NEWS
Young Priests and Religious Trained to 'Lead with Purpose' in Youth Ministry
The Young Priests and Religious Training Program for Youth Ministry 2025, initiated by BIRDY, Hyderabad, under the banner of the Telugu Catholic Bishops' Council (TCBC), concluded successfully on October 28. Centred on the theme "Empower Faith Educators to Lead with Purpose," the two-day formation program brought together young priests, religious, and youth directors from across Andhra Pradesh and Telangana to strengthen their leadership and pastoral roles in accompanying today's youth.
The program opened with an inaugural ceremony, during which Fr. Noel Maddhichetty, Director of BIRDY, outlined the training's vision and objectives. Most Rev. Vijay Rayarala, Bishop of Srikakulam and Chairman of the TCBC Youth Commission, delivered the keynote address, urging participants to be creative, compassionate, and courageous in their mission of youth animation.
Fr. Dodda Raja, Professor at St. John's Regional Seminary, launched the first session with a reflection on the spiritual dimensions of youth ministry. At the same time, Fr. Thomas Santiagu, SDB, Provincial of the Salesian Province of Hyderabad (INH), emphasized the need for accompaniment and pastoral creativity. Afternoon sessions were led by Fr. Joji, SDB, INH Youth Director, and Fr. Sleevaraj, SDB, Regional Youth Director, who explored the synodal approach to youth ministry. The day concluded with an Eucharistic celebration presided over by Bishop Rayarala, followed by moments of recreation that fostered fellowship and sharing among participants.
Day two began with Adoration and Holy Mass, followed by an inspiring session by Fr. Ernest Rosario, SDB, Coordinator of BOSCOM (Don Bosco Media Network, South Asia). He spoke on the role of Artificial Intelligence in evangelization, highlighting the need to integrate technology with faith and ethics in youth outreach.
The closing ceremony featured words of appreciation from Fr. Gupta, SDB, Youth Director, and felicitation by Fr. Jonesh, MC, and Sr. Devamani, FMA. Coordinated by Mr. Raju, Ms. Manisha Sharon, and Mr. Vijayaraj of TCBC Youth, the event gathered 67 youth animators and 52 religious leaders from across the two states, reaffirming their commitment to lead and inspire young people with renewed purpose and faith.
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