MIJARC Telugu orientation meeting calls rural Catholic youth to leadership, faith and service

Secunderabad, July 22, 2026: A one-day orientation meeting organised by MIJARC Telugu in collaboration with MIJARC Asia brought together priests, youth leaders and delegates from several dioceses to strengthen leadership, faith formation and social engagement among rural Catholic youth.

Held on July 19 at Jyotirmai Society, Secunderabad, the programme was conducted under the theme “Empowering Rural Young People for Leadership, Faith, and Action.”

The meeting began with the lighting of the lamp, followed by introductions and an orientation on the vision, mission, history and organisational structure of MIJARC Telugu.

In the first session, Kalapala Praveen Kumar spoke on leadership among Catholic rural youth, highlighting responsibility, teamwork, confidence and active participation in parish and community life.

Kummari Krishnakar, MIJARC World Advisor and MIJARC Asia Project Manager, presented an overview of the organisation’s mission, global and regional activities and future vision. He emphasised the importance of faith formation, leadership development and social action in empowering rural Catholic youth.

A central session of the programme was led by Rev. Fr Bernd Hante, MIJARC World Chaplain, who reflected on the spirituality of rural Catholic youth. He encouraged participants to deepen their relationship with Christ and integrate their faith into their daily lives, leadership and service to society.

The afternoon session opened with an action song led by Harry Joshua, Regional Youth Advisor. This was followed by a presentation by Rev. Fr Medi Sleevaraj, SDB, Regional Youth Director of the TCBC Commission for Youth, who outlined MIJARC Telugu’s ongoing initiatives and future plans and shared strategies for strengthening youth ministry across the Telugu-speaking region.

Participants subsequently engaged in group discussions on strengthening MIJARC at parish and diocesan levels. The discussions resulted in practical recommendations, including the formation of active parish youth teams, regular leadership and faith-formation programmes, improved communication among diocesan units and expanded community service initiatives.

An interactive open forum provided participants an opportunity to engage with Fr Hante, who encouraged them to remain committed to servant leadership, Christian values and the mission of MIJARC in building vibrant rural youth communities.

The meeting concluded with the adoption of resolutions aimed at strengthening MIJARC Telugu, increasing youth participation, implementing proposed action plans and promoting greater collaboration among diocesan units.

The programme concluded with a vote of thanks, followed by the closing prayer and the National Anthem at 5:20 p.m. Participants left the gathering with renewed enthusiasm and a stronger commitment to promoting leadership, faith and social action among rural Catholic youth.

By Catholic Connect Reporter