Mexican youth urged to embrace missionary vocation with courage

By Sr. Christine Masivo, CPS

Mexico’s Archdiocese of San Luis Potosì hosted the 15th National Missionary Youth Congress (CONAJUM) on July 23-26, organized by the Pontifical Mission Societies (PMS) of Mexico in collaboration with the Archdiocese.

The congress gathered over 6,000 young people from dioceses across the country under the theme: “With Mary, Virgin of Expectation, Young People Bearers of Hope Through Mission!”

Mission beyond comfort

The four-day conference strengthened the young people through prayer, formation, missionary experience, and a renewed commitment to evangelization, including the growing mission in the digital world.

Archbishop Fortunatus Nwanchuku, Secretary of the Dicastery for Evangelization (Section for First Evangelization and New Particular Churches), challenged the young people to respond wholeheartedly to Christ’s missionary mandate.

He drew this inspiration from the Gospel command, “Go in to all the world and proclaim the gospel to every creature,” reminding them that all Christians are called to proclaim the Good News to all in person and even in the digital space.

Called to cast nets into the deep

The Archbishop encouraged the young people to move beyond familiar surroundings like the disciples on the Sea of Galilee.

“You are not sent into an aquarium, a small, safe, predictable, and controlled space, but into the open sea, which is vast, deep, and, at times, stormy,” he said, stressing that every human heart is created for the vast horizons of God’s mission.

He reminded them that their missionary vocation began at Baptism and that they were already sent and were entrusted with a mission: to make Christ known, to love Him, and to follow Him.”

His message called them to trust God and courageously proclaim the Gospel wherever they are.

A missionary heart

Archbishop Nwanchuku encouraged young people to embrace the three essential qualities of a missionary that they should cultivate.

The first is detachment: the willingness to leave behind whatever prevents a deeper commitment to Christ.

The second is encounter, recognizing that authentic evangelization begins with genuine relationships rather than merely communicating ideas.

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Finally, the Archbishop spoke about the acceptance of the Cross, acknowledging that missionary work often demands sacrifice, perseverance, and fidelity even when immediate results are not visible.

Concluding his address, he urged the youths not to fear the challenges of mission. “The sea of humanity is vast. The world needs missionaries. The Church needs you. And Christ is calling you.”

He ended with a personal challenge: “Are you willing to sacrifice something of your life to bring the face of Christ to others?”

Being a missionary disciple for today

The congress celebrated the continuity of the Church’s missionary work while looking confidently to the future. The gathering took place during the centenary of World Mission Sunday and the 75th anniversary of the Mexican Youth Missionary League.

The 15th National Missionary Youth Congress reaffirmed the Church’s commitment to forming young missionary disciples.

Antonio de Jesus Mascorro Tristán, MG, National Director of the Mexican Pontifical Mission Societies, noted that these events have been shaping missionary formation since 1982 through a rich program of conferences, testimonies, Eucharistic celebrations, prayer, and fellowship.

A key highlight of this year’s congress was its focus on digital evangelization, where Catholic content creators shared how social media can become a space for proclaiming the Gospel.

The event concluded with a missionary march and a closing Eucharist led by Archbishop Joseph Spiteri, Apostolic Nuncio to Mexico, who conveyed Pope Leo XIV’s blessing.

Participants departed not simply having attended a congress but with a renewed commitment to return to their communities as missionary disciples, sharing the hope and joy of the Gospel.