The 8th Regional Youth Convention (RYC) 2022, organized by the Regional Youth Commission, West Bengal and Sikkim region and hosted by the Diocesan Youth Commission, Archdiocese of Calcutta, was held at Auxilium Convent School, Barasat, Calcutta from October 1 to 4.
The four-day residential event was attended by nearly 500 youths from the eight dioceses of the West Bengal and Sikkim region, namely Asansol, Baruipur, Bagdogra, Calcutta, Darjeeling, Jalpaiguri, Raiganj, and Krishnagar.
The theme was "Young Man, I say to you Arise" (Luke 7:14).
The convention was started by the hoisting of the Vatican flag by Archbishop Thomas D’Souza of Calcutta, followed by the hoisting of the flag of the Indian Catholic Youth Movement (ICYM) by Emeritus Bishop Cyprian Monis. The hoisting of the regional flag was done by Bishop Fulgence Aloysius Tigga of Raiganj.
On October 1, the feast day of St. Therese of Child Jesus of Lisieux, Archbishop D'Souza, during his homily, accentuated the tale of her life. Through her example, he persuaded the youth, saying small acts of charity and sacrifice can make a big difference.
The welcome address was by Father Nimai Mardi, the Regional Youth Director (RYD), West Bengal and Sikkim Region.
Peter Gomes, a former member of ICYM, Calcutta and currently a key figure in the singing genre, led participants in praise and worship of Jesus with his soulful performance.
Ms. Jenes Khalkho and her team presented an astounding dance performance with a fusion of both Indian classical and contemporary dance forms.
Christopher Lobo, the eminent singer, brought the crowd to their feet and won the hearts of the youth with his Bollywood remix.
The second day was marked by sessions taken by Father Gregory Monteiro on the significance of the Eucharist, the Bible, and prayer in the life of youth, while Father Arijit Bor spoke on the gift of vocation.
Other activities of the days were competitive events, including the Bible quiz on the Gospel of St. Luke and doctrines of the Catholic Church, the Cosplay (enactment of Biblical characters) and the Talent Hunt Show.
The main attractions of the day were the exhibition and food festival, where all eight dioceses displayed their cultural glory.
It was inaugurated by the National Youth President, Advocate Anthony Judy. The day ended well with Taize prayer and confession led by Bishop Nirmol Vincent Gomes of Krishnagar.
The third day commenced with the Exodus rosary led by the Krishnagar diocese. Each decade of the rosary was enacted beautifully by the youths of the said diocese.
In a session by Father Henry Saldanha, dean of North 24 Parganas and parish priest of St. Joseph’s Church, Bongaon, through the example of his several well-established students, he inspired the youths to come out of their shells and enlightened them with the freedom to soar high in life.
In his talk, Father Sandip Michael Biswas, the Archdiocesan Youth Director, focused on the different life skills that youth must be aware of.
The Regional Executive Committee (REXCO) elections were held on the same day, during which Lawrence Prince Biswas was elected as the Treasurer and Ms. Angela Perris was elected as a REXCO member from the Archdiocese of Calcutta.
The concluding Mass was presided over by the Chairman Bishop and the DYDs. The evening was engaged in the award ceremony.
The two regional awardees from the Archdiocese of Calcutta, Jovita Joachim Tigga and Ms. Mary Margaret Anthony, were recognized for their immense contributions to the youth ministry.
Also, Ms. Angela Perris was awarded for designing the convention logo. Ahead of the award ceremony, the DJ night was held to set the mood of celebration.
The fourth day began with the Thanksgiving Mass by the Chairman Bishop and the eight DYDs.
During the Mass, the oath-taking ceremony by the newly elected REXCO team was held. A special initiative of planting saplings was carried out by the new REXCO members to pay tribute to mother Earth. - Teresa Rozario
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