On Sunday, 14 September 2025, on the feast of Exaltation of the Cross, the campus of St. Joseph Community College, Mango (Jamshedpur), came alive with youthful energy and spiritual fervour as the PDDM( Sister Disciples of the Divine Master) Sisters organized a one-day Youth Mela for the young people of the Jamshedpur Diocese. The gathering, which drew over eighty participants, was set against the theme “Pilgrims of Hope” and sought to accompany the youth in understanding their Christian vocation in the context of today’s challenges.
The day commenced with a prayerful invocation and words of welcome from the sisters, who reminded the participants of Pope Francis’ encouragement in Christus Vivit: “Dear young people, the Church needs your momentum, your intuitions, your faith.” With this reminder, the atmosphere was marked by gratitude, hope, and a strong sense of community as the youth prepared to engage in a day of reflection, learning, and fellowship.
The main inputs were offered by esteemed speakers of the Diocese. Fr. Valerian Lobo, Director of Faith Formation and Pastoral Work of the Diocese and Deputy Secretary of the Jharkhand Regional Bishops’ Council (JHAAN), addressed the youth on the theme, “Pilgrims of Hope and its Relevance to Modern Youth” with live examples. He emphasized that young people are not wanderers without direction, but pilgrims with a purposeful journey. Citing the words of St. Paul—“Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer” (Rom 12:12)—he encouraged the youth to walk with Christ as their guiding light amidst life’s uncertainties.
Fr. Cornelius Tigga, Assistant Director of Youth of the Diocese, presented a session on “Staying Focused in a Digital World.” He underlined the need for discernment and responsible use of modern technology and social media, insisting that these tools can serve as instruments of growth for individuals and communities if rightly used. He cautioned against the dangers of distraction and harmful habits that can ensnare young minds, while affirming the gospel truth that each youth is called to a unique and meaningful mission. His words echoed Christus Vivit: “Do not be discouraged, you have been chosen by God for a unique purpose.”
The faith journey and holiness of Blessed Carlo Acutis was presented by a Sr. Shanthi Lewis PDDM. His extraordinary witness as a modern teenager who lived his faith with joy and creative use of technology continues to inspire young Catholics worldwide. Blessed Carlo’s conviction—“The Eucharist is my highway to heaven”—was highlighted as a central reminder that holiness remains attractive and possible for today’s youth.
Among the most engaging moments of the mela was a creative mime presentation on the message of “Jesus sets me free” by the students of St. Joseph Community College. Through humour and insight, they brought out the struggles of contemporary youth, including academic pressures, peer influences, and digital distractions, while pointing to Jesus Christ and His Word as the ultimate source of hope. This presentation underscored the importance of family, Church, and society as pillars of support for every young person.
The PDDM Sisters further presented a PowerPoint illustrating their Vocation in the Church and the apostolic efforts of the campus, particularly their initiatives for the marginalized. This testimony reminded the students that the Christian mission always unites spiritual growth with social concern.
Fellowship in Joy and Sharing
In addition to reflective sessions, the day was enriched with fellowship through prayer, music, and moments of joyful interaction. The generous hospitality extended—through snacks and a shared lunch—added warmth to the already vibrant atmosphere. The experience of community and togetherness provided a practical lesson in the joy of Christian friendship.
As the Youth Mela concluded, the overwhelming sentiment among the participants was gratitude and renewed conviction. They expressed that the day had strengthened their resolve to journey forward as pilgrims of hope, rooted in Christ. The words of St. Paul resounded powerfully as a fitting summary: “Hope does not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit” (Rom 5:5).
This one-day gathering, enriched by the dedicated efforts of the PDDM Sisters and the inspiring guidance of the resource persons, became for many a turning point in discovering that holiness and hope are not distant ideals but tangible realities for today’s youth. Indeed, the Youth Mela 2025 served as a beacon of encouragement, reminding every participant of the Church’s faith in its young people, and the enduring truth that Christ walks with them as the ultimate source of light and life.
