Karnataka Youth Ignite Spirit of Renewal with 'Reconnect' Lenten Initiative

Bengaluru, 13 March 2025 – The Karnataka Regional Youth Commission (KRYC) has launched Reconnect, a Lenten initiative aimed at deepening faith through listening, living, and lending. The programme includes an online Way of the Cross, interactive spiritual sessions, and charitable activities across Karnataka, with the first session held on 12 March.

Fr. Maria Xavier, Diocesan Youth Director and Spiritual Director of Mysore Diocese, focusing on “Sin and Repentance,” urged young people to recognise their sinfulness and seek God’s guidance for transformation. The session featured a repentance service led by the YU4C Mysore team, while Mr. Romario, YU4C Mysore coordinator, organised the praise and worship.

Alongside approximately 120 young participants and diocesan youth directors, key youth leaders, including Fr. Lourd Raj, Regional Youth Director; Ms. Vileena Gonsalves, KRYC Coordinator; and Ms. Jassica Santhmayor, KRYC Secretary, took part in the session, reinforcing the initiative’s mission of spiritual renewal and community engagement.

Ms. Vileena Gonsalves encouraged participants to join the upcoming online Way of the Cross on 19 March at 8:30 PM, highlighting it as another opportunity for spiritual reflection, while Mr. Anson Nazareth, National President of YCS/YSM India, moderated the session. 

The Reconnect initiative is fostering a strong sense of faith and community among Karnataka’s Catholic youth, encouraging them to reflect, repent, and journey together this Lent.

By Jassica Santhmayor 

Secretary, KRYC Council