Anchored is an international Catholic youth group for young people under 35 years old, rooted in the life of the Cathedral of Our Lady, within the Diocese of Antwerp.

The group currently brings together more than 200 members from diverse nationalities, united through their shared Catholic faith and desire to grow spiritually within a welcoming and dynamic community.

We aspire to be not only a place of gathering, but also a space where young people can deepen their relationship with Christ, build meaningful friendships, and live their faith actively in today’s world.

The name Anchored originates from a deeply meaningful evening with Fr. Bart, during which he reflected on how Jesus Christ can be the anchor in our lives—the One who keeps us steady in times of uncertainty, protects us in moments of difficulty, and prevents us from drifting away from our true purpose.

This image resonates strongly with the city of Antwerp, a historic port city whose identity is closely tied to maritime life, trade, and the symbolism of the anchor. In this context, the name expresses both a spiritual truth and a cultural connection.

The visual and spiritual identity of the group is expressed through the symbolism of the anchor:

• The Anchor represents Jesus Christ, our foundation and stability
•  The Blue recalls the Virgin Mary, honored as the Patron Saint of the group
•  The Gold symbolizes God the Father and the Holy Spirit, reminding us of the divine presence that surrounds and sustains us

Together, these elements express a journey of transformation: each member is invited to move from the instability of the world toward a life more deeply rooted in God.

The name Anchored is therefore not only an identity, but also a call—to remain grounded in Christ and to grow in faith as a community.

We gather young people in faith, deepen their relationship with Jesus Christ, and build a strong Catholic community rooted in the cathedral of Antwerp. In order to achieve this we organise weekly activities so that we become a vibrant, united, and faith-filled community of young Catholics who live the Gospel authentically and contribute positively to society.

• Faithfulness – Commitment to the teachings of the Catholic Church
• Charity – Acting with love, respect, and compassion in all interactions
•  Unity – Embracing diversity while remaining united in Christ
•  Growth – Encouraging continuous spiritual and personal development
•  Service – Being open and attentive to the needs of others

Anchored is a Catholic group that operates in full communion with the Church and is rooted in the pastoral life of the Cathedral of Our Lady.

The group seeks to remain faithful to:

• The teachings of the Catholic Church
• The guidance of the Diocese of Antwerp
• The pastoral direction of the priest responsible for the group

Anchored also looks to collaborate with and draw inspiration from other Catholic youth initiatives, such as Kamino Belgium, while maintaining its own identity and mission within the Cathedral context.

All activities, initiatives, and communications of the group aim to reflect the values of the Gospel and contribute positively to the life of the Church.

Anchored is coordinated by a leadership team, working in close collaboration with the priest responsible for the group at the Cathedral of Our Lady.

Get to know the team!