Youth Retreat, Focused on the Life of St. Carlos Acutis, Held in Shillong

Shillong, Sept. 10, 2025: About 250 youths from the dioceses of Shillong, Jowai, and Nongstoin in Meghalaya gathered on Saturday, September 6, at Don Bosco Youth Centre, Shillong, for a day-long retreat in preparation for the canonisation of Blessed Carlo Acutis, which took place the following day. The retreat aimed to inspire the participants to emulate Carlo’s faith, creativity, and dedication to spreading the Gospel.

The programme commenced with an opening prayer, followed by lively icebreaker activities led by Br. Quirinus Warkhyllew, who energised participants with action songs, dances, and games. 

The first session of the retreat, “Wired for God”, was delivered by Fr. Michael Makri, Director of Don Bosco Youth Centre, Shillong. In his talk, Father Makri highlighted Carlo Acutis’ extraordinary love for the Eucharist, his devotion to daily Mass, and his innovative use of technology to document Eucharistic miracles worldwide. Father Makri invited the youth to reflect on their own use of phones and computers. He encouraged them to imitate Carlo in using technology to spread goodness and faith rather than distraction. A special video presentation showcased Carlo’s famous website on Eucharistic miracles, leaving many participants deeply moved. 

The highlight of the retreat was the Holy Mass, presided over by Archbishop Victor Lyngdoh, Archbishop of Shillong. In his homily, the Archbishop urged the youth to embrace seven key qualities exemplified by Carlo Acutis: love for the Eucharist, devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, simplicity, joy, charity, purity, and use of creativity to spread the Gospel.

After lunch, the Don Bosco Media Network Television (DBMNTV) team conducted the “Create Like Carlo” activity, in which youth groups collaborated to produce posters, reels, and skits conveying various faith-related messages. The projects, inspired by Carlo’s digital apostolate, were showcased to the participants and received enthusiastic applause.

The final session of the retreat, titled “Saints Wear Sneakers”, was led by Fr. George Shining. In his talk, Fr. George reminded the young participants that sainthood is not reserved for the past but is possible today, even in the modern world. 

The event concluded with a heartfelt commitment prayer, during which the youth expressed their aspiration to “be saints like Carlo”. Participants departed with a deepened sense of faith. Many expressed a strong desire for a longer programme in the future to further explore the inspiring life and virtues of Saint Carlo Acutis.

By Fr. Michael Makri SDB

Director,

Don Bosco Youth Centre, Shillong