Youth Pastoral News

Salesian Parishes celebrate National Youth Day

Salesian parishes, kept a day aside for the young people today in various regions of our province by celebrating the National Youth Day dedicated by the Catholic Bishops of India, which will be celebrated every year on the second week of August.

Polsondamore: Our lady of Fatima church, Polsondamore, celebrated the National Youth Sunday with 27 youths from the parish. Fr. John Maliakal, Rector presided over the Holy Eucharist while Fr. Robi Sarkar, animated the youth for an hour.

“Fr. Robi Sarkar presented to us 10 Youths in the Bible,” said one of the youths, “They are Joseph, Joshua, Samuel, David, an anonymous little girl in a foreign land who whispered into the ears of Mrs. Naaman about the power of the God of Israel (2 kings 5:2f), Josiah, a boy King at the age of 8, Jeremiah, a boy prophet, Daniel, the young Timothy Paul, a young man,” added another.

The Parish priest, Fr. Iresh Besra organized a small fellowship meal for all the youth who participated. Impressed by today’s event the youth decided to make Bosco Jayanti a grand event.

Dhajea: 37 youths from three sub-stations of Sacred Heart Quasi-Parish Dhajea came together to celebrate the National Youth Sunday here at Dhajea.

“Sungma Turzum, Dhotrey Malot and Dhajea, prepared themselves for this event in their own respective Chapels and came for the common celebration at Dhajea,” said Fr. Peter Lepcha, Parish Priest.

During the homily young people were encouraged to live a meaningful life in communion with Jesus as per the liturgy of word and the theme of the day “Stand Up I Appoint You as A Witness of What You Have Seen.”

A small get-together was organized after the Holy Eucharist where the youth helped themselves with cake and snacks.

Krishnagar: Muktinagar parish of Krishnagar diocese celebrated National Youth Sunday with 25 boys and girls of the parish. Fr. Chandan Banerjee presided over the Holy Eucharist and highlighted on the theme of the day, “Stand Up I Appoint You as A Witness of What You Have Seen.”

After felicitation and refreshment, the youth moved to plant trees to commemorate the event, “but due to heavy rain the plantation was postponed to 22 August,” said Fr. Chandan Banerjee, the Youth In charge of the parish.

Diamond Harbour: A two-day animation Programme from 7 to 8 August, was conducted for 25 Youths of Diamond Harbour Parish, by the Salesian fathers and Missionaries of Charity sisters.

On Saturday the youths arrived from sub-centres namely, Shibpur, Namkhana (Bokkhali), Sagor Island, Pathor Kuchi – Iplot, Kulpi and Diamond Harbour. “They were divided into groups and asked to prepare for inaugural ceremony,” said Fr. Lewis Tirkey, the Assistant Parish Priest.

The theme, “Stand up I appoint you as a witness to what you have seen (Act 26:16)”, was highlighted during the ceremony. Ice-breaking sessions, motivational presentation was given by Fr. Milan Basak. Time was also set apart for moments of prayer and adoration in which the young people were preached about the importance of the sacrament of confession. “Most of them grabbed this precious opportunity and approached the confessional,” said Fr. Sunil Lakra, the Rector and Parish Priest. “Campfire after the supper chilled us out and we enjoyed a lot,” said one of the Youths.

On Sunday after inputs by Sr. Nillu, MC and Fr. Sunil Lakra, the youths moved towards a solemn celebration of the Holy Eucharist and concluded the two-day celebrations of National Youth Day. Liluah: The Youth of the Salesian parish of Liluah celebrated the National Youth day at Don Bosco School premises on 22 August 2021.

Around 150 youth from Bhattanagar, Chandmari, Joypur and Liluah were present for the event. Fr. Patrick, the Youth Director was the main celebrant and the chief quest of the day along with few young priests and a brother.

Fr. Patrick while celebrating the Holy Eucharist emphasized on the word commitment and sacrifice that a person needs to make in his or her life. The youth had a short gathering in the hall where Fr. Arvind Khalkho, the Social Communication delegate of the Province concentized them about the impact of social Media in the life of young people with his Powerpoint presentation themed, ‘Self-formation in Social Media culture.’

After sumptuous meal the youth had football and handball matches organized by the office bearers. The highlight of the day was the football match between Salesians and the youth of the parish. Don Bosco technical boys defeated all the subcenters to lift the football trophy. The Girls had their Handball match in the basketball court where Chandmari girls defeated all the other subcenters to lift the champions trophy.

The day concluded with the sudden visit of Archbishop of Kolkata, Rt. Rev. Thomas D’ souza, who talked with the youth and took some snaps.

Youth ministry organizes online competition on Independence day and Bosco Jayanti

SYM Leaders & Animators Meet 2021

Kolkata: Two-week long competitions were organised for the youth of the parishes by the Youth Ministry department of Kolkata, to commemorate Independence day and Bosco Jayanti from 15 – 31 August 2021.

The competitions were divided into two categories. For independence day there was Patriotic song competition and Candid photography competition. For Bosco Jayanti there was Bosco song and Bosco quiz competition.

Many participated in the competitions from different parishes and institutions. The result was declared on 31 August. For the patriotic song competition Don Bosco Samthar bagged the first prize followed by Diamond Harbour and DB Azimganj. For the

Don Bosco Samthar winning the first prize for Patriotic song Rajni Chirmako, Second in Candid photography

Candid photography Esther Bhutia received the first prize, followed by Rajni Chirmako and Vincent Beck.

The criteria for Bosco song competition was that it should be original. Elvis Osta from Auxilium Parish once again bagged the first prize for the original score, followed by Diamond Harbour and Rajani & Nirmala.

Bosco quiz competition was held online via google form. Joyita Murmu of DB Joypur bagged the first prize, followed by Nirmal Kujur of Bandel Basilica and George Mondal of Don Bosco Liluah.

All the winners received a cash prize of ₹3000, ₹ 2000 and ₹1000 for first, second and third position.

Kolkata: Around 130 young leaders and animators from different Salesian parishes and youth centres came together for a one-day Leaders and Animators Formation (LAF) Programme conducted by the Youth Director of Salesian Province of Kolkata, Fr. Patrick Lepcha, on 14, 21, 30 August and on 4 September.

All the centres in North Bengal, central and south Bengal were represented by both the youth and Salesians.

The 5-hour programme was divided into various input session such as knowing Don Bosco, Salesian Youth Spirituality, Salesian Youth Movement and a document of the church, Fratelli Tutti was also presented.

In the election for the post of executive members of Salesian Youth Movement of Kolkata, Mrinal Arthur Rai was chosen for North Bengal zone, John Paul Toppo for Tarai Dooars, Priyanka Munda & Christina Sirkar for Kolkata Zone, and Joyta Murmu for Central Bengal zone were selected. They will help out Liander Ekka, the Province delegate to the National SYM of South Asia.

The LAF which is first of its kind, is all set to give formation and a unique identity to the Salesian youth of various parishes and institutions under the banner of Salesian Youth Movement.