The Erbil Chaldean Diocese continues its preparations for the 2025 edition of the Ankawa Youth Meeting (AYM), choosing the theme of vocational discernment for priesthood, religious life, and consecration.
The organizing committee announced via its Facebook page the names of priests, monks, and nuns who will spiritually accompany participants as mentors during the preparatory meetings, each according to their diocese.
Organizers have begun offering a series of guidelines to help young people discern their vocations and determine if they are called to live a consecrated life. This process includes listening to the life experiences of consecrated individuals, volunteering for church service, seeking spiritual guidance, and adopting daily habits such as prayer, Bible reading, and Eucharistic adoration.
Last year’s meeting was held under the theme "The Joy of Love," inspired by Pope Francis' apostolic exhortation on family love, and saw participation from around 2,000 young Christians from various dioceses in Iraq.
Notably, the Ankawa Youth Meeting is the largest Christian youth gathering in Iraq. The Erbil Chaldean Diocese has been organizing it since 2018 as an important opportunity to strengthen connections among young people, deepen their faith, and foster solidarity.