"Lenten Youth Recollection" event held at St. Francis Xavier Church, Faudijote, West Bengal

Faudijote, West Bengal, April 9, 2025 — The Bagdogra Diocese unit of the Indian Catholic Youth Movement (ICYM), organised the "Lenten Youth Recollection 2025" event on Sunday, April 6, at St. Francis Xavier Church, Faudijote. The event brought together over 700 youngsters from various parishes across the diocese for a day of spiritual renewal, prayer, and fellowship. The event was organised to help the participants deepen their Lenten journey and prepare their hearts for Easter.

The day began with the participants being welcomed by members of the Faudijote Parish, who greeted each one with the traditional Chandan Tika. This was followed by breakfast and registration, efficiently managed by members of the Diocesan Youth Committee. The event’s proceedings were anchored by Mr. Abhishek Kujur, who served as the Master of Ceremonies.

Following breakfast, participants assembled parish-wise for a coordinated gathering that fostered a sense of unity and group identity. The youth of the host parish then led the opening prayer and a symbolic procession, emphasising a heartfelt return to the Lord during the Lenten season.

The first session of the day was a spiritual talk on the “Importance of Confession”, delivered by Rev. Fr. Basil Toppo, S.J. In his engaging discourse, Fr. Toppo highlighted the grace and healing power of the Sacrament of Reconciliation, using relatable examples and scriptural insights. He urged the participants to approach confession with faith, emphasising that the sacrament is a powerful encounter with God’s mercy.

After this, attendees participated in a Taizé prayer session conducted by members of the New Chumta Parish Youth and the Diocesan Youth Committee. During the prayer session, several participants also availed of the Sacrament of Confession, which was administered by Rt. Rev. Bishop Paul Simick, Bishop of Bagdogra, and 15 priests.

After confession, lunch was served to all the participants. The highlight of the day was the celebration of the Holy Eucharist. The Mass was presided over by Bishop Paul Simick and concelebrated by Fr. Dr. Valerian D’Souza, Fr. Basil Toppo, S.J., Fr. Hemant Minj, and Fr. David Ekka. In his homily, Bishop Simick encouraged the youth to embrace Lent as a journey of transformation and urged them to live out their faith with courage and compassion.

The event concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks delivered by Mr. Niraj Nicholson Toppo, Diocesan Youth President. In his address, Mr. Niraj expressed gratitude to everyone who contributed to the success of the programme. The participants then departed—spiritually renewed and inspired to carry the lessons of the day into their daily lives.

The "Lenten Youth Recollection 2025" event was a meaningful and transformative experience that offered the participants an opportunity to grow in faith, experience God’s mercy, and deepen their relationship with Christ.

By Miss Nikita Kujur,

Joint Secretary,

Diocesan Youth Commision,

Bagdogra Diocese