ARISE 2025 Summer Camp Unites Youth from Delhi to Explore Faith, Leadership, and Sustainability

New Delhi, June 25, 2025: The Delhi unit of the Young Catholic Students/Young Students Movement (YCS/YSM) organised the ARISE 2025 Summer Camp from June 19 to 21 at Rosary Senior Secondary School, Kingsway Camp, New Delhi. The event brought together over 350 Catholic youth from various parishes across the Archdiocese of Delhi to explore faith, leadership, and sustainability. The archdiocese's DEXCO team coordinated the camp, led by Fr. Maria Anthony (Director, YCS Delhi) and supported by Fr. T. Charles (Assistant Youth Director), Ms. Deepti Jasmine Xalxo (Youth Animator), and Mr. Ankit G. Kujur (Camp Coordinator).

Held under the theme “Gen Z for a Self-Sustaining World”, the camp encouraged participants to embrace their role in promoting sustainability and unity in society through faith, leadership, and awareness. 

Distinguished guests, including His Excellency Most Rev. Anil J.T. Couto, Archbishop of Delhi; His Lordship Rev. Deepak Valerian Tauro, Auxiliary Bishop of Delhi; and Rev. Msgr. Juan Pablo Cerrillos Hernandez, Counsellor of the Apostolic Nunciature to India and Nepal, graced the occasion and offered profound spiritual guidance and encouragement to the youth. 

Each day of the camp began with the celebration of the Holy Eucharist, fostering a prayerful and reflective atmosphere.

Several impactful sessions were led by various experts during the three days of the camp. Sr. Sarita conducted a session on spirituality, while Ms. Deepti Jasmine Xalxo discussed Christian leadership. Mr. Ankit George presented an eye-opening workshop on cybersecurity, stressing digital responsibility. Rev. Msgr. Juan Pablo shared insights on true Christian leadership, drawing from Pope Leo XIII’s teachings, and Fr. Chetan Machado highlighted the importance of the YCS/YSM movement. Members from the DEXCO team of the Delhi archdiocese introduced the vision, mission, and structure of the YCS/YSM movement. 

A special session by representatives of Caritas India highlighted the organisation’s vision and mission in serving humanity through compassionate ministry. The representatives encouraged the youth to actively contribute to the mission of Caritas India by becoming involved in meaningful social action.

Interactive cell meetings provided the participants with the opportunity and a space to share their experiences, reflect on what they learnt during the camp, and explore ways to integrate these insights into their daily lives.  

The youth also participated in a Bible quiz, which sparked healthy competition and camaraderie, with trophies awarded to winning teams. A cultural evening celebrated India's diversity, with each parish representing a different state through traditional performances and creative stalls. The camp culminated in a Gospel Band Night led by the ICYM Gospel Band, which offered an uplifting evening of worship and unity.

ARISE 2025 stood out as a transformative experience, combining spiritual depth, intellectual growth, and cultural expression. It empowered the participants to live out their faith with renewed purpose and carry forward the mission of the YCS/YSM movement. 

By Ishita Kujur,

Secretary,

YCS/YSM Delhi