Youth Retreat in Ajmer Diocese Inspires 82 Participants with Faith and Fellowship

Ajmer, February 21, 2025— 82 young Catholics from across the Diocese of Ajmer came together for a two-day spiritual retreat at Naveenta Pastoral Centre, Madar, Rajasthan, on February 15 and 16, 2025. Organised by the Jesus Youth Rajasthan chapter under the theme "Young | Open | United" (Y.O.U.), the retreat aimed to strengthen the faith and spiritual commitment of the youth. Fr. Rajan Sandhu from the Archdiocese of Delhi led the sessions during the two days of the event, supported by senior Jesus Youth (JY) Rajasthan members.

The program commenced on February 15 with a warm floral welcome for Fr. Rajan and the newly appointed JY Rajasthan Chaplain, Fr. Amit Roshan. This was followed by Deepak and Balveer leading the attendees in energetic action songs and worship, setting a lively and prayerful atmosphere. The participants were then sent for confessions. After their respective confessions, they spent some time in prayer in front of the blessed sacrament. Before retiring for the night, Fr. Rajan guided the participants in a session on embracing a state of grace.

On the second day, the retreat continued in the morning with a Praise & Worship session followed by a session on personal prayer. The participants then practiced sitting quietly in the presence of the Lord for a time of personal prayer. This was followed by a session during which senior members of the Jesus Youth movement briefed the attendees about various aspects of the movement.

The retreat culminated in a pilgrimage to Karunalaya Ashram, the diocese's charismatic retreat centre in Gagwana Village, where participants joined in the celebration of the feast of Our Lady of Lourdes. The Feast Mass was celebrated by the Ecclesial Administrator of the diocese, Bishop Oswald Lewis, along with several priests. The retreat concluded with a fellowship meal before participants departed for their respective places.

The success of the retreat was made possible through the dedication of Fr. Amit Roshan (Chaplain), Fr. Rajan (Resource Person), Fr. Santosh (Director of the Naveenta Pastoral Centre), and several senior JY members, including Mr. Yash George (Diocesan Youth President), Ms. Muskan Rawat (DEXCO member), and others. Organisers expressed gratitude for God’s guidance and the collective efforts that contributed to the program’s meaningful impact.

By Catholic Connect Reporter