- 15 September, 2025
Jamshedpur, September 15, 2025 – The Youth Mela 2025, hosted at St. Joseph Community College, Mango, by the Sisters Disciples of the Divine Master (PDDM), brought together more than eighty young people from across the Diocese of Jamshedpur for a day of prayer, learning, and fellowship. Centred on the theme “Pilgrims of Hope,” the gathering aimed to help youth embrace their Christian calling in today’s fast-changing world.
The day began with prayer and a welcome address by Sr. Mary Pinto, PDDM, who set the tone with Pope Francis’ words from Christus Vivit: “Dear young people, the Church needs your momentum, your intuitions, your faith.”
Fr. Valerian Lobo, Director of Faith Formation and Pastoral Work and Deputy Secretary of the Regional Bishops’ Council (JHAAN), led the key session. He urged the youth to walk with Christ as “pilgrims of hope,” drawing on St Paul’s exhortation: “Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer” (Rom 12:12). Using real-life examples, he emphasised that Christian hope is an active force, rooted in God’s love (Rom 5:5), and called the young to resilience, joy, and witness in the world.
The highlight of the Mela was the Eucharistic celebration, presided over by Fr. Lobo, coinciding with the Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross. The liturgy invited participants to renew their faith, recognising the Cross as a sign of hope and victory.
Other sessions tackled pressing themes for today’s youth. Fr. Cornelius Tigga, Assistant Director of Youth, spoke on “Staying Focused in a Digital World”, urging discernment in using technology responsibly for growth and unity. Sr. Shanthi Lewis, PDDM, introduced the inspiring witness of Blessed Carlo Acutis, who used digital tools for evangelisation and lived holiness with simplicity, reminding youth that “The Eucharist is my highway to heaven.”
A student-led mime, “Jesus Sets Me Free”, guided by Sr. Ananda Kumari, PDDM, portrayed the struggles of academic stress, peer pressure, and digital distractions, showing Christ as a source of freedom and strength.
The college principal, Sr. Shanthi, PDDM, highlighted the institution’s mission of service to the marginalised, linking faith with action and encouraging youth to embrace responsibility.
The day was filled with prayer, music, meals, and fellowship, enriched by the hospitality of the PDDM Sisters. Participants left with renewed joy and determination to live as “pilgrims of hope.” Closing the event, Sr. Carmel Barwa, PDDM, thanked all involved, while St Paul’s words—“Hope does not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit” (Rom 5:5)—captured the spirit of the celebration.
By Sr. Shanti Lewis, PDDM
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