India: Thousands attend Youth Conference organized by Vincentians

An internationally renowned charismatic retreat center in the southern Indian state of Kerala is hosting an international youth conference from July 20 to 25, 2025.

On July 20, Archbishop Andrews Thazhath, Metropolitan Archbishop of Trichur and President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI), inaugurated the “Power 2025 International Youth Conference” at the Divine Retreat Center in Muringoor, near Chalakudy, Kerala.

In his address, Archbishop Thazhath urged the thousands of young people gathered to remain rooted in Christ through prayer and to live actively according to the values and principles of the Gospel.

“God has called and blessed us to be responsible and productive in a life of service, goodness, and grace in society and the Church,” the archbishop said.

Reflecting on the Jubilee Year theme, “Pilgrims of Hope,” Thazhath added, “Jesus is our hope, and we are called to be people of hope to the world.”

Founded in 1987 as a spiritual initiative of the Vincentian Congregation, the Divine Retreat Center holds weekly retreats and spiritual renewal programs attended by thousands from around the country.

In his inaugural message, Fr. Alex Chalangady, Provincial of the Vincentian Congregation in India, invited participants to use the conference as an opportunity to renew their lives.

The event is led by Fr. Augustine Vallooran, VC, a well-known preacher, along with a team of speakers and musicians. “The International Youth Conference is an occasion to come together in the presence of Jesus,” said Fr. Vallooran.

According to Fr. Joseph Edattu, VC, the conference has drawn overwhelming participation from young people across the country. The conference will feature sessions on God's love, openness to God's Word, surrender, sin, the commandments, and more.