The Young Priests and Religious Training Program for Youth Ministry 2025 was held initiated by BIRDY, Hyderabad, on October 27–28, 2025, under the banner of the Telugu Catholic Bishops’ Council (TCBC). Themed “Empower Faith Educators to lead with the purpose ” the two-day formation program brought together young priests, religious, and youth directors from across Andhra Pradesh and Telangana to strengthen their pastoral and leadership roles in guiding today’s youth.
The program commenced with an inaugural ceremony following. Fr Noel Maddhichetty the director of BIRDY highlighted purpose and program of two days. Most Rev. Vijay Rayarala, the chairman of TCBC youth commission, bishop of Srikakulam motivated participants the setting a tone of enthusiasm and collaboration. Fr. Dodda Raja, Professor at St. John’s Regional Seminary, opened the sessions with an insightful reflection on the spiritual dimensions of youth ministry, followed by Fr. Thomas Santiagu SDB, Provincial of the Salesian Province of Hyderabad (INH), who highlighted the importance of accompaniment and pastoral creativity in reaching out to young people.
In the afternoon, Fr. Joji SDB, INH Youth Director, and Fr. Sleevaraj SDB, Regional Youth Director, led a joint session focusing on synodal perspectives for youth ministry. The evening featured a powerful talk by Fr. Dr. Anand Andrew, Professor at St. John’s Regional Seminary, culminating in a solemn Holy Mass celebrated by Most Rev. Rayarala Vijaya Kumar PIME, Chairman Bishop. The day concluded with recreation and moments of community bonding among the participants.
The second day began with Adoration led by Fr. Paulraj SHS, followed by Holy Mass once again celebrated by Bishop Rayarala Vijaya Kumar PIME. The sessions that followed were animated by Fr. Ernest Rosario SDB, Professor of Technology and Media and Coordinator of BOSCOM (Don Bosco Media Network of South Asia), who offered engaging insights into the role of Artificial Intelligence in youth ministry and evangelization. His sessions emphasized the transformative potential of technology when guided by faith, ethics, and a heart for service.
The concluding ceremony featured words of appreciation and encouragement from Fr. Gupta SDB, Youth Director, along with felicitation by Fr. Jonesh MC and Sr. Devamani FMA. The event was efficiently coordinated by Mr. Raju, Regional Youth President of TCBC, and Ms. Manisha Sharon, Regional Youth Secretary, with Mr. Vijayaraj, Regional Youth Treasurer, overseeing registrations and Fr. Paulraj SHS handling media coverage.
The Faith Educators program was participated by 67, youth animators from the dioceses Andhra and Telangana, and 52 men and women religious from various congregations. The gathering reaffirmed the shared commitment of young priests and religious to journey with the youth, embracing modern tools and renewed enthusiasm to inspire the next generation of leaders within the Church and society.
