sharing their faith. He reminded them that the world needs missionaries, the Church depends on their generosity, and Christ continues to call them to serve others with courage and hope.
The Archbishop concluded his message by inviting each participant to reflect personally on whether they were willing to sacrifice part of their own lives to help others encounter the face of Christ.
The congress was held during two important milestones for the Church's missionary work, marking the centenary of World Mission Sunday and the 75th anniversary of the Mexican Youth Missionary League. These anniversaries added special significance to the gathering and highlighted the long tradition of missionary formation among young Catholics in Mexico.
Antonio de Jesus Mascorro Tristán, National Director of the Mexican Pontifical Mission Societies, said the National Missionary Youth Congress has been helping to form missionary disciples since 1982 through conferences, testimonies, prayer, Eucharistic celebrations, and opportunities for fellowship.
A major feature of this year's programme was the participation of Catholic content creators, who shared practical ways of using digital platforms to spread the Gospel and engage with people who may never enter a church.
The congress concluded with a missionary march through the city followed by a closing Eucharistic celebration led by Archbishop Joseph Spiteri, Apostolic Nuncio to Mexico. During the Mass, he conveyed the blessing of Pope Leo XIV to all those present.
As the gathering came to an end, participants returned to their dioceses with renewed enthusiasm and a stronger commitment to serve as missionary disciples, bringing the hope, joy, and message of Christ to their communities and beyond.