Bareilly Youth Convention Draws 400-Plus Participants for Pro-Life Formation

BAREILLY, October 20, 2026: More than 400 young people from the Diocese of Bareilly gathered for a three-day pro-life formation programme at the Anubhav Youth Convention 2026, focusing on human dignity, chastity and the Catholic Church’s teaching on the sanctity of life.

Held from October 17 to 19 at the Bishop Conrad School campus, the programme of the Indian Catholic Youth Movement (ICYM) addressed issues confronting young people, including abortion, pornography, human sexuality, in-vitro fertilisation (IVF), gender ideology and LGBTQ+ issues.

The sessions were led by Ajin Joseph, associate secretary of the CCBI Family Commission with special responsibility for pro-life ministry, and Sr Paulina Melite, MSMI. Through Scripture, Church teaching and practical guidance, they encouraged participants to make informed, life-affirming choices and approach contemporary challenges with faith and conviction.

Bishop Ignatius D’Souza of Bareilly, chairman of the CCBI Youth Commission, celebrated Holy Mass on October 18 and urged the young people to deepen their faith and live out their Christian calling.

A separate session led by Joseph explored inner and physical healing, deliverance and chastity, encouraging participants to seek spiritual renewal and strengthen their relationship with God. On October 19, Sr Paulina led a prayer session for the Baptism in the Holy Spirit.

Praise and worship throughout the convention was supported by David’s Harp Gospel Band of YU4C Delhi.

The event was organised under the leadership of Fr Vijay Tellis, youth director of the Diocese of Bareilly, in collaboration with diocesan priests, religious sisters and members of the ICYM Diocesan Executive Committee.

The convention concluded with a call for participants to carry the lessons of the formation programme into their families, parishes and communities, promoting respect for human dignity and a deeper commitment to the Gospel of Life.

By Sweta Benjamin DYLA 

ICYM Commission,

Bareilly Diocese