TCBC Youth Commission Finalises Action Plan, Announces ‘Jwala 2027’ Regional Youth Meet

Guntur, July 6: The Telugu Catholic Bishops' Council (TCBC) Commission for Youth has finalised its Youth Action Plan for 2026–2027 and announced the launch of 'Jwala 2027', a five-day regional youth festival expected to bring together thousands of Catholic youth from Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.

The strategic planning meeting was held on July 4 at the Kolping Community Hall in Vasantharayapuram, Guntur, with the approval of Bishop Rayarala Vijaya Kumar of Srikakulam. The programme was coordinated by Fr. Medi Sleevaraju, Regional Youth Secretary, and hosted by Fr. Karunakar Thumma, Executive Director, along with youth collaborators.

Around 100 delegates, including diocesan youth directors, representatives of Catholic youth movements and youth leaders from across the Telugu states, participated in the meeting. Delegates from the dioceses of Guntur, Khammam, Kadapa and Visakhapatnam, along with representatives of youth organisations such as YCS/YSM and Jesus Youth, contributed to discussions on strengthening youth ministry in the region.

A key outcome of the meeting was the announcement of 'Jwala 2027', a regional mega youth gathering scheduled for January 12–16, 2027, at Loyola Public School, Nallapadu, Guntur. The event is expected to attract thousands of young Catholics for prayer, formation, fellowship and leadership development.

The meeting also focused on promoting greater youth participation in Church life, fostering spiritual formation and encouraging social responsibility. Participants emphasised closer collaboration among diocesan youth commissions and Catholic youth movements to build a vibrant and mission-oriented youth ministry.

The newly adopted action plan will guide youth ministry initiatives across the parishes and dioceses of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana over the coming year, with preparations for 'Jwala 2027' set to begin in the months ahead.

TCBC YOUTH COMMISSION