Bishop Theodore Mascarenhas Applauds Communio’s Impact at Daltonganj Youth Convention

Daltonganj, 28th May 2025 – The Diocese of Daltonganj was brimming with youthful energy, spiritual renewal, and missionary fire during the three-day Diocesan Youth Convention held from the 25th to the 28th of May 2025. The convention culminated in a heartfelt address by the Bishop Theodore Mascarenhas of Daltonganj, who offered high praise for Communio—the mission-oriented initiative of the CCBI—for its support and visible solidarity with the diocese.

Addressing a spirited gathering of over 1,350 youth, Bishop Theodore expressed deep appreciation for Communio’s enduring commitment to forming and accompanying young people in their journey of faith and service. He especially thanked Fr. Stephen Alathara, Deputy Secretary General of the CCBI; Fr. Christopher VimalRaj, Associate Deputy Secretary General; and Fr. Vignan Das, Associate Director of Communio, for their tireless support and dedicated missionary spirit towards the Daltonganj Diocese.

A heartfelt tribute was reserved for Sr. Margarita Dias SCB, Associate Director, Communio, whose dynamic presence and passionate involvement left a lasting impact on the entire convention. With her vibrant animation, motivating words, and active guidance, she ignited the hearts of the youth with a renewed sense of purpose. Bishop Theodore remarked that she “set the stage ablaze with joy, energy, and missionary zeal.”

The Bishop also acknowledged and extended warm thanks to the office bearers of the CCBI—His Eminence Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrão, Archbishop Peter Machado, Archbishop Vincent Aind—alongside Fr. Stephen and Fr. Vignan of the Communio team, for their inspiring leadership and continuous support to dioceses like Daltonganj.

Sr. Margarita remained closely involved with the youth throughout the convention, journeying with them from planning to execution, offering support, direction, and encouragement at every turn. She was accompanied by Hemant, a Communio volunteer from the first batch and a native of the Daltonganj Diocese. Hemant shared his inspiring testimony as a volunteer, offering a living witness of transformation and service through Communio. His words touched the hearts of many and offered a vision of what youth mission looks like in action.

To further enrich the experience, informative Communio pamphlets were distributed among participants, providing valuable insights into its mission, formation programmes, and volunteer opportunities.

This convention was far more than an event—it became a moment of awakening. The collaborative efforts and missionary presence of the Communio team ignited a fire of faith and mission in the hearts of young people. Their presence was not only supportive—it was empowering. The ripple effects of their dedication and witness will continue to inspire the Diocese of Daltonganj in the years to come.

By Sr. Margarita Dias SCB