The General Secretariat of Christian Youth in Palestine concluded a month-long series of spiritual celebrations marking the 2025 Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe. The program brought together children, teens, university students, and young professionals from parishes across Palestine, with each gathering inspired by themes drawn from the person of Christ the King and His message. The events aimed to accompany young people in their faith journeys and deepen their relationship with God.
“Heartbeat of the King” – Celebration for the young children
The celebrations opened on Friday, 31 October 2025, with the youngest age group, where 340 children gathered at the Parish of Our Lady of Peace in Birzeit, under the theme “Heartbeat of the King.”
The encounter offered a unique spiritual experience, guiding children to look to Jesus our King, who Himself experienced deep human emotions on the Cross: fear, pain, and anguish; yet never surrendered to them. Instead, He responded with love, humility, and forgiveness. The day included interactive theatre, spiritual stations, competitions, and group activities, all centered on understanding the heart of the King and learning to imitate Him in daily life: embracing human emotions with balance and depth and responding with the same spirit Christ showed. The program concluded with a Mass presided over by Fr. Louis Salman, spiritual director of the Christian Youth Secretariat in Palestine.
“My King Is Not a Trend” – Middle School Youth Gathering
On 7 November 2025, Christian middle-school youth met at the Terra Sancta College in Bethlehem for a spiritual gathering titled “My King Is Not a Trend.” The event sought to remind young people that Jesus is not a passing trend but a constant everlasting living presence in their hearts.
The program featured a variety of interactive activities, a special video message addressed to the youth, and a Eucharistic Celebration at the Basilica of the Nativity, presided over by Fr. Abdallah Dabbaneh, Director of Vocations. In his homily, he reflected on the unchanging nature of God and the steadfast love of Christ in a rapidly shifting world, reminding the young people that “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.”
A theatrical performance further deepened the day’s theme, depicting the ongoing search of young people for meaning and lasting joy amid the noise of the digital age and its passing trends. The play concluded by affirming that Christ’s Kingdom is not of this world, and that true joy is found only in the One who reigns within the human heart.
“How Beautiful Is Your Name!” – High School Celebration
High school youth celebrated the feast on 14 November 2025 at the Holy Family Church in Ramallah, gathering under the theme “How Beautiful Is Your Name!” More than 450 young people, together with seminarians from the Patriarchal Seminary of Beit Jala, came together to honor Jesus Christ the King and to reflect on His kingship in their daily lives.
The program was designed to help students encounter God as a loving King who guides, liberates, and grants a peace the world cannot give. Participants were invited to look back on their personal and spiritual journeys over the past year, recognizing the essential truth that a life without Christ at its center remains empty, while a life rooted in Him becomes rich with meaning and joy.
The day continued with spiritual stations and hymns that helped the youth enter more deeply into prayer. This was followed by Mass celebrated by Fr. Remon Haddad, who reminded them that challenges are a normal part of life, yet become bearable, even transformative, when lived with Christ, whose presence makes the impossible possible. The celebration concluded at St. Joseph Sisters School with a karaoke session and a video recap of the year’s activities.
“Voice of the King” – Main Celebration and Commissioning of the 2026 Youth Secretariat
The month-long celebrations concluded on Friday, 21 November 2025, with a vibrant gathering of university students and young professionals at the Palestinian Red Crescent Theatre in Ramallah under the theme “Voice of the King.” Youth from across the parishes, accompanied by priests and religious sisters, filled the hall.
The day opened with prayer and a reflection by Fr. Abdallah Dabbaneh on Christ’s closeness to humanity through the Cross. Clergy and religious shared personal testimonies of their vocations, followed by group challenges, interactive games, and uplifting activities.
Msgr. William Shomali, Patriarchal Vicar, presided over the solemn Mass, joined by the Rector of the Seminary, Fr. Bernard Poggi, and several priests. During the liturgy, the new General Secretariat for the Christian Youth in Palestine for 2026 was officially commissioned. A video message from His Beatitude Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa encouraged the youth to guard their joy despite life’s difficulties.
A theatrical performance titled “Voice of the King,” produced by Fr. Louis Salman, explored how to discern God’s true voice amid the world’s distractions. The Deputy Secretary-General, Mr. Fadi Touma, then announced the 2026 youth theme: “Rejoice with me” (Luke 15:6).
The celebration included the launch of the new youth hymn “Your Way Isn’t Out of Tune,” performed by Waseem Abdullah and the Shepherds Band, and the distribution of concluding gifts.
2026 General Secretariat Appointments:
- Secretary General: Faten Iss’eid
- Spiritual Director: Fr. Louis Salman
- Assistant Spiritual Director: Fr. George Haddad
- Deputy Secretary General: Fadi Touma
- Secretariat Office: Selina Salsaa
- Head of Development & Innovation: Sarah Daibes
- Head of Working-Youth Committee: Ghadeer Youssef
- Head of University Committee: Lujain Qawas
- Head of High School Committee: Pauline Ghattas
- Head of Middle School Committee: Sandra Shomaly
- Head of Children’s Committee: Kitty Iss’eid
- Head of Prayer Committee: Amandi Riyadi
- Head of Coordination & Service Committee: Bashar Zahran
- Head of Media Committee: Nicolawos Hazboun
