The Catholic Diocese of Katsina has officially commenced its First Diocesan Youth Day (DYD) 2026 with the celebration of the Votive Mass of the Holy Spirit at St. Martin de Porres Catholic Cathedral, Katsina, at 10:30 a.m.

The Holy Mass was presided over by Rev. Fr. Francis Lemark as Chief Celebrant, with Rev. Fr. Damian Zomahoun concelebrating and Rev. Fr. John Ochekwu serving as Liturgist. The celebration also featured the active participation of seminarians, catechists, lectors and Altar Knights.

In the homily, Rev. Fr. Francis Lemark delivered the message of the Bishop, Most Rev. Dr. Gerald Mamman Musa, to the young people, highlighting the spiritual significance of the gathering and its call to renewed evangelisation. Reflecting on the origins of World Youth Day, initiated by Pope St. John Paul II in 1985, he reminded the youths that the celebration goes beyond fellowship, calling them to embrace their missionary responsibilities and actively participate in the life of the Church.

He further encouraged the participants to allow the Holy Spirit to guide their decisions, relationships and daily activities, particularly in an age of rapid technological advancement and Artificial Intelligence. Emphasising the importance of spiritual discernment, he admonished the youths: "Do not relate with AI without consulting the Holy Spirit."

Drawing from the Gospel of the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:1–12), he urged them to live out the values of Christ and become courageous witnesses of the Gospel in their communities.

Following the Holy Mass, His Lordship, Most Rev. Dr. Gerald Mamman Musa, officially declared the First Diocesan Youth Day 2026 open, marking the beginning of a gathering dedicated to faith, fellowship, spiritual renewal and evangelisation among young Catholics across the Diocese.

The celebration sets the tone for a fruitful Diocesan Youth Day, as young people are encouraged to remain empowered by the Holy Spirit and committed to the mission of Christ.