Bangladesh’s Rajshahi diocese holds formation program for youth

The Diocese of Rajshahi in Bangladesh held a formation program for youth at Christo Jyoti (light) Pastoral Centre last month.

The main theme of the formation program was "Synodality: Communion, Participation, and Mission of the Youth."

As many as 382 youths from 26 parishes of the diocese, along with youth animators, priests, and nuns participated in this youth formation program. 

The main aim of the youth formation program was to impart moral formation for the Youth in Christian values and Catholic teachings in order to enable them to give faithful witness to the Church.

"Today’s youths are tomorrow’s leaders of the Church, so we need to take care of them by guiding them physically, morally, and spiritually," said Father Nabin Pius Costa, the Rajshahi Diocesan Youth Commission coordinator.

"Be a good Catholic youth in the society, family and country by your good works and deeds and you will make a good example for youths of other religions," said the Youth coordinator.

The main purpose of organizing this youth formation program from the diocese was to make the young generation aware of a good and meaningful life. It is also aimed at helping them avoid wrong decisions and wrong paths at this age. They should learn that human life is very beautiful.

In this one-week formation program, many priests, nuns and professors shed light on different topics, such as the Bible, adolescence, Church law, morality, what is a synodal Church and what we must do for a synodal Church, etc.

Daisy Maria Topno, one of the participants, said, "We learned many things, especially about morality, skill development, and Church teachings that we could use to serve the church and also my village."

Another participant Elias Hembrom said, "Whatever we experience or learn from this youth formation program we must put to good use in our church service." - Nikhil Gomes