In the announcement of the event, dated in Rome on January 14, 2026, Friar Ismael Xuruc, head of the International Coordinating Team of the ARY, invites young people and advisors from the ARY communities to begin now a path of spiritual and community preparation: “to make an inner journey, strengthen fraternal bonds and summon others”, with an eye on a meeting that wants to be a profound experience of communion, joy and mission.
A motto with Augustinian roots: accompanied by Christ, accompanying others
The motto “We walk with Him” is inspired by a commentary by Saint Augustine on Psalm 85, which underlines a central conviction: Christ is not only the one who goes ahead, but the One who walks with us, prays for us and in us. Along these lines, the statement highlights a very significant nuance: it is not enough to “reach the road”, it is necessary to be guided on the road so as not to fall, with the Lord guiding “always giving his hand”.
What will be experienced at WYARJ 2027
According to the statement, in the coming months more details will be shared on the organization, pre-registration and logistical guidelines to prepare this common path.
Prelude to WYD in Korea: Seoul 2027 on the horizon
Who are the ARY?
The Augustinian Recollect Youth (ARY) are the international youth movement of the Augustinian-Recollect Family, present in numerous countries where the Order carries out its pastoral work. Its proposal focuses on living the Gospel from the Augustinian charism: interiority, community life and mission, accompanying processes of faith in young people. Living memory: other WYARJs held in previous editions
Over the years, WYARJ has been held in different venues as an international meeting prior to WYD, strengthening ties between young people of the Order in a climate of formation, fraternity and spirituality.
- WYARJ Meeting in Rio de Janeiro (2013): the ARY family also experienced a previous international meeting in the context of WYD Rio 2013, held in the previous days in the same city.
- WYARJ 2019 – Panama City: held from January 18 to 22, 2019, at the gates of WYD Panama 2019, it brought together ARY youth “for the fourth time” in an international meeting of knowledge, formation, spirituality and coexistence.
WYARJ in Salamanca (on the way to Lisbon 2023): the international ARY website places the celebration of WYARJ in Salamanca as part of the itinerary prior to WYD Lisbon 2023, framing processes of preparation and meeting.
