Fransalian Youth Convention in Goa Calls Young People to Meaningful ‘Right Connections’

Goa, Jan 31, 2026: The 2nd National Fransalian Youth Convention 2026 was inaugurated on January 30 at the Pilar Pilgrims Centre, Pilar, bringing together young Fransalians from across India for three days of reflection, faith formation and discernment. Organised under the theme “Rise in Hope and Shine in Love,” the national gathering runs until February 1.

The convention opened with the unveiling of the official logo by Fr. Johnson Kallidukil MSFS, Superior General of the Fransalians, who also delivered the inaugural address. In a pointed reflection on contemporary youth realities, Fr. Kallidukil urged participants to examine the nature of their relationships in a world increasingly shaped by digital connectivity but marked by fragile personal bonds.

Distinguishing between superficial contacts and authentic relationships, he challenged the youth to reflect on their spiritual lives, asking whether God remains merely a “contact” or a genuine connection. Drawing from the First Book of Samuel, he referred to the account of David, Uriah and Bathsheba, noting that David’s moral failure began when he drifted away from God. He cautioned that misplaced connections and choices can lead individuals away from their true purpose and shape their destiny in damaging ways.

Linking Scripture with everyday experience, Fr. Kallidukil also reflected on the Gospel image of the seed and the soil, emphasising that personal and spiritual growth depends on the environment one chooses. He noted that young people flourish when rooted in values, faith and supportive relationships.

Sharing insights from pastoral experience, the Superior General spoke of the long-term impact of poor decisions made through unhealthy relationships, addictions and destructive lifestyles. While many later expressed regret, he observed that the consequences often endured, underscoring the need for early discernment and responsibility in life choices.

Calling the youth to live the convention’s theme in concrete ways, Fr. Kallidukil stressed that hope and love can only be sustained through a deep and consistent relationship with God. He encouraged participants to become authentic witnesses of faith within their families and communities, reminding them that character and values matter as much as personal success.

The inaugural session was attended by several Fransalian leaders and youth animators, including Fr. Johnson Gonsalves MSFS, Provincial Superior of the MSFS Pune Province, and Fr. A. Christu Raj MSFS, General Secretary for Social Apostolate and Innovative Ministries. Fr. Denis Lemos MSFS, National Conference Animator, and Fr. John Barman MSFS, Associate Executive Secretary of the CCBI Commission for Youth, also accompanied the participants, along with group animators who facilitated discussions and mentoring sessions.

Summing up the core message of the convention, Fr. Kallidukil invited the youth to reflect on a simple but powerful refrain: “My connections will define my destiny.” With this call, the national convention opened as a space for young people to re-examine their relationships, faith commitments and life choices, and to journey towards lives rooted in hope, love and responsible freedom.

By Catholic Connect Reporter