Journey of the Karnataka Regional Youth Convention 2025 Cross Kicks Off in the Diocese of Mysore

Kollegal, Mysuru, July 7, 2025— The Diocese of Mysore officially launched the Youth Cross Journey on Sunday, July 6, 2025, at St. Francis of Assisi Church in Kollegal, bringing together youth from across Kollegal and Martelli Deaneries for a day of faith, unity, and spiritual renewal. The event was organised by the Diocesan Youth Commission as part of the preparations for the 13th Regional Youth Convention—Yuvajanotsava 2025—and was attended by youth representatives from around 30 parishes, clergy, religious sisters and brothers, and lay faithful.

The celebration formed part of the Jubilee initiative launched by Most Rev. Bernard Moras, Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Mysore, who called for jubilee observances across all deaneries in collaboration with diocesan commissions. Kollegal and Martelli Deaneries jointly hosted this inaugural leg, marking a milestone in the diocese’s journey toward deeper youth engagement and spiritual awakening.

The Youth Cross was received with profound devotion during a solemn and prayerful welcome ceremony, symbolising the youth's readiness to journey together in faith. The event was graced by key diocesan leaders, including Rev. Fr. M. Rayappa (Dean of Kollegal), Rev. Fr. Arul Selva Kumar (Diocesan Coordinator of Commissions), Rev. Fr. Maria Xavier (Diocesan Youth Director), Rev. Fr. Peter Balaswamy (CSsR), and Sr. Monica Shanthi (Joint Secretary of the Youth Commission). Their words of encouragement inspired the gathered youth to carry the Cross with commitment and faith.

The Youth Cross Journey is a diocesan pilgrimage, aimed at spiritually animating young Catholics as they prepare for Yuvajanotsava 2025. From Kollegal, the Cross will travel across the Diocese of Mysore, spreading a message of prayer, unity, and renewal.

This inaugural celebration not only marked the start of the Cross’s pilgrimage but also reinforced the youth’s dedication to living out their Christian calling actively and vibrantly in both Church and society.

Report by Youth Commission,

Diocese of Mysore