Winnipeg, Canada. From October 2 to 4, 2026, approximately 100 youth ministry leaders from 15 dioceses across Canada gathered in Winnipeg for the National Youth Leadership Conference, organized by the Canadian Catholic Youth Ministry Network (CCYMN). Inspired by the theme “Take Courage! I Have Overcome the World,” the gathering offered opportunities for spiritual renewal, leadership formation, and fellowship.
The Claretian delegation included Fr. Reegan Soosai, CMF, Director of Youth Ministry for the Archdiocese of Sherbrooke; Sr. Marie Claire Ihorere, MNDA; Santiago Bobbia, a Claretian youth leader from Sherbrooke; and Fr. Frank Hernandez, CMF, from Vancouver.
The gathering began with visits to the Shrine of Blessed Ukrainian Bishop and Martyr Vasyl Velychkovsky and the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, offering meaningful opportunities for spiritual reflection.
Throughout the conference, keynote speaker Tanner Kalina encouraged participants to deepen their faith and leadership. Four workshops addressed important aspects of contemporary youth ministry: mental health, creative pastoral approaches, artificial intelligence, and gender identity. Eucharistic celebrations, prayer, and fellowship further enriched the experience.
Sr. Marie Claire Ihorere, MNDA, a member of the Missionary Sisters of Our Lady of the Angels, shared how the conference renewed her spiritual life and strengthened her mission of accompanying young people at the Newman Centre in Sherbrooke as they prepare for World Youth Day Seoul 2027. Her visit to the shrine inspired deeper reflection on perseverance, discipleship, and trust in Jesus Christ.
Santiago Bobbia, Claretian Youth Leader from Sherbrooke, Quebec, described the conference as one of his most spiritually enriching experiences of the year. The workshops, Eucharistic celebrations, and encounters with youth leaders strengthened his faith and missionary commitment.
“I return to Sherbrooke with my heart on fire and my spirit renewed,” Santiago testified, expressing his desire to continue serving young people and sharing God’s love.
The conference concluded on October 4 in an atmosphere of joy and gratitude. Organizers announced that the next National Youth Leadership Conference will take place in Regina, October 1–3, 2027.
The delegation expressed sincere gratitude to the Archdiocese, the Congregation of the Claretian Missionaries, and the Missionary Sisters of Our Lady of the Angels for their encouragement and support. The gathering renewed the participants’ commitment to accompanying young people in faith and missionary service.
Fr. Reegan Soosai, CMF, Archdiocese of Sherbrooke, Director of Youth Ministry
