Community event stresses forgiveness, discipline and active youth participation
Jabalpur — The Jabalpur Deanery Youth Commission (JDYC) organised a city-level National Youth Sunday celebration on September 13 at St Thomas Church, Ranjhi, bringing together 119 young people from four parishes for a day of fellowship, cultural activities, formation and spiritual reflection.
The programme, organised around the theme “Forgiveness – Tools for Joy”, combined spiritual teaching with cultural competitions to encourage youth engagement and practical expressions of service and discipline in church and community life.
The event featured dance and song contests that offered participants a platform to demonstrate creativity and teamwork. Prizes were distributed at the conclusion of the celebration to winners across the various competitions.
- Attendance: 119 young people
- Venue: St Thomas Church, Ranjhi
- Organiser: Jabalpur Deanery Youth Commission
- Theme: "Forgiveness – Tools for Joy"
"Young people are not simply the future of the Church but have an active role in its present mission," the programme reflected, drawing on Pope Francis' emphasis on youth.
Fr Davis George, the chief guest, addressed the gathering and urged the youth to recognise and develop their God-given potential. He encouraged participants to overcome complacency and to pursue meaningful academic, professional and social goals while taking responsibility within the Church and wider society, according to the organising report.
A session on forgiveness was led by Fr Rejji Mathew. He reflected on the Christian call to forgive without limit, citing the biblical instruction that goes beyond the literal question of forgiving seven times to the teaching of forgiving "seventy times seven." The session examined how prolonged anger, resentment and the desire for revenge can lead to emotional and physical stress, disturb sleep and reduce a person's sense of well-being and energy.
The celebration's emphasis on discipline, prayer and service was presented as practical means for young people to exercise responsibility. Organisers said the programme aimed to encourage youth to recognise their potential, take active roles in church and society, and to embrace forgiveness as a way to foster peace, joy and personal growth.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Participants | 119 young people from four parishes |
| Location | St Thomas Church, Ranjhi |
| Key sessions | Forgiveness seminar, dance and song competitions, formation talks |
Local youth commissions and parish groups in Jabalpur have in recent years increased focus on formation programmes that couple cultural activities with ethical and spiritual formation, particularly addressing issues such as mental well-being, leadership and community service. The JDYC's event in Ranjhi followed this pattern by combining reflective sessions with creative contests to engage a broad cross-section of young people.
Organisers stressed that beyond the day's activities, the intent was to instil habits of prayer and service and to provide a support network that helps young people deal with interpersonal conflicts constructively. The distribution of prizes at the close of the event recognised not only artistic talent but also teamwork and civic-minded participation.
By centring the theme on forgiveness, the JDYC sought to place emotional health and reconciliation at the heart of youth formation. Officials said the approach was meant to equip participants with personal tools for joy that have practical implications for relationships within families, parishes and the wider Jabalpur community.
The celebration concluded with organisers reiterating calls for continued youth involvement in parish activities and community service, and for participants to apply the lessons of the day in their academic, professional and social lives.
