Youth Apostolate Formation Session update
By Eric Mwaniki, SJ
On the evening of 12 July 2026, the Youth Apostolate successfully hosted an online formation session titled “A Mission for Everyone: What Can I Do with My Life as a Catholic?” The one-hour session brought together approximately 40 young people from across Eastern Africa for a reflective exploration of Christian vocation through the lens of Ignatian spirituality. The activity formed part of the Society’s ongoing effort to accompany young adults in their search for meaning, purpose, and mission while preparing the ground for the upcoming quarterly Youth Apostolate Triduum.
The session began with an Ignatian contemplation on the Gospel of Matthew 19:16–22, the encounter between Jesus and the rich young man. Participants were invited to place themselves within the Gospel scene, contemplating the young man’s sincere search for meaning and Jesus’ loving gaze before His invitation to “come, follow me.” The reflection emphasized that vocation is not primarily about choosing a profession or joining a religious congregation but about responding to God’s loving call in every state of life. Throughout the evening, participants engaged in spiritual conversations, sharing how God has been at work in their lives since the previous gathering before Pentecost and reflecting on the deeper question raised by the Gospel: “What do I still lack?”
The presentation offered a catechesis on the Christian understanding of vocation, highlighting the universal call to holiness received in Baptism and the many ways this call is lived out in the Church. Participants explored the diversity of vocations, including marriage, priesthood, religious life, professional life lived as mission, and lifelong commitment to lay ecclesial movements and spiritual communities. Guest speakers (Dolphine, Sr Annmartha Sherry) introduced the Christian Life Community (CLC) and various lay associations and third-order communities, explaining how these pathways enable lay people to embrace the spirituality of religious families while remaining fully engaged in ordinary life. The discussion also featured contributions on MAGIS, lay associates, and the importance of integrating faith into professional, social, and civic life.
The session concluded with personal reflections on vocation, discernment, and the responsible use of one’s gifts, talents, and material possessions in the service of God and society. Participants expressed appreciation for discovering the richness of the Church’s vocational landscape and the practical ways they could deepen their discipleship without necessarily entering ordained or consecrated life.
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