India – National Youth Sunday celebrations

10 August 2021
Photo: Sanathnagar

(ANS – New Delhi) – National Youth Sunday is a day observed by the Church in India as an opportunity to celebrate young people, recognise young people as a gift in the Church and affirm their contribution to the Church and those who collaborate with them. It was celebrated on Sunday, 8 August, and all over the country there were significant activities and events.

Just to mention a few examples:

Forty youngsters from Don Bosco Parish, Bandlaguda, participated in the maiden National Youth Sunday celebrations at Don Bosco Provincial House, Hyderabad, following the Covid-19 protocols. The celebrations began with Holy Eucharist in Telugu and English, animated by the youth of the parish. Fr Sarath, the Vocation Promoter, celebrated the Mass in Telugu and Fr Rayappa, the Parish Priest, in English. Fr Charan, the youth director of the province, spoke on Finding Purpose in Life during a half-day seminar. Fr Joseph, the resource person, said that we need to live our vocation uniquely. Presenting the life story of Blessed Carlo Acutis, he said that one must emulate the qualities of this great saint of our time and practise in our day-to-day life. Fr Joseph also highlighted the importance of the Document by Pope Francis, Fratelli Tutti, saying the Document invites everyone to live in society as brothers and sisters. Anthic Joseph, the parish councillor, advised the youngsters on planning for life. Ms Roselin, a youth member, proposed the vote of thanks.

Forty-three youngsters took membership in the youth group of Don Bosco Church Lingarajapuram, Bangalore. With the motto, “Dare to Hope, Love to Serve”, the members were invited to forge ahead with hope and be at the service of humanity in these testing times by the Former Vice-Provincial of FMA, Bangalore Province, Sr Alice Chacko, in her inaugural address. The membership day and the celebration of the National Youth Sunday began with the Holy Mass presided over by Fr Aloysius Santiago, Rector and Parish Priest of Don Bosco Church Lingarajapuram. The newly inducted members took the oath and were presented with a rosary after the Holy Communion. Fr William D'Souza SDB, Regional Youth Director of Bosco Youth, Karnataka, received the pledge. Fr Jude Poopana SDB, the Assistant Parish Priest, and Fr James SDB graced the occasion.

Twenty vibrant young people of St Theresa's Church, Sanathnagar, Hyderabad, took Solemn Promise that they would give their effort and talents to fulfil the duties and bring initiatives that focus on the growth of the Church. They vowed to be witnesses of Christ by their selfless service to humanity. As a sign of solidarity, the youth reached out to the 175 inmates of Birds of the Air, a centre for the destitute, Rajendra Nagar, Hyderabad. They raised money through a Gospel Band and offered textbooks, notebooks, stationery items, and groceries. They expressed their thanks to Fr Papaiah, the Parish Priest, Fr Ashok, the Youth Animator, and the Parish Council.

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