Around 800 Catholic youth from the dioceses of the Telugu-speaking states gathered for the Jwala Youth Fest 2025, organised by the Youth Commission of the Telugu Catholic Bishops’ Conference (TCBC), from December 11 to 14 at the sacred Marian shrine of Mariagiri, in the Diocese of Srikakulam.
This vibrant regional celebration brought together the Youth Jubilee, the 67th Regional Youth Elections, and a sports and cultural festival, offering young people a holistic experience that nurtured their spiritual depth, democratic responsibility and cultural expression.
The festival was held under the inspiring leadership of Bishop Rayarala Vijaya Kumar of the Pime (Pontifical Institute for Foreign Missions), president of the TCBC Youth Commission.
The presence of Bishop Pilli Antony Das, coadjutor bishop of Nellore, and Dr Anand Andrew, professor at St John’s Regional Seminary, Hyderabad, added great value to the event. During the sports activities, they addressed the youth with motivating messages on discipline, teamwork, perseverance and leadership—values essential for life and mission.
Throughout all the sessions, the focus remained deeply centred on the person of Christ. The youth were invited to encounter Jesus as their personal guide, to live their faith with joy, to be goal-oriented, and to develop life skills that would help them face the challenges of today’s world with courage and hope.
As religious sisters from different congregations, we had the wonderful opportunity to present our charism and mission. Sharing our life and apostolate in various parts of the world deeply touched the hearts of the young people.
Personally, it was a unique privilege to present a video prepared on the presence and mission of our congregation, the Missionary Sisters of the Immaculate. Moreover, being with these young people, listening to their stories and life journeys, was a profound grace for me.
What moved me the most was their openness and freedom in speaking about their faith journey and personal growth. I was deeply edified by their simple lifestyle, their discipline in rising early in the morning, and their willingness and enthusiasm for prayer and sessions. Their gentle approach, friendliness and respect have left an indelible impression on my heart. Every encounter with them challenged me and quietly transformed my way of life.
Jwala Youth Fest 2025 truly became a beacon of faith, hope and unity—a living flame that ignited the hearts of young people to become responsible leaders in the Church and society, and committed disciples of Christ.
As for me, I returned enriched, inspired and deeply grateful, once again convinced that when young people are trusted, loved and guided, they can set the world ablaze with the fire of the Gospel.
Sr. Shyla Rayappan, Hyderabad
