“Your Commitment Is to Jesus,” Says Fr. Stephen Alathara to Communio Missionary Volunteers

Kolkata, 2 October 2026: “Your commitment is to Jesus,” said Fr. Stephen Alathara, Founder and Director of Communio, while addressing the Communio Missionary Volunteers during their Follow-up Programme at Nitika Don Bosco, Kolkata.

The programme brought together the volunteers for a day of prayer, formation, fellowship and missionary renewal, inviting them to deepen their relationship with Christ and rediscover the meaning of their missionary commitment.

Christ at the Centre of Missionary Service

Addressing the volunteers, he encouraged them to place Jesus at the centre of their personal lives and missionary service. He reminded them that Communio volunteership is not merely participation in programmes or activities, but a response to Christ’s call to mission.

He shared the vision and mission of Communio and reflected on the importance of missionary volunteership in the life of the Church. He explained that the Communio Missionary Volunteers are part of a missionary movement called to witness to Christ through prayer, solidarity and mission.

Fr. Stephen urged the volunteers to approach their calling with commitment, dedication and passion, reminding them that missionary service begins with a personal relationship with Jesus and grows through a willingness to serve others.

Living the Spirit of Communio

The session also focused on the practical dimensions of Communio volunteership. He explained the rules and guidelines governing the volunteers, as well as their functions and responsibilities within the movement.

He emphasised that the missionary spirit is not limited to organised activities but must be lived in everyday situations. The volunteers were encouraged to become witnesses of Christ through their words, relationships, service and concern for others.

Fr. Stephen also reflected on the distinctive identity and role of Communio Missionary Volunteers in comparison with other youth groups. He encouraged them to understand the particular mission entrusted to them and to remain faithful to their commitment with enthusiasm, love and perseverance.

An Open Forum for Reflection

The session concluded with an open forum, providing the volunteers with an opportunity to interact directly with him. The participants raised questions, shared their experiences and sought greater clarity about their roles, responsibilities and commitment as Communio Missionary Volunteers.

The interaction allowed the volunteers to reflect more deeply on their missionary vocation and the meaning of serving Christ through Communio.

The session ultimately encouraged the young missionaries to renew their commitment to Jesus and to carry forward their mission with hearts open to God’s call and a readiness to serve wherever they are sent.

By Catholic Connect Reporter