The Catholic Church in Cameroon is preparing for one of its largest youth gatherings as thousands of young people are expected to converge on the Ecclesiastical Province of Bertoua for the 2026 National Youth Days (JNJ).
Scheduled to take place from July 21 to 26, 2026, the gathering will bring together young Catholics from across the country’s five Ecclesiastical Provinces under the theme: “Take courage! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).
Beyond prayer and celebration, the event seeks to address some of the most pressing concerns facing Cameroonian youth today. Organizers have proposed a series of catechetical reflections and discussions on topics ranging from personal vocation and faith to entrepreneurship, artificial intelligence, culture, and social responsibility.
One of the central questions that will guide the discussions is: “Young person, where are you going at the crossroads of life?” Participants will also reflect on the experience of Saint Paul, examining how a genuine encounter with Christ can help young people overcome fear, uncertainty, and discouragement.
In a rapidly changing world, the Church is equally inviting young people to reflect on contemporary realities through themes such as Youth and Artificial Intelligence, Youth and Entrepreneurship, and Youth Between Tradition and Modernity. These themes seek to help young Catholics remain grounded in Christian values while actively engaging the opportunities and challenges of modern society.
Another major area of reflection will focus on human dignity and the growing influence of what organizers describe as the “idols and merchants of illusion” of today’s world. Young people will be encouraged to preserve their dignity, strengthen their faith, and become authentic witnesses of Christ in society.
The week-long programme will include catechesis, Eucharistic celebrations, cultural evenings, sporting activities, adoration, confessions, manual works, and a national gathering at the JNJ Village in Bertoua. Delegations will be hosted across Bertoua, Batouri, and Doumé-Abong-Mbang before converging in Bertoua for the main celebrations.
In the official prayer prepared for the event, the Church entrusts the youth of Cameroon to God, recognizing that they stand “at the crossroads of life” and face numerous challenges and distractions that can distance them from Christ. The prayer calls on young people to seek God’s will and become faithful witnesses in both the Church and society.
As preparations intensify, the National Youth Days 2026 are expected to provide not only a moment of spiritual renewal but also an opportunity for Cameroon’s youth to rediscover their mission as builders of hope, peace, and development in the nation.
“Take courage! I have overcome the world.” With these words of Christ, the Church hopes to inspire a generation ready to confront the challenges of today with faith, courage, and confidence in God.
