The Catholic Church in Bangladesh celebrated its 40th National Youth Day at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, Bonpara, in north-western Bangladesh, from February 1 to 5, 2026, calling young people to renew their commitment as witnesses of Christ in today’s world.
Organized by the Episcopal Youth Commission, this year’s National Youth Day was held under the theme: “You also are my witnesses, because you have been with me” (John 15:27), urging Catholic youth to live out the Gospel through personal integrity, service, and social responsibility.
Approximately 450 participants—including archbishops, bishops, priests, religious men and women, youth coordinators, animators, volunteers, and young people—from eight dioceses across Bangladesh took part in the five-day celebration.
A Call to Witness in Today’s World
The gathering invited young people to reflect on their identity and mission amid the challenges and opportunities of the modern world. Drawing from the Gospel of John, the message emphasized that Christian witness is not a distant memory but a living call for today’s youth.
At the inauguration ceremony, Fr. Bikash James Rebeiro, CSC, Executive Secretary of the Episcopal Youth Commission, welcomed participants and expressed hope that the celebration would spark renewal among the youth.
“May this National Youth Day become a call to renewal and a life of living witness to Christ—spreading light in darkness, awakening hope amid despair, building bridges of unity in the midst of division, and inspiring social transformation,” Fr. Rebeiro said.
Bishops Encourage Youth Leadership and Integrity
Addressing the gathering, Bishop Gervas Rozario of the Diocese of Rajshahi described young people as the hope of both Church and nation.
“My dear young brothers and sisters, in your eyes I see the bright future of the Church and our nation,” he said. “The theme of this Youth Day is a call to each of us to become true witnesses of Christ.”
Bishop Rozario emphasized that authentic witness requires integrity and compassion.
“In a complex world marked by selfishness and instability, you must proclaim Christ’s love through your lives. Your honesty, forgiveness, and solidarity with the weak will be your greatest testimony,” he added.
Faith Lived Through Action
Bishop Subrata Boniface Gomes, President of the Episcopal Youth Commission, reminded participants that Christian discipleship demands action, not just ideals.
“Youth means energy, dreams, and courage. But Christian youthfulness is not about dreaming alone—it is about proving faith through life,” he said.
Acknowledging the pressures faced by young people today—competition, confusion, frustration, and temptation—Bishop Gomes encouraged them to remain rooted in faith.
“Those who hold on to the Lord’s hand show through their actions that faith is still alive,” he said, urging participants to transform belief into daily witness.
Quoting Pope Francis, he concluded:
“Move forward, be courageous, and color the world with your lives.”
Voices of the Youth
Speaking on behalf of participants, Prapti Priyanka Aind from the Diocese of Dinajpur said the youth long for spiritual and moral growth.
“Jesus calls us to walk together and to build a society of peace and harmony,” she said, highlighting the role of youth in promoting sustainable development, innovation, and social change.
A Festival of Faith and Hope
The National Youth Day program featured daily Masses, prayer services, catechetical sessions, a colorful youth rally, the National Youth Day theme song, veneration of the Cross, the Sacrament of Reconciliation, animation programs, a Festival of Light, evaluation sessions, and cultural performances.
Inspired by the celebration, participants pledged to carry the light of Christ into their studies, workplaces, and communities, committing themselves to service, ethical leadership, and faith-based social engagement.
As the Church in Bangladesh marked four decades of National Youth Day, the 2026 celebration reaffirmed that youth are not only the future of the Church, but also the living hope of the present, called to build an enlightened society rooted in truth, compassion, responsibility, and unwavering faith.
