# Shalom Youth Congress

The Shalom Youth Congress (SYC) is an annual event organized by the Shalom Catholic Community, aimed at the spiritual formation and evangelization of youth aged 14 and older. Held since 1989, the SYC takes place in various cities across Brazil and the world, with annual national editions and an international edition every five years. The event features prayer sessions, preachings, Eucharistic celebrations, artistic performances, and concerts, seeking to deepen the faith experience and the Shalom charism, centered on love for Christ and evangelization.
The most recent international edition, in 2024, celebrated the 35th anniversary of the Youth for Jesus Project (YJP) in Fortaleza, Ceará, bringing together over 5,000 youth from various nationalities. The theme, inspired by Pope Francis’s message for the 2024 World Youth Day, was “Those who hope in the Lord will walk without growing weary” (Is 40:31).

## History

The SYC began in 1989 as part of the Youth for Jesus Project (YJP), founded by Moysés Louro de Azevedo Filho and Ronaldo Pereira at the Aécio de Borba gymnasium in Fortaleza, with about 5,000 participants. The initiative emerged from the need for a more dynamic pastoral approach for youth, aligned with the Shalom Community’s charism and the Catholic Charismatic Renewal. Since then, the event has expanded, taking place in cities such as São Paulo (2018), Belém (2023), Rome (2017), and Fortaleza (2019 and 2024).
International editions, such as the one in Rome in 2017 (celebrating 35 years of the Shalom Vocation) and Fortaleza in 2024, stand out for the participation of youth from over 30 countries where the community is active. During the COVID-19 pandemic (2020-2021), the SYC adopted hybrid or virtual formats, returning to in-person events in 2022.

## Structure

The SYC typically spans two to four days, with a program that includes:
* Masses and Eucharistic Adoration: Core moments of spirituality.
* Preachings: Led by figures like Moysés Azevedo, Maria Emmir Nogueira, and community missionaries.
* Concerts and Arts: Performances by bands like Missionário Shalom and shows such as “The Beginning” (Fortaleza, 2024).
* Workshops and Formation Sessions: Sessions on topics like vocation and holiness.
* Solidarity Actions: Blood donations (in partnership with Hemoce) and food drives. Venues such as the Olympic Training Center (Fortaleza), Expo Barra Funda (São Paulo), and Hangar Convention Center (Belém) have hosted the event.

## Notable Editions

* 1989 (Fortaleza): First edition, marking the start of the YJP.
* 2017 (Rome): International edition during the Shalom Convention, with over 3,000 youth.
* 2018 (São Paulo): Theme “Do not be afraid, Mary” (Lk 1:30), with 5,000 participants.
* 2023 (Belém): Theme “Mary arose and went with haste” (Lk 1:39), with 2,000 youth.
* 2024 (Fortaleza): International edition for the 35th anniversary of the YJP, with 6,000 participants and the presence of bishops like Bishop Robert J. Brennan.

## Impact

The SYC is recognized for its focus on youth protagonism, encouraging young people to live holiness and embrace an evangelizing mission. Testimonies highlight conversions, vocational discoveries, and spiritual renewal.

## Upcoming Editions

At the close of SYC 2024, the 2025 editions were announced: a national event in Curitiba, Paraná, and a Hispanic-American edition in Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia.

## See Also

* Shalom Catholic Community
* Halleluya Festival
* World Youth Day