Western Region Youth Council of the Indian Catholic Youth Movement Hosts Online Lenten Session

Mumbai, April 1, 2025: The Western Region Youth Council of the Indian Catholic Youth Movement organised an online Lenten session on 31st March 2025. The meeting, held via Google Meet, centred on the theme "Pilgrims of Hope – Youth, Hope of Today and Tomorrow.” Rev Fr Nilesh Tuscano from the Diocese of Vasai was the resource person for the session. Several Catholic youth from all 12 Latin dioceses of the Western Region, along with a few priests and nuns, participated in the enlightening session.

A Spiritually Enriching Experience

The session commenced with the recitation of the Divine Mercy Chaplet, led by Diocesan Youth Presidents (DYPs) and Diocesan Youth Secretaries (DYSs) from the Bombay, Vasai, Amravati, Pune, and Nagpur dioceses. This prayerful beginning set the stage for a deeply reflective and engaging session.

Fr. Nilesh then led a session focused on the importance of hope and faith in the lives of young people. Many participants actively engaged by asking insightful questions, making the discussion dynamic and interactive. Fr. Nilesh also emphasised the need to encourage other youth and draw them closer to the Church. He urged participants to be role models of faith, creating a welcoming space for young people to grow spiritually and feel a sense of belonging within the Church community.

Fr. Christopher Vaz, the Regional Youth Director, shared his thoughts on the theme, emphasising the role of youth in being torchbearers of hope in today’s world. He encouraged young people to trust in God’s plan and be agents of change within their communities. 

A major highlight of the event was the announcement of the winners of Bible Quiz – Season 1 by Mr. Nelson Alphonso, the regional president of ICYM Western Region. The winners are:

🥇 First Place: Sheldon Mascarenhas (Bombay Archdiocese)

🥈 Second Place: Rodrigues Velisha (Bombay Archdiocese)

🥉 Third Place: Venessa Rodrigues (Baroda Diocese)

The Regional Youth Director and President congratulated all the winners and also expressed their gratitude to Fr Nilesh Tuscano for delivering such a meaningful session.

A Fitting Conclusion

As the session drew to a close, Fr. Nilesh delivered the final blessing. This was followed by a heartfelt rendition of the hymn “Sagar Se Gehera Jo Prem, Ishwar Tera Hi Prem” by members of the Mount Carmel Church Youth Group, Akola (Amravati Diocese).

Before concluding, all participants came together for a virtual selfie, capturing the spirit of unity and faith that marked the evening.

The session was a truly memorable and inspiring experience, leaving the participants with renewed faith and a deeper sense of hope as they continue their Lenten journey.

By Ms. Pranita Bhatkar,

Liturgy Head—ICYM Western Region