09/05/2026
Ecumenical Unifying Tournament hosted by St Charles Lwanga Major Seminary at Windhoek.
Dear Reverend Fathers, Pastors, Religious Men and Women, Youth Leaders, Distinguished Guests, and Beloved Young People of the Windhoek City,
Grace and peace to you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
It is with profound joy and gratitude that I warmly welcome all of you to the Ecumenical Unifying Tournament 2026, hosted at St. Charles Lwanga Major Seminary under the inspiring theme: “One in Christ, United in Mission.”
This gathering is far more than a sporting event. It is a celebration of faith, friendship, unity, and shared mission among the youth of our churches and communities. In a world often wounded by division, violence, prejudice, and hopelessness, your presence here becomes a powerful witness that Christ continues to unite hearts beyond denominations, languages, cultures, and backgrounds.
Sport has a unique way of bringing people together. On the field, we learn discipline, teamwork, respect, sacrifice, resilience, and mutual support. These are not only athletic virtues; they are Gospel values. Through soccer and netball, we are reminded that we are called not to compete against one another in hatred, but to journey together as brothers and sisters in building God’s Kingdom.
As young people of the Windhoek Deanery, you are not merely participants in a tournament; you are missionaries of unity and ambassadors of hope. Your energy, talents, and friendships can become instruments through which Christ touches society. The Church believes in you, walks with you, and encourages you to use your gifts to transform the world with love, integrity, and peace.
May these days be filled with joyful encounters, healthy competition, lasting friendships, and spiritual renewal. Let every match strengthen not only your bodies but also your hearts. Let every cheer from the crowd become a song of unity. Let every handshake after the game remind us that, though we may belong to different traditions, we remain one family in Christ.
I sincerely thank the organizing committee, youth coordinators, volunteers, sponsors, coaches, referees, and all who worked tirelessly to make this event possible. Your dedication is helping to build bridges among the youth and to strengthen ecumenical collaboration within our deanery.
To all the teams: play with passion, fairness, and respect. Victory is important, but the greatest triumph is unity in Christ.
May God bless this tournament abundantly, protect every participant, and deepen among us the spirit of communion and mission.
Welcome once again to the Ecumenical Unifying Tournament 2026.
“Strength in Unity, Triumph in Play.”