LEAD Camp Forms Young Missionary Leaders in Punalur Diocese

Pathanapuram, June 24, 2026: A leadership formation programme aimed at preparing young Catholics for missionary service and active participation in Church life brought together youth from across the Diocese of Punalur at St. Xavier’s Animation Centre, Pathanapuram.

The camp, titled LEAD (Leaders Empowered and Deployed), was organised by the diocesan Youth Ministry in collaboration with the Kerala Regional Latin Catholic Bishops’ Council (KRLCBC) and Communio as part of the Youth Missionary Animation Project (YMAP). The initiative seeks to nurture leadership qualities, faith formation and missionary commitment among young people.

The programme began with an introductory address by Fr. Bibin Sebastian, diocesan Youth Coordinator, who encouraged participants to embrace leadership as a call to service in the Church and society. Sr. Pamela Mary F.I.H. formally inaugurated the camp, while Fr. Benedict J. Thekuvila, diocesan chief coordinator, felicitated the gathering.

A significant spiritual moment of the camp was the celebration of the Holy Eucharist by Bishop Selvister Ponnumuthan of Punalur, who urged the young participants to become witnesses of Christ through committed leadership and missionary outreach.

The training sessions were led by experienced resource persons, including Mr. Sujith Edwin Pereira, Director of the National Institute for Training and Educational Research (NaITER), and Fr. Anoop Kalathithara O.S.J., State Committee Director of KCYM and Secretary of the KRLCBC Youth Commission. Through interactive sessions and discussions, participants were encouraged to develop leadership skills, teamwork and a deeper sense of responsibility towards the Church’s evangelising mission.

Around 70 youth representing various parishes of the diocese attended the programme, accompanied by priests and religious sisters engaged in youth ministry. The camp was coordinated by the KCYM Punalur diocesan committee.

By fostering leadership, faith and missionary zeal, the LEAD camp sought to equip a new generation of young Catholics to take an active role in building vibrant parish communities and contributing positively to society.

By Catholic Connect Reporter