Bangladesh: RVA Bengali Service marks Jubilee Year with "Pilgrimage of Hope" celebration

Radio Veritas Asia's (RVA) Bengali service and the Episcopal Commission for Youth jointly arranged a Pilgrimage of Hope seminar for youth at the Christian Communication Centre in Bangladesh on April 5.

The seminar, "Pilgrims of Hope," focused on how youth use the internet to spread the Good News.

The event witnessed the participation of more than 45 youths from all eight dioceses of Bangladesh, along with seminarians, brothers, nuns, and youth. The seminar, centered on the theme "Pilgrims of Hope," aimed to inspire and equip young Catholics with the vision and tools to spread the Good News through digital media.

The event opened with a heartfelt prayer for the victims of the recent earthquake in Myanmar and Thailand, setting a tone of solidarity and compassion.

In his opening remarks, Father Bulbul Rebeiro, director of the Christian Communication Centre, welcomed participants, stating, "I know that you are the future Church, so you will contribute your talents by writing articles, poems, and good stories that reflect our faith."

Father Nikhil Gomes, coordinator of RVA Bengali Service for Bangladesh and West Bengal, delivered an inspiring address, reminding the youth, "As pilgrims of hope, you must be honest and trustworthy. Youth are not just the future but the present light of the Church."

He shared the rich history of RVA, from its founding in 1969 as a Catholic radio network to its transformation in 2018 into a fully digital platform.

"Radio Veritas Asia now reaches audiences in 21 Asian languages, sharing reflections, Scripture insights, stories of faith, daily Mass, and prayers," he said. "It’s more than a media platform; it’s a mission to bring Christ to Asians, both locally and globally."

The day featured practical sessions too. Sister Laily Rozario RNDM, a content producer for the Bengali Service, conducted a workshop on scriptwriting, urging young people to contribute quality content for RVA.

Fellow producer Ripon A. Tolentino echoed the sentiment, inviting participants to use media creatively and responsibly for evangelization and social transformation. The event resonated deeply with its youthful audience. "I feel fortunate to be part of this seminar," shared Swapna Mrong from the Mymensingh diocese. "It opened my eyes to the importance of using online platforms for spreading the message of Christ."

Clinton Tripura from the Chattogram archdiocese emphasized the role of media in society: "In today’s digital age, communication is key to promoting harmony and development. Let us build a digital community rooted in faith and fraternity."

As RVA Bengali Service celebrates its journey since going on air on December 1, 1980, the Jubilee Year stands as a testament to its evolving mission, one that now invites the youth to become digital missionaries in a connected world.

The "Pilgrimage of Hope" was more than a seminar; it was a call to action, encouraging a new generation to be bold in faith and creative in communication, continuing the legacy of RVA with renewed energy and purpose.