The Teresian Association International Youth Meeting (EIJIT 2026), held in Assisi in Italy from 23 to 28 July, provided a space for dialogue where young people reflected on integral ecology, consumerism, contemporary lifestyles and the values promoted by the Teresian Association: diversity, inclusion, dialogue and equality.
Following the conclusion of the first phase of the International Youth Meeting, during which participants engaged with their immediate surroundings, this second stage, held in Assisi, saw them sharing their views and visions for the future. The motto – ‘Stand up for the earth and for peace’ – was a constant theme throughout all the activities and served as the guiding thread to help those dreams begin to become reality and sow the seeds of change in the world.
The beginning
On the first day, the EIJIT event began with the theme ‘Here and Now’, and a group walk to the Eremo delle Carceri. This was a secluded place to experience silence and contemplation, and was the place where St Francis experienced his conversion.
This is how the young people taking part described the experience: ‘We made our way up the hill, supporting one another as the climb became steeper and steeper. We shared our dreams and our struggles, trying to get to know one another a little better.’
After a long walk, amidst ‘beautiful, stunning natural surroundings’, they reached their destination: ‘We visited the cave, the place where the saint had his profound encounter with God, and we ventured back into the forest, following the paths where Francis used to walk and where he delved deeper into the three essential attitudes that mark the way: knowledge, simplicity and contemplation.’
That afternoon, the EIJIT event officially began with welcoming and motivational remarks from Carmen Aparicio and Elisa Estévez, members of the TA General Council.
Afterwards, in the same room, 15 groups were formed, representing the 15 participating countries, and each group gave a brief presentation on the work and projects they had carried out prior to attending the EIJIT. ‘We have come from different corners of the world with open hearts. In our first circle, it was enough simply to introduce ourselves and share a single word for us to embrace what this journey has already been and to seed the light of what we dream it will become,’ they said.
Following in the footsteps of St Francis of Assisi
On the second day, they followed in the footsteps of St Francis of Assisi, the theme of the day: ‘Walking the same paths once trodden by St Francis and St Clare immediately connected us with the earth and with simplicity. With every step, we opened our eyes to the world to listen to its sorrows, understanding that peace is a living commitment that calls us all together,’ say the participants.
On 25 July, two volunteers from the Laudato Si’ Centre accompanied the group during their visit to the ‘Franciscan sites’, under the motto chosen for the occasion: ‘We sharpen our gaze with clarity’. Indeed, ‘the story of Francis takes on a new meaning when one walks with purpose,’ they agreed.
‘On this day, we set to work at the House of Peace, discovering that service is a way of fostering fellowship. It is an experience that is felt physically and enters into dialogue with the world around us. We let ourselves be transformed by faith to become a channel for kindness, for listening and for welcoming others, and we declared that other ways of living on this earth must be possible.’
The Hidden Treasure
Halfway through EIJIT 2026, they set out in search of the hidden treasure. First, they attended Mass in the Chapel of San Damiano. It was a busy day with personal activities, meetings with craftspeople and artists, as well as an opportunity to share national projects and engage in cultural exchange.
‘We came together to reflect on the transformative role of young people and the tireless work of so many organisations that support others. We rediscovered that love for our neighbour and the presence of God are the compass and the path that give meaning to our vocation to serve.’
The Seed
On the penultimate day, ‘The Seed That Dreams of Becoming a Tree’, local projects were presented. ‘Through group work, we shared those voices, callings and profound messages that stir us deep within. It was a space to recognise what truly moves our souls and urges us not to stand idly by.’
The EIJIT event culminated on a day that is special for the TA -- the Feast of Saint Pedro Poveda on 28 July. Under the slogan ‘We have many dreams’, the young people listened to Gregoria Ruiz (Ria), Teresian Association president, who was present during the final days of the gathering. She pointed out that a space for dialogue had been created and emphasised that ‘the TA wants to walk alongside young people in this ever-changing world.’
‘One of our priorities is to weave networks of fellowship throughout the world where we are committed to diversity, inclusion, dialogue and equality. These are the values the Teresian Association wishes to champion, and they are an invitation to each and every one of you, young people. We must all work towards them, for these are deeply human values.’
She highlighted the second thrust of the TA line of mission ‘weaving networks of fellowship’ that had been the focus of this meeting. It is to conceive of integral ecology as a way of life and follow its calls to move towards a more contemplative way of life. For this reason, our assembly recommended placing the emphasis on ‘being’ rather than on ‘doing and having’.
She also urged us to work towards change that promotes the common good. This is an issue which, as Ria pointed out, arose on numerous occasions during the EIJIT meetings, debates and discussions.
Furthermore, she stated that this event has served to prompt ‘a review of our consumption habits, to reflect on how we consume, what is material and what is not, so that we may then develop a greater ecological awareness.’ She also mentioned the large number of meteorological phenomena that are disrupting ecosystems and the global climate. This is something that ‘must make us think about how we can help to stabilise Nature once again, as it always seeks to restore its balance.’
Interconnection and genuine commitments
Finally, Ria encouraged the young people present to get involved with the TA International Youth Network, in response to that desire to connect and work together which has been evident at all the EIJIT meetings. ‘The Youth Network can also facilitate interconnection and communication, not only within the international sphere of the Teresian Association, but also at a local level – that is, by creating communities in your own neighbourhoods, wherever there is an interest in this cause for the Earth and for peace.’
Echoing the words of the Teresian Association president, EIJIT participants tell us that during this final day they worked hard to build bridges and dream together. ‘From ideas, we moved on to shared hope, mapping out concrete actions and real commitments to care for our common home and bring peace to our local areas.’
EIJIT 2026 Presentations
Below are the links to the presentations from the four talks given at the meeting:
24 July
Opening ceremony: We stand up for the Earth and for peace.
25 July
God hears the cry of his people.
What about us, the young people?
26 July
TA Info .
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