Youth Coordinators’ Meet Calls for Christ-Centered Ministry and Digital Empowerment
The Youth Coordinators of the province of St Joseph, Hyderabad, gathered at the Provincial House on July 23rd for a day of reflection, planning, and renewed commitment. The meeting was marked by a clear invitation to move from simply organising activities to creating true spiritual encounters with young people.
Fr. Santiagu Thomas, Provincial, in his keynote address, stressed the importance of a “sacramental presence” with the young, one that is rooted not just in professional excellence, but in heartfelt accompaniment. “The Preventive System is our compass,” he reminded the participants, “and that means being present, being trustworthy, and being Christ-like.”
Fr. Vice Provincial’s presentation of the Christus Vivit document offered a powerful lens through which to view youth ministry today: Christ must be the center not programs or events, but encounters that lead young hearts closer to Him. This theme resonated throughout the day as regional youth animators shared their plans for building vibrant and participatory faith communities.
Fr Maddhichetti Noel emphasised the need to harness the digital world for faith animation, proposing the use of online tools to deepen catechesis, prayer, and community life. The proposal to develop Don Bosco shrines as youth pilgrimage centres was welcomed with enthusiasm, offering young people sacred spaces for spiritual reflection.
A new initiative was launched to create a digital repository of animation materials, with Fr Muthyala Sudhakar entrusted to manage a shared Google Drive accessible to all animators. This aims to strengthen collaboration and foster creative unity across the regions.
Fr Medi Sleevaraj, TCBC Regional Youth Director, shared inspiring models from ICYM and MIJARC, highlighting how structured youth movements can empower leadership, promote social responsibility, and deepen spirituality—especially in rural contexts.
Before concluding, Fr Joji unveiled the Youth Ministry Calendar, guiding regional groups in coordinating their monthly and annual plans. Regular online meetings and quarterly physical gatherings will ensure continuity, creativity, and communion.
