Youth Day Celebrated at Sandor Parish in Vasai, Maharashtra

Vasai, Maharashtra, Sept. 5: The youth of St. Thomas Church, Sandor—a parish under the Diocese of Vasai—celebrated Youth Day on August 15, 2025, with a grand event at the church premises. The celebration, which drew around 310 youngsters from the parish, was held under the theme “Rise and Shine – The Church Listens to You”. The event aimed to deepen the spiritual life of the participants, address contemporary challenges faced by the youth, and combine faith with fun and fellowship.

The event commenced with a solemn Holy Mass, setting a devotional tone for the day. Following the Mass, the inaugural proceedings began with the unveiling of the event’s theme, the welcoming of dignitaries, and the traditional lighting of the lamp — a symbolic invocation of Christ as the guiding light for all.

Members of the Youth Parish Society (YPS) of Sandor parish then presented a thought-provoking street play addressing pressing issues faced by today’s youth. This was followed by an awareness talk delivered by local police officials, emphasising the importance of responsible living.

A lively session of action songs energised the gathering and set a buoyant tone for the programme. Participants then joined in an opening prayer that united everyone in a spirit of devotion and community.

Later, the organisers of the event screened a special video message from Msgr. Thomas D’Souza, Bishop of the Vasai Diocese. Fr. Joel Correia, Youth Director of Yuvapalkiya Samiti Sandor, delivered an introductory note, and Fr. Raymond Rumao, Parish Priest of Sandor Parish, followed with an inspiring address that encouraged deeper youth engagement in parish life.

Organisers then conducted the formal handing over of responsibilities to the new YPS core committee, which culminated in a solemn oath-taking ceremony. The incoming team officially assumed its duties in the presence of outgoing members, clergy and parishioners.

The programme featured a series of cultural events, including a captivating dance by YPS members that showcased youthful creativity and enthusiasm. The event also included spot games, group activities, and action songs, fostering camaraderie and team spirit among participants.

Later, both the outgoing and incoming presidents of the YPS Core Committee delivered presidential addresses. Their remarks highlighted past achievements and laid out a forward-looking vision for deeper youth engagement in parish activities.

The celebration concluded with a thanksgiving segment, a spirited praise-and-worship dance, a group photograph, and a melodic orchestra performance that provided a fitting finale.

Parish leaders lauded the event as a success, emphasising that it strengthened communal bonds and renewed the commitment of the youth of the parish towards active, responsible participation in church and society.

Watch the video of the entire Youth Day celebration on the Sandor Parish YouTube channel 

Catch highlights of the youth day celebration on the Sandor Parish Youth Instagram page

By Yuvapalkiya Samiti, Sandor

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