The Claretian Missionaries of the Province of Bangalore organized a two-day regional youth fest from October 3 to 4 in Guntur Diocese, Andhra Pradesh, south India.
The event was organized under the leadership of Claretian Father Jaipaul Thumma, prefect of Youth and Vocation, Claretian Father Tappeta Martin, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana States regional youth coordinator, Father Ravi, and Father Jay Raj.
The theme was "Mary rose and went with haste" (Luke 1:30).
Young men and women from Telangana and Andhra Pradesh reached Guntur Diocese on October 2.
More than 300 young women and men, nine priests, seven nuns, and five youth animators Youth from Telangana and Andhra Pradesh states participated in the event.
On October 3, all the youth gathered at the Christ the Redeemer Church, Battiprolu, Father Jaipaul gave the keynote address and welcomed all.
After the inaugural ceremony, Sagar Gabbeta, advisor of the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI) Youth Commission, talked about parish youth leadership, Sister Sudha, a member of the Sisters of Mercy, explained the impact of social media on today’s youth.
In the evening, Father Martin conducted adoration followed by a Holy Mass by Father Jaipaul.
In his homily, Father William spoke on the theme "Youth, you are the future."
After dinner, cultural programs were organized. Youth from Oleru, Chodavaram, Kailasapuram, Nallajerla, Bhattiprolu, Kurnool, Basuregady, Medchal, and Narsannapet parishes participated.
"I was able to learn about the challenges a youth is facing in his parish, which helped me to suggest how to overcome them with patience," said Gabbeta, a resource person.
On the second day, Father Ravi celebrated Mass after Morning Prayer and the Holy Rosary.
Gabbeta took the morning session on challenges faced by Christian youth.
In the second talk, Sister Sudha spoke on belief systems and happiness.
Father Anthony Pasala, principal of St. Claret High School, Medchal, Hyderabad, conducted a Bible quiz with four rounds, and each round had 10 questions on the Gospel of St. Luke.
Three members from each parish in various dioceses participated.
Nallajerla Parish from Eluru Diocese won first place. The Velanganimatha Church at Kailasapuram and Christ the King Church at Chodavaram parishes of the Archdiocese of Visakhapatnam secured second and third place.
Father Martin, regional youth coordinator, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, thanked all the participants and organizing committees.
The regional youth festival ended with the youth pledge and Marian hymn. - Pujitha Nagalli
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