Equipping Young Catholics: 10 Days of Training, Faith, and Culture in South India

With a view to forming youth leaders who are spiritually grounded, socially aware, and ready to respond to the challenges of today’s world with faith and professionalism, the Youth Commission of the Tamil Nadu Bishops' Council (TNBC) conducted a 10-day residential training programme titled “Pedagogy Pro – Youth Ministry” at Arul Vazhvuh Illam in the Diocese of Kottar, South India.

Held from May 19 to 30, 2025, the initiative brought together young people, religious sisters, and lay pastoral workers from across the state. Inaugurated with a traditional parai (a South Indian cultural dance) performance, the training offered a unique blend of cultural richness and spiritual depth.

Anchored in Pope Francis’ apostolic exhortation Christus Vivit, the programme emphasized spiritual renewal, pastoral effectiveness, and social engagement. Bishop Nazarene Susai of the Diocese of Kottar, Chairperson of the TNBC Youth Commission, delivered a powerful exhortation, reminding participants of their mission to accompany young people with hope and purpose.

Fr. Edison, Secretary of the Commission, facilitated workshops on leadership, movement-building, and pastoral strategies aligned with TNBC’s youth ministry policies.

The training featured sessions led by clergy, academics, and pastoral experts. Topics ranged from youth identity, drug abuse prevention, and legal literacy to artificial intelligence, digital evangelization, and social media ethics.

The ten-day programme featured a series of dynamic sessions led by experienced clergy and professionals.

Participants visited local parishes for direct engagement with youth, gaining practical experience in accompaniment and group facilitation. They also made a pilgrimage to the sacred sites of St. Devasahayam, an 18th-century Indian martyr, integrating Tamil Catholic heritage into their faith formation journey. Evenings featured nattupura kalai (folk arts), music, and storytelling, deepening both their cultural identity and community bonds.

Sr. Rosy, one of the participants, said, “We reflected deeply on youth struggles and how our faith can lead them toward meaningful lives. The sessions opened our minds and touched our hearts.” Another attendee, Sr. Jesu Packiam, added, “We now feel equipped to build youth movements with Gospel-based empathy and creativity. This experience hasreaffirmed our vocation.”

The training culminated in a vibrant Cultural Night and a solemn closing Eucharist celebrated by Bishop Nazarene Susai. Participants received certificates and were missioned to return to their communities as joyful, prophetic witnesses among the youth. More than a training, this initiative was a commissioning: a call to journey with young people, guided by the Spirit, to transform the Church and the world.