The Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist welcomed young adults from across the Diocese of Cleveland on Nov. 22 for the annual Global Celebration of Young People. The event is observed on the solemnity of Christ the King Sunday.
Historically celebrated on Palm Sunday, this global observance was moved to Christ the King Sunday by Pope Francis to align it with the Church’s proclamation of Christ’s reign and the vibrant witness of young people.
By celebrating the event on Christ the King Sunday, the Church unites the universal message of Christ’s kingship with the lived faith of its young members. The gathering marked not only the close of the liturgical year but also a renewed commitment to encourage, accompany and empower the next generation of leaders and disciples within the Church.
What made the Nov. 22 Mass particularly special was that the 4:30 p.m. liturgy at the cathedral included the Rite of Entrance, welcoming catechumens and candidates preparing to enter into full communion with the Catholic Church.
“It was incredible to witness young adults freely making the decision to come into their faith,” one attendee said. Several of these young adults later joined the group for post-Mass fellowship.
During his homily, Father Joe Mamich, cathedral pastor who also serves as the diocesan secretary and vicar for clergy and religious, reflected on the energy and excitement present in the life of faith. He highlighted the young adults entering the Church as a powerful example and a reminder for all to turn to the Lord with enthusiasm and live out our faith authentically in the world.
Following Mass, the young adults traveled to the nearby Masthead Brewing Co. for fellowship and continued conversation.
“For our diocese, this was more than a single event — it was a visible sign of hope, unity and renewal, a witness to Christ’s kingdom alive in the hearts of young people,” said Megan Lowes-Bolin, diocesan director of young adult ministry.
Established by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops as part of the annual World Youth Day observance in local dioceses, Lowes-Bolin said this celebration invites every Catholic community to reflect intentionally on the presence, leadership, and potential of young people, whom the bishops affirm as “indispensable bearers of the dynamics of the kingdom of God, the hope of the Church and the world.”
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