The Franciscan Sisters of Mary (FMM) nuns in the Diocese of Gulbarga in the southern Indian state of Karnataka empower youth through accompaniment and skill development programs.
Recently, Prathyasha Seva Samsthe, the community of FMM nuns, brought together youth on International Youth Day celebration at St. Helens School, Chandapur.
“This is a place where Christ is least present, and the people are less privileged and marginalized. It’s one of the undeveloped districts of Karnataka,” says Sr. Marian Baby Shanthraj, one of the FMM nuns who organized the program.
Today's youth are a dynamic and diverse generation, bursting with energy, creativity, and idealism. They are uniquely adaptable and resilient, growing up in a world of rapid technological advancements, social media saturation, and shifting societal norms. With a strong desire to make a positive impact, they are driving change in various fields, from sustainability and social justice to technology and the arts.
Thirty enthusiastic youth from various groups and different villages actively participated in the celebration. The childhood games competition brought immense joy to all participants. A vibrant cultural program added color and energy to the celebration.
The gathering of youth was an opportunity that brought them together.
“Through my interactions and connections with young people, I have gained valuable insights into the challenges they face,” said Shanthraj.
She also learned about emotional struggles and mental health concerns and the pressure to conform to societal expectations that youth face.
They face difficulty navigating complex relationships and social dynamics, uncertainty about their future careers and life paths, and limited access to resources, opportunities, and support systems.
These challenges often leave them feeling overwhelmed, anxious, and uncertain about their place in the world.
“As we are in the year of jubilee, we, the Franciscan Missionaries of Mary, play a vital role in nurturing the spiritual growth and development of young people, providing a supportive community where they can explore their faith, ask questions, and deepen their relationship with God,” she said.
“I experienced that being with them, understanding their problems, and giving them opportunities, they become a beacon of hope and guidance,” said Shanthraj.
Youth experience a sense of belonging, purpose, and identity, helping them navigate life's challenges and make informed decisions about their values and choices. By engaging youth in worship, service, and leadership opportunities, youth become active disciples, sharing their gifts, talents, and energy to build a more just and compassionate world.
Youth are like clay in the potter's hands, awaiting shape and direction. Their future form and character depend on the skillful and nurturing hands that mold them.
Similarly, the youth of today are fragile and impressionable, relying on the careful guidance and passionate investment of parents, teachers, and the church to shape their values, beliefs, and actions. The way we mold and inspire them will be reflected in the youth of today, shaping the leaders, citizens, and change-makers of tomorrow.
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.
Latest News
