Patna: The Indian Catholic Youth Movement (ICYM), Bihar Region, marked a significant step in nurturing faith-driven leadership with a three-day Retreat and Orientation Programme held at Navajyothi Niketan, Patna, from September 19 to 21. The event brought together Diocesan Youth Directors (DYDs) and young leaders from the dioceses of Bettiah, Buxar, Bhagalpur, Muzaffarpur, and Patna, offering them a space for spiritual renewal, reflection, and capacity building.
The retreat was conducted under the guidance of Bishop Peter Sebastian Goveas, Chairman of the Bihar Regional Youth Commission, who encouraged the participants to see youth ministry as a transformative vocation. Organisational support was extended by Fr. Pascal Anand, Regional Youth Director, along with Fr. Robert Tigga, Fr. Susai Raj, and Bro. Rajesh. Fr. Anthony Swamy, Director of Navajyothi Niketan, managed the logistical arrangements with precision, ensuring the smooth conduct of the sessions. Renowned preacher and retreat guide, Fr. Oswald Saldanha, enriched the gathering with spiritual insights and practical wisdom.
The programme commenced on September 19 with an inaugural prayer service, followed by an interactive round of introductions where participants shared their expectations in writing. Later that evening, Fr. Oswald set the tone with an inspiring session titled “What is Youth Ministry?” He reminded the youth that their service must flow from a sense of joy and faith, rooted in the mission of Christ.
The second day began with guided meditation and a Holy Mass led by Fr. Oswald, whose homily emphasized the centrality of Christ in every aspect of youth ministry. The first session of the day focused on Self-Awareness, inviting participants to reflect deeply on their gifts, limitations, and spiritual call. The subsequent session on Values highlighted faith, integrity, and service as cornerstones of true Christian leadership. After each session, quiet periods of personal prayer and reflection provided opportunities for the youth to absorb and internalise the messages. A guided examination of consciousness further deepened their spiritual encounter.
Afternoon sessions concentrated on Leadership and Animation. The leadership session encouraged participants to model their service on Christ’s example of servant leadership, stressing humility and responsibility. The “How to Animate?” workshop offered practical skills on motivating and guiding youth at the parish and diocesan levels. The evening concluded with Action Planning, where groups collaborated to draft concrete steps to revitalise ICYM structures and activities in their respective dioceses.
The final day carried an orientation focus. Participants were introduced to the broader vision, objectives, and organisational framework of ICYM, spanning parish, deanery, diocesan, regional, and national levels. Ice-breaking activities, diocesan report presentations, and the formation of the Regional Executive Committee (REXCO) added a practical dimension, ensuring that the youth leaders returned with clear strategies and a sense of shared responsibility.
The closing Eucharistic celebration, presided over by Bishop Peter Sebastian Goveas, brought the retreat to a fitting conclusion. In his homily, he exhorted the youth to embrace lives shaped by faith, hope, love, and service, urging them to be instruments of transformation in their communities.
Before the final benediction, Fr. Pascal Anand extended heartfelt thanks to the clergy, resource persons, and participants, acknowledging their contributions to the success of the programme. A youth representative, on behalf of the group, expressed gratitude to Fr. Pascal for his tireless commitment in guiding and animating the regional youth apostolate.
Blending prayer, fellowship, formation, and planning, the three-day programme left participants strengthened in faith and renewed in mission. Equipped with spiritual clarity and practical tools, the young leaders of ICYM Bihar Region now step forward with a greater commitment to animate youth in their dioceses and parishes, carrying forward the mission of Christ with zeal and dedication.