From 31 July to 2 August 2026, sixteen young people from the Sa-Fa Youth Movement took part in the 7th National Youth Day, held in the city of Ibarra under the motto: “Be of good cheer; I have overcome the world” (Jn 16:33). Twelve young people from Guaranda and four from Puyo, accompanied by Brother Fabián (from Guaranda) and Luis Calle (from Puyo).
They were welcomed by the parish of San Francisco de Natabuela, where they spent time with families and communities who opened their doors and hearts to welcome the pilgrims. This welcoming experience helped to strengthen the family spirit—one of the essential features of our Sa-Fa charism—and to highlight the richness of a Church that walks united in diversity.
Highlights included the Saturday vigil; prayer before Jesus in the Eucharist; the symbolic gestures; and the reflective activities, all of which touched their hearts deeply, becoming a meaningful experience of personal encounter with the Lord. For many of them, it was a special opportunity to renew their faith, listen to the voice of God and strengthen their commitment as young Christians.
The gathering was inspired by the message of Pope Leo XIV, who urged young people to allow themselves to be transformed by their encounter with Jesus Christ so that they might be witnesses to his love and mercy, and builders of forgiveness, reconciliation and peace. On returning to their communities, the young people from M.J. Sa-Fa came back filled with gratitude, hope and missionary enthusiasm, convinced that they are called to continue building, in the manner of the Holy Family of Nazareth, fraternal communities where Christ is the centre of life and mission.
“We returned tired from the journey, but with hearts full of joy and hope,” was the sentiment shared by several of the participants at the end of this unforgettable experience of the young Church.
