ARISE 2022- International Youth Leaders’ Summit Rome
June has been a very exciting month for our SMYM Canada team! The much-awaited ARISE 2022 youth leaders’ summit took place from June 17th to June 22nd. There were fourteen delegates representing our Eparchy and a total of 75 delegates from all the Eparchies (Melbourne, Great Britain, Chicago, Mississauga) and Apostolic Visitation (Europe).
The program not only promoted the collective SMYM mission, but it truly was an opportunity to encounter and experience Syro Malabar faith and traditions in a deeply personal and authentic manner. The summit was inaugurated by Cardinal Leona Sandri, the prefect to the Oriental Congregation of Rome, as well as by Cardinal George Alancherry, the Archbishop of the Syro Malabar Church. All the bishops of each Eparchy and Apostolic Visitation as well as the Archbishop were in attendance every day of the ARISE program.
The summit consisted of group bonding activities, leadership seminars, personal sharing sessions, group discussions, and various seminars on topics from a Syro Malabar faith perspective. Throughout the ten days of the program, the delegates from Canada held many leadership positions and positively contributed to the success of the program in many ways. This includes, but is not limited to, the planning of the program, conducting ice breaker activities, leading paper presentations, facilitating daily programs as MCs, being a part of the choir, and engaging in various other ministries.
Perhaps the most memorable highlight of the ARISE 2022 program was the opportunity to have a private audience with the Pope. We were able to meet the Pope individually and get a personal blessing. Later, we also met the Pope in a general audience. Yet another special moment from the trip was the pilgrimage to the four major basilicas in Rome and celebrating the Holy Qurbana at St. John Paul II’s altar at St. Peter’s Basilica. We were also blessed with the opportunity to visit the Colosseum and the catacombs. On another occasion, we got to climb the Scala Sancta (holy stairs) and visit the church which holds the eucharistic miracle of Jesus.
Upon the completion of the summit, the delegates from Canada joined other delegates in a holy Pilgrimage across Italy. Some highlights include visiting the Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi, the Saint Anthony Basilica in Padua, and the tomb of Blessed Carlos Acutis in Assisi.
The SMYM Canada team could not be more grateful for the opportunity to represent our Eparchy at this historic event – we are so thankful for everybody’s prayers and support. We look forward to continuing the flame ignited during the Arise 2022 program!
