Church leaders in Vietnam challenged young Catholics to step out of their comfort zones and embrace a life of mission, as nearly 5,000 youth gathered for the 2026 Hanoi Archdiocesan Youth Congress on March 22.
The gathering, held at Tu Chau Parish, brought together participants from parishes and mission stations across the archdiocese and marked a decade of youth formation under the theme “Come and Remain.”
Speaking during the event, Father Joseph Luong Thanh Tung, C.Ss.R., urged young people to reflect on the direction of their lives, posing the question: “Where am I going? And whom do I choose to come to?”
He warned that in a world “filled with temporary values and fleeting happiness,” young people can lose their sense of purpose, and said following Christ requires the courage to move beyond comfort and make concrete sacrifices.
The congress opened with youth-led activities that set a lively tone for the day, followed by formation sessions and communal prayer.
Participants later joined a solemn Way of the Cross, reflecting on the suffering of Jesus and deepening their understanding of God’s love.
In his message, Archbishop Joseph of Hanoi emphasized that the call to “come and remain” is rooted in a lasting relationship with Christ. “Young people come to the Congress not to seek a passing emotion, but to establish an enduring relationship with Christ,” he said.
He added that remaining with God transforms young people into witnesses of faith and called on them to become a “living Gospel” in their families, parishes, and workplaces.
The gathering culminated in Eucharistic adoration and a concelebrated Mass, where thousands of young people gathered in prayer.
The event concluded with a cultural program marking the congress’ 10th anniversary, with performances expressing the faith and energy of the young Church in Vietnam.
