Portuguese priest and DJ Padre Guilherme performed an electronic music set for more than 9,000 attendees at Maredsous Abbey in Belgium. The event featured techno music mixed with references to Pope Francis and Pope Leo, as well as Stromae. Benedictine monks and Abbot Father Lear joined him on stage, while Bishop Lejeusne attended the crowd. Organizers noted high attendance and long food queues, but the concert was widely praised by both Christian and secular audiences for its unique blend of faith and modern music.
Approximately 1,000 young people from across Europe will meet in Budapest, Hungary, from August 28 to 30 for the International Youth for Peace gathering. Organized by the Community of Sant'Egidio, the event aims to promote dialogue and solidarity amid global conflicts. The group says participants include 35 Belgians and 150 Ukrainians from cities like Kyiv and Lviv, who will share war experiences. The program features discussions on migration and climate change, a meeting with Sant'Egidio president Marco Impagliazzo, and a symbolic march on Margaret Island to condemn violence and racism. This initiative highlights the youth branch's year-round commitment to supporting vulnerable populations.
World Youth Day is set to open in Seoul, South Korea, in less than a year. Belgian Francophone youth are organizing two travel routes to attend the event. According to Cathobel, there may be more candidates than available spots. To raise funds, young people in Châtelet, near Charleroi, are selling handmade soap, chocolate, candles, and beverages during theater performances. Additionally, a festival is being prepared in Chevetogne for those who remain in Belgium. The outlet notes that between 200 and 500 young people have expressed interest in participating.
Monroe, a 17-year-old soprano who represented France at Eurovision, will sing at the World Youth Day vigil in France on September 25. The event takes place at the Stade de France during Pope Leo XIV's visit. The organization expects 80,000 attendees for the prayer night. Monroe stated that performing for the Pope fulfills a dream she expressed in June. Born to a French mother and American father, she previously won the Prodiges competition and placed 11th at Eurovision with her song Regarde. She has a background in sacred music and has previously performed at the Vatican.
The LifeRide Saint-Médard event will take place on October 3 in Jodoigne, Belgium. Organizers expect hundreds of young participants, including scouts and catechism groups, for the third edition of this activity. The day focuses on solidarity, personal development, and spirituality under the theme 'You are the light of the world.' Activities include a zip line, climbing wall, and a wooden chapel construction challenge. A spiritual village will feature stands from local church groups like the Beatitudes Community. Previous editions attracted over 600 attendees, and this year aims to engage youth through fun challenges and spiritual reflection.
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The inaugural Maredsous Sound Festival takes place on August 28 and 29 at the Maredsous Abbey in Denée, Belgium. Organizers report the event is nearly sold out, with remaining tickets for Friday and Saturday. The program mixes contemporary Christian music, including a set by Portuguese priest-DJ Padre Guilherme, with spiritual activities and sports. All profits support the Basilica 2030 renovation project. The festival targets young adults and families, aiming to blend faith, culture, and community engagement in a historic setting.
In Belgium, young people are revitalizing abandoned chapels in Wallonia through volunteer efforts. In Hainaut, participants in the 'Été Solidaire' project cleaned and repaired shrines in A Bons Villers and Rèves, earning praise on social media. Additionally, students from Don Bosco Tournai reconstructed a chapel in Taintignies for the commune of Rumes, receiving official recognition. Meanwhile, a couple from Philippeville, Dalila and Tyron, launched 'Une Chapelle à la foi' to clean and dignify religious sites. Their videos, such as one for a chapel in Florennes, have garnered millions of views online, highlighting a growing movement to preserve local religious heritage.
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