Youth spark hope at Eucharistic Congress

Fr Simon Peter Ango of the parish of Gran Couva/Tabaquite, believes that the future of the Catholic Church is alive and well, following the surprisingly large turnout of youth for the closing of the Eucharistic Congress 2025.

The atmosphere at the Queen’s Park Oval was filled with joy and reverence as young Catholics gathered in large numbers for the Eucharist, marking a vibrant and hopeful moment for the Church in the region.

Both attendees and organisers expressed enthusiasm about the youth turnout and the energy they brought to the event.

Fr Simon Peter described the experience as “very nice and exciting,” highlighting the presence of many young people actively participating in the event.

“The Church in Trinidad and Tobago needs young people who believe in Catholicism and the Blessed Sacrament,” he said.

“Seeing young people kneeling, raising their hands, and participating passionately during the procession was a joy for me. It’s a sign that the Church is alive because it has a lot of young believers.”

The event featured a procession with the Blessed Sacrament, where many young attendees demonstrated their devotion through kneeling and adoration. Witnesses noted that such displays are often rare among youth, making this gathering particularly inspiring.

“Most of the time, young people are left behind,” Fr Simon Peter noted. “But today, it’s a joyful day with so many young people actively engaging with their faith.”

Looking ahead, he expressed hope that the experience would leave a lasting impression on the hearts of those who attended. “I hope they take away the sense that the Blessed Sacrament is truly the Body and Blood of Christ,” he said.

“Wherever they see the Blessed Sacrament, they’ll recognise its holiness and feel compelled to adore it. Whether at home, watching on TV, or in church, they’ll know that something sacred is moving around.”

When asked about the importance of hosting such events regularly, Fr Simon Peter strongly advocated for annual celebrations. “I believe doing this every year would strengthen our faith and build our youth,” he said.

“It’s wonderful to see everyone coming together. If we can do this annually, it will greatly benefit the Church and inspire more young people to embrace their faith.” —KB