Srikakulam: Around 800 Catholic youth from dioceses across the Telugu-speaking states gathered for Jwala Youth Fest 2025, held from December 11 to 14 at the Mariagiri Shrine in the Diocese of Srikakulam. The event, organised by the Telugu Catholic Bishops’ Conference (TCBC) Commission for Youth, brought together young people for a combination of spiritual celebration, leadership formation, and cultural exchange.
The three-day festival integrated Youth Jubilee celebrations, the 67th Regional Youth Elections, and a Sports and Cultural Festival, all designed to foster youth leadership, teamwork, and coordinated pastoral engagement within the Church. The fest was conducted under the guidance of Bishop Rayarala Vijaya Kumar, PIME, Chairman of the TCBC Commission for Youth, emphasizing the Church’s commitment to nurturing young leaders.
Special guests included Bishop Pilli Antony Das, Coadjutor Bishop of Nellore, and Dr. Anand Andrew, Professor at St. John’s Regional Seminary, Hyderabad. They addressed the youth during the sports events, highlighting the importance of discipline, teamwork, and leadership in personal and community development.
The Regional Youth Elections provided a democratic platform for diocesan representatives to elect new youth leaders, strengthening the framework for youth participation and decision-making in Church activities. Meanwhile, the sports and cultural competitions encouraged inter-diocesan interaction and camaraderie, showcasing talents and fostering a spirit of healthy competition.
Coordinated by youth directors and volunteers, the fest received strong support from the bishops of the Telugu states, who were acknowledged by the TCBC Commission for Youth for facilitating the event’s success.
Jwala Youth Fest 2025 stands out as one of the largest recent regional youth gatherings in the Telugu Catholic Church, symbolizing institutional collaboration, vibrant youth engagement, and the promotion of leadership and active participation at the regional level.