The Diocese of Juína, located in the heart of the Amazon, covers a vast territory of 48,000 square miles (122,000 km²). With only 14 parishes serving 380 local communities, the Church faces a significant challenge. Observing that many young people have drifted away, Bishop Neri José Tondello met with youth leaders to find ways to rekindle their enthusiasm for the Catholic faith.
This collaboration resulted in the plan for a diocesan youth congress, designed to help young people rediscover the joy of faith and their place within a larger community.
The Bishop’s Call for Unity and Mission
Bishop Tondello views the upcoming 2026 congress as a milestone for the region. He emphasizes that the success of this mission depends on the combined efforts of the entire diocese:
“The 2026 diocesan youth congress will mark a milestone in the evangelisation of the young people in the diocese of Juína. Its aim is to strengthen young people and win them over to the faith (…). It is obvious that the diocese must gather all its resources in order to help our young people, who are wandering through our towns and parishes, waiting to find something that will awaken them to life. Our sheep need a shepherd.”
‘Pilgrims of Hope’: Looking Toward August 2026
The event, entitled “Pilgrims of Hope” to reflect the Holy Year of Hope, is scheduled for August 2026. More than 1,500 young people are expected to attend the three-day gathering. Beyond deepening personal faith, the Church hopes the congress will inspire the spiritual vocations so urgently needed in the Amazon region.
To ensure this vital project moves forward, ACN is supporting the event with a contribution of 8,600 Euros, supplementing the local diocese’s fundraising efforts.bra
