Youth of Hyderabad Gather for All-Night Vigil at Karunagiri Shrine, Hyderabad

Hyderabad, August 16, 2025– The Youth Commission of the Archdiocese of Hyderabad, together with Church Gagillapur Deanery, organised an overnight Youth Night Vigil on the theme “Awaken in Spirit and Hope” at Our Lady of Fatima Karunagiri Shrine, Suraram. The vigil began on 14 August night and concluded the following morning.

Fr. Samala Mariana Michael, Dean and Parish Priest of Church Gagillapur, and Fr. Jerome Emmanuel Lewis, Youth Director of the Archdiocese, joined parish priests from across the deanery to animate the gathering.

The evening opened with the recitation of Asia’s longest Holy Rosary, setting a deeply prayerful tone. Fr. Michael then led the inaugural invocation, calling for the Holy Spirit’s presence and urging young participants to enter the vigil with open hearts.

Moments of Worship and Teaching

Praise and worship, led by Mrs. Bernadine Juliana Rebort and her team, created a joyful atmosphere of song and prayer. Fr. Jerome Lewis followed with a powerful address centred on three pillars of Christian life: the Word of God, the Holy Eucharist, and Love in the Community. He challenged the youth to be active witnesses of Christ, carrying His light into families, parishes, and society.

Fr. Vidyasagar, Assistant Parish Priest of Karunagiri Shrine, reflected on hope in Christian life, encouraging the young to find strength in the resurrection of Christ. Confession was also made available, giving participants an opportunity for reconciliation and renewal.

Prayer and Eucharistic Celebration

The vigil included the Divine Mercy Prayer and a moving session of Eucharistic Adoration, led by Fr. Lewis. The silence of adoration created an atmosphere of awe and intimacy with Christ, bringing many participants to tears of healing and peace.

The vigil culminated in the Holy Eucharist, celebrated by Fr. Joji Reddy, Parish Priest of Karunagiri Shrine, alongside Fr. Lewis and Fr. Vidyasagar. The Mass became the spiritual high point, drawing the youth together in thanksgiving and renewed faith.

Closing with Gratitude and Patriotism

Mr. Harry Joshua, Youth President of Church Gagillapur Deanery, delivered a vote of thanks, acknowledging the priests, organisers, and volunteers for their dedication. As dawn broke, the Indian National Flag was hoisted to mark Independence Day, reminding all present of their dual call as faithful Christians and responsible citizens.

The vigil proved to be a night of prayer, renewal, and unity, strengthening the faith of the youth and inspiring them to live as true witnesses of Christ.

By Mr. Revanth Ch,

General Secretary,

Church Gagillapur Deanery

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