Hyderabad, June 12, 2025 — Over 50 youth leaders, including diocesan directors, religious youth animators, and representatives of various Catholic youth groups, gathered at the Don Bosco Provincial House, Bandlaguda Jagir, for a pivotal meeting organized by the Telugu Catholic Youth Movement under the aegis of the TCBC Commission for Youth. Salesians of St Joseph Provoice, Hyderabad, hosted and animated the meeting.
The meeting was presided over by Most Rev. Vijay Kumar Rayala, PIME, Bishop of Srikakulam and Chairman of the TCBC Youth Commission, who delivered a compelling keynote address. He emphasized the urgency of unity and collaboration within the Church to effectively minister to young people and guide them in their spiritual journey.
Fr Maddichetty Noel SDB offered a thoughtful presentation on global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), highlighting progress in health and nutrition while warning of declines in democratic values and human rights. He pointed out the growing challenges faced by Catholic youth in India, such as societal pressures, struggles with faith, and lack of leadership opportunities. He called for fostering dialogue, empowering youth, ensuring safety, and building a culture of inclusion and accompaniment within the Church. Fr K.T. Jose SDB delivered a passionate appeal, stressing the urgency and centrality of youth in the Church. Calling them “the best portion of human society” yet often the “most neglected,” he underscored the mission of bringing youth back to the risen Lord as vital for the Church’s renewal.
Fr Santiagu Thomas SDB, Provincial of the St. Joseph Province, Hyderabad, urged all youth leaders to embrace their God-given mission of accompaniment. He warned against becoming “lost shepherds” and called for genuine, compassionate engagement with the young. A major highlight of the day was the introduction of a SWOT analysis framework to strategically assess and enhance youth ministry across the Telugu region.
The event was well-coordinated by Fr Medi Sleeva SDB, newly appointed Secretary of the TCBC Youth Commission, with support from Fr Yeruva Joji SDB and regional youth directors Fr Jeevan SDB, Fr Gupta SDB, and Fr Justin SDB.
The gathering proved to be an enriching platform for the exchange of ideas, shared vision, and collaborative planning — reaffirming the Church’s commitment to nurturing and empowering the youth of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
