More than 1,300 young Catholics from across India gathered in Bengaluru, Karnataka, from October 13 to 16 for Witness 2026, a national youth convention focused on deepening faith in Christ, fostering unity, and encouraging young people to become witnesses of the Gospel.
Organized by the Indian Catholic Youth Movement (ICYM) in collaboration with the Youth Commission of the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI), the convention was held at Christ University and Christ Junior College.
Inspired by Jesus’ words, “Take courage; I have conquered the world” (John 16:33), the gathering invited young Catholics to encounter Christ, strengthen their commitment to the faith, and discern their mission in the Church and society.
The convention brought together four bishops, around 110 priests, 30 religious sisters, and approximately 1,300 young participants representing dioceses across India.
Archbishop Vincent Aind of Ranchi, secretary-general of the CCBI, presided over the inaugural Mass, setting the spiritual tone for the gathering under the theme “Take Courage: Christ Has Overcome the World.”
Each day focused on a different aspect of Christian discipleship. Bishop Henry D’Souza, identified in the event program with the CCBI Youth Commission, led the first day’s program under the theme “Awaken Your Faith: Recommit Your Life to Christ.”
Bishop Ignatius D’Souza of Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, chairman of the CCBI Youth Commission, guided the second day’s reflection on “Stand Firm: Living the Gospel with Courage Today.”
Auxiliary Bishop Joseph Soosainathan of Bengaluru led the final day’s program, focusing on “Becoming a Witness: Missionary Disciples for Christ and Society.”
Through the celebration of the Eucharist, faith-formation sessions, prayer, worship, and cultural activities, participants shared their experiences and celebrated the diversity of India’s Catholic communities. The gathering also provided opportunities to build friendships across dioceses and renew their commitment to the Church’s mission.
Witness 2026 emphasized that Christian discipleship requires more than personal belief. It calls young people to put the Gospel into practice through service, solidarity, and a commitment to peace in their communities.
At the conclusion of the convention on October 16, participants were encouraged to carry its message back to their dioceses and parishes, becoming missionary disciples who share Christ’s love and bring hope to a world facing numerous challenges.
The convention called on India’s Catholic youth to stand firm in faith, live the Gospel courageously, and become witnesses of Christ in the Church and society.
Radio Veritas Asia (RVA), a media platform of the Catholic Church, aims to share Christ. RVA started in 1969 as a continental Catholic radio station to serve Asian countries in their respective local language, thus earning the tag “the Voice of Asian Christianity.” Responding to the emerging context, RVA embraced media platforms to connect with the global Asian audience via its 21 language websites and various social media platforms.
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