Bangladesh: Church-organized Seminar Teaches Youth Safety, Growth, and Responsible Living

Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Bonpara, in the Diocese of Rajshahi, northwest of Dhaka, organized a youth seminar on July 11 aimed at raising awareness about personal safety, self-development, and responsible living in today’s complex world.

Held under the theme “Youth Spirit and a Protected Life,” the seminar brought together around 104 young participants from various villages of the parish.

The day began with the celebration of the Holy Eucharist, presided over by Father Shyamal James Gomes, the assistant parish priest. In his homily, Father Gomes emphasized the importance of divine guidance in safeguarding life, stating, “God not only grants us life but also protects it. However, due to modern-day challenges and human selfishness, we often fall into danger, and it is the youth who suffer the most.”

A key speaker at the seminar, Father Uzzal S. Rebeiro, inspired the youth by affirming their vital role in shaping the future. “We are the future leaders of our families, communities, and the Church,” he said. Emphasizing the need for self-awareness and resilience, he added, “To contribute meaningfully, we must first secure and develop ourselves by understanding the realities of our time and responding wisely.”

Bablu Renatus Corraya, Chairman of Bonpara Christian Credit Union Ltd., offered motivational insights during a session titled “You Are Your Best Investment.” Encouraging the youth to be proactive, he said, “Dream big and work hard. Your future success depends on how much you’re willing to invest in yourself today.”

In addition to the talks, the seminar featured group discussions, where participants exchanged ideas and created personal action plans. The day concluded with an interactive Q&A session, a vibrant cultural program, and recreational games that fostered unity and enthusiasm among the youth.

The seminar was not only educational but also deeply empowering, leaving participants with renewed confidence and a clear sense of purpose in navigating their lives with faith and responsibility.