The sixth Baghdeda Youth Festival recently culminated, drawing nearly 700 participants to celebrate faith and community under the theme “In the Footsteps of St. Francis.” This gathering showcased the commitment of young Christians in the region, providing a platform for spiritual reflection, prayer, and fellowship.
The Grand Procession and Spiritual Events
On Saturday, September 12, the festival concluded with a vibrant faith procession, known as the “Hosanna Procession.” Led by Bishop Benedictus Younan Hanno of the Syriac Catholic Diocese of Mosul, alongside former bishops and clergy members, the procession took off from the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Baghdeda, also referred to as Qaraqosh. Participants carried olive branches, symbolizing peace, and followed a traditional route to St. John Church. As they walked, they engaged in prayers and sang hymns, creating an atmosphere filled with faith and unity. The event concluded with the “Service of the Cross — Teshmeshta,” a poignant prayer service from the Syriac tradition, followed by the ceremonial lighting of the festival torch.
Before the procession, attendees participated in a spiritual conference titled “St. Francis: A Living Model for Our Young People in Living Hope.” Dominican Father Nuwairan Nasser emphasized the importance of embodying the spiritual values exemplified by St. Francis of Assisi in their daily lives, encouraging each participant to embrace the festival’s theme meaningfully.
Embracing the Message of St. Francis
Kicking off on Thursday, the festival’s theme, “In the Footsteps of St. Francis,” underlined the significance of Christian values and communal spirit. Bishop Hanno’s opening reflection, “Leave Everything That Makes You Lose Yourself,” stressed the notion of Christian freedom as a choice rooted in obedience to God—a concept distinct from a merely self-serving form of freedom. This spiritual foundation set the tone for the festival and guided the young people’s experiences throughout the event.
The participants divided into groups for pilgrimages and prayer sessions at several historic churches within Baghdeda, including notable sites like St. Ephrem the Syriac Church and St. Joseph Church. Such gatherings fostered community bonds and deepened their religious understanding, highlighting the rich spiritual heritage of the region.
Rediscovering Christian Heritage in Mosul
The second day of the festival took participants on a journey through Mosul, a city that has faced tremendous challenges due to persecution of its Christian community. Young attendees visited restored churches, starting at St. Thomas Church and making their way to the Church of the Immaculate Conception, ultimately concluding at Our Lady of the Annunciation Church. This journey served as a profound reminder of resilience and revival, celebrated by local residents who warmly welcomed the young Christians and acknowledged the restoration of their community’s historic presence.
The day was further enriched by a spiritual conference led by Chorbishop Emmanuel Kallo, focusing on the theme “Forgive So That You May Be Free.” His insights on forgiveness highlighted the Christian understanding of letting go of burdens to foster spiritual freedom, an essential aspect of the faith that resonated deeply with all present.
In conclusion, the sixth Baghdeda Youth Festival provided a strong foundation for young Christians to connect, reflect, and renew their commitment to their faith. The blending of vibrant processions, spiritual teachings, and community engagements under the revered theme of St. Francis underscored the festival’s importance in reinforcing the identity and resilience of the Christian community in Iraq.