UPAASANA Camp Brings 108 Catholic Children Together In Faith And Service

Chamarajanagar, Karnataka, September 15, 2026: One hundred and eight Catholic children from the Chamarajanagar Deanery of the Diocese of Mysore explored the meaning of faith through prayer, formation, fellowship and service during a one-day UPAASANA faith formation camp held under the theme, “Called to Pray, Sent to Serve.”

Organised as part of the Year of Faith 2026, the camp brought together 56 girls and 52 boys from Class 5 to 2nd PUC for a day of spiritual reflection and practical learning.

The sessions covered topics including “Bible & Church,” “God in My Life,” “Life Skills,” “Children in Modern Days,” “Faith & Christian Life,” and “Synod and Synodality.” Through these sessions, the participants were encouraged to deepen their relationship with Jesus, strengthen their faith and reflect on their role in the life and mission of the Church.

A key part of the camp was a visit to Ashraya, where the children met persons experiencing mental health challenges. Accompanied by the Sisters of St. Charles Borromeo, they interacted with the residents and shared moments of friendship and joy.

The experience gave the children an opportunity to reflect on human dignity, compassion, acceptance and the Christian responsibility to reach out to people who are often marginalised. Their interactions also prompted reflection on forgiveness, dignity and responding with compassion to those facing difficult circumstances.

Fr. Michael Mari A., Dean of Chamarajanagar Deanery, celebrated the Eucharist and encouraged the children to remain close to Jesus and live out their faith in their families, schools and parishes.

Fr. Prashanth of Doddayapet Parish and Fr. Duraiswamy of Gudalpet Parish also visited the camp and encouraged the participants.

The organisers expressed gratitude to Sr. Soosai Maal, Superior, and the Sisters of St. Charles Borromeo for their hospitality, guidance and support.

UPAASANA, meaning “Sitting Near the Divine,” sought to help children connect prayer with action, emphasising that Christian faith is expressed not only in worship but also through compassion, friendship and service to others.

By Fr. Arul Selva Kumar