As we enter the month of June—a month of profound historical and cultural significance for the youth of South Africa—the Sisters of Ursula, in communion with the Diocese of Mthatha, joyfully look forward to celebrating the vibrant spirit, faith, and energy of our young people.
We are excited to share the official invitation for the upcoming Eastern Deanery Youth June Celebration. This gathering promises to be a beautiful day of prayer, fellowship, and celebration, bringing together young hearts from across the deanery to praise God and strengthen their Christian journey.
Event Details at a Glance
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Date: Tuesday, 16 June 2026 (Youth Day)
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Venue: St. Joseph Parish, Ngqeleni
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Who is invited? All youth are welcome!
A Sacred Theme: "Let no one look down on you because you are young."
The spiritual anchor for this year's celebration is taken from 1 Timothy 4:12:
"Let no one look down on you because you are young."
In a world that often underestimates the potential of the youth, Saint Paul’s words to Timothy serve as a powerful reminder of the dignity, purpose, and capability that God places in every young person. This theme challenges our youth to lead by example—in their speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity.
As Sisters of Ursula, our mission has always been deeply rooted in nurturing, educating, and walking alongside the young. We see this celebration as a vital opportunity for our youth to realize that they are not just the future of the Church, but the vibrant present of our faith community.
Called, Equipped, and Sent
The celebration is also guided by the inspiring diocesan youth motto: "Called • Equipped • Sent — Growing in Faith, Hope & Love."
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Called: To recognize God's personal invitation to relationship and purpose.
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Equipped: To be filled with the Holy Spirit and the teachings of the Church through scripture, prayer, and community.
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Sent: To go out into our schools, homes, and neighborhoods as joyful witnesses of the Gospel.
Program of the Day
To ensure a balanced and enriching experience, the youth committee has prepared a wonderful schedule starting early in the morning:
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08:00 | Arrival & Welcoming: Come early to meet peers from different parishes!
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09:00 | Procession: A vibrant and joyful walk of witness, demonstrating our unity and faith in public.
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10:00 | Holy Mass: The heart of our celebration. We will gather around the table of the Eucharist to offer our lives, talents, and prayers to God.
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Thereafter | Entertainment: After feeding our souls, we will celebrate with fun, music, games, and many more interactive activities!
A Message from the Sisters of Ursula
We warmly invite all parish youth leaders, parents, and community members to support and encourage our young people to attend this event. Let us accompany them with our prayers as they prepare for this special day.
To all the youth of the Eastern Deanery: Come with an open heart, bring a friend, and be ready to be inspired! Let us celebrate our faith and unity together in Ngqeleni.
For more updates, photos from the event, and pastoral youth resources, keep visiting our website or contact your parish youth representative.