An intense four-day training program for 45 young people in Egypt, organized by the National Directorate of the Pontifical Mission Societies in Egypt in close collaboration with the International Secretariat of the Pontifical Missionary Union, concluded successfully from July 9 to 12, 2025.
P. Andraws Fahmi, the national director of the Pontifical Mission Societies in Egypt, explained on the first day the fundamental purpose of the course, which is to train leaders within each diocese, individuals who manifest an intense desire to live and spread God's love to all.
Professor Emy Makram explored leadership as the art of positively influencing others, analyzing the various skills a "leader" should possess, using a selection of "psychological tests" to help the young people discover their talents and bring out their leadership skills, then using them in the mission field to help each person fulfill their role in the group. A Jesuit priest, Magdy Seef, recalled that every missionary action must spring from an objective spiritual life rooted in Jesus Christ, the "First Missionary." This balance between commitment and interiority was further explored by Father Emmanuele Sobhy, diocesan director in Alexandria, who, citing the Pope's message for World Mission Day 2025, guided the young people to reflect on the necessary balance between personal life and missionary activity.
A moment of grace was the celebration presided over by His Beatitude Ibrahim Isaac, Patriarch of the Coptic Catholic Church. The Patriarch praised the role of the Pontifical Missionary Union in transforming young people into "true missionaries" in their dioceses, urging them to live their faith practically in synergy with the Catholic Church.
The concrete challenges were not overlooked: Prof. Samer Maher, leader of Egyptian Catholic Action, analyzed the typical problems of a "guide", applying them to the missionary's daily life, while Father Bishoy Abdelmesih (responsible for Caritas Alexandria) offered a reflection on the theme "Elements of Personal Formation for the Mission," exploring the factors necessary for personal formation for the Christian mission, with a particular focus on those who will hold leadership roles.
Finally, under the guidance of the National Director, Father Andraws Fahmi, the final day saw the young people busy planning joint missionary activities. The result was a concrete working draft that will be reviewed by diocesan directors to become concrete action in the area.
Through moments of conviviality, prayer, and study, participants return to their own lives not only with new skills, but with a burning desire to be "salt of the earth" through leadership that bears witness to the love of Christ.
