Agra Region Youth Gather in Ajmer for Life Orientation Programme

Agra, May 23, 2036: Ajmer is hosting the 43rd Life Orientation Programme (LOP), a major youth faith formation initiative organised by ICYM Agra Region under the theme “Walking in Compassion,” bringing together young people from dioceses across the region for prayer, formation and fellowship.

The programme began on May 19 at St. Paul’s Senior Secondary School will continue until June 7 at Naveenta, the diocesan Pastoral and Communication Centre at Madar. Around 50 participants representing 11 dioceses of the Agra Region are taking part in the residential gathering.

Inaugurating the programme, Bishop Ignatius D’Souza, Chairman of the CCBI Youth Commission and ICYM Agra Region, reflected on the Christian understanding of compassion and urged the youth to become witnesses of Christ’s mercy in society.

“Compassion is love in action — it sees the wound, feels the pain, and reaches out to heal,” the bishop said, encouraging the participants to embody kindness, reconciliation and solidarity in their daily lives.

He further explained that compassion goes beyond sympathy and involves entering into the suffering of others with a willingness to help. Calling on the youth to allow compassion to shape their thoughts, words and actions, he urged them to become instruments of healing within families, communities and parishes.

The inaugural session was attended by Fr Lourdu Joseph, Fr Ronald Lobo, Fr Joel Fernandes, Fr Santosh and Sr Brynet MSA, along with regional youth leaders, priests, religious and youth representatives.

Following the inauguration, the regional youth team assumed responsibility for conducting the sessions. Fr Joel Fernandes expressed gratitude to Bishop John Carvalho and the host diocese for organising the regional event.

The participants have since been involved in spiritual reflections, leadership training, interactive activities, liturgical celebrations, group discussions and motivational sessions led by priests, religious and invited resource persons. A three-day retreat animated by experts has also been scheduled as part of the programme.

Organisers said the initiative seeks to deepen the participants’ relationship with Christ while fostering leadership qualities, discipline, teamwork and social responsibility among young people.

As part of the gathering, regional leaders and representatives are also expected to hold the Regional Council Meeting to review ongoing youth ministry initiatives and discuss future plans for youth evangelisation in the Agra Region.

Through prayer, formation and community living, the Life Orientation Programme continues to strengthen unity and spiritual growth among Catholic youth across the region.

By Catherine Jasmine Lakra

Regional Youth Secretary, Agra Region