Karnataka Youth Commission Holds Inner Healing Retreat for Young People

Mysuru, August 23, 2026: Around 60 young people representing all 14 dioceses of Karnataka participated in a three-day Inner Healing Retreat organised by the Karnataka Regional Youth Commission (KRYC) at Satyanikethan Catholic Centre in the Diocese of Mysuru from August 21 to 23.

The retreat provided participants with an opportunity to step away from the pressures of daily life, reflect on their personal struggles and deepen their relationship with God. It focused on helping young people rediscover hope, purpose and the possibility of a new beginning through Christ.

Participants came from various youth movements, including Jesus Youth, AICUF, YU4C, YCS and ICYM.

The programme included prayer, praise and worship, Eucharistic celebrations, Eucharistic Adoration, Scripture reflections and periods of silence. These activities encouraged participants to reflect on their personal wounds and struggles and open themselves to what organisers described as God’s transforming grace.

The sessions were animated by Fr Maria Xavier, DYD of Mysuru Diocese; Fr Praveen Kumar, parish priest of Rajendra Swamy Shrine, Maddur, Mysuru; Br Victor; Br Cherian Ramapuram; Sr Manjula Joy; Br Gregory; and Br Joy Antony.

Themes explored during the retreat included “Who Am I?”, the role of the Word of God and the Holy Spirit, and pro-life values. Through preaching, prayer and personal accompaniment, participants were encouraged to reflect on God’s unconditional love and the role of forgiveness in the healing process.

A key feature of the retreat was a session on the infilling of the Holy Spirit, during which participants were invited to surrender themselves more fully to God’s presence and seek spiritual renewal.

Several participants described the experience as a personal journey “from brokenness to healing, from fear to courage, and from discouragement to hope”.

The KRYC expressed appreciation to Fr Maria Xavier for initiating the retreat and overseeing its arrangements. The commission also thanked Most Rev. Dr Henry D’Souza, chairman of KRYC, for his continued support and encouragement.

Gratitude was also extended to Fr Ashwin Lohith Cardoza, regional director of the Youth Commission; Sr Lenita AC, regional animator; Ms Sheryl, KRYC coordinator; and the KRYC team and volunteers for their service in organising the programme.

The retreat concluded with participants returning to their families, parishes and dioceses with renewed faith, gratitude and hope. They were encouraged to share their experiences and become witnesses of God’s love and instruments of healing in their communities.

The initiative forms part of KRYC’s ongoing efforts to accompany young people in their faith journey, help them discover their purpose and encourage them to become agents of hope in society.

By Catholic Connect Reporter