- 03 October, 2026
Kolkata, 2 October 2026: Communio Missionary Volunteers gathered at Nitika Don Bosco in the Archdiocese of Kolkata for their Follow-up Programme under the theme “Hearts on Fire, Feet on the Move”.
The programme brought together the volunteers for a day centred on prayer, the Eucharist, formation, fellowship and renewed commitment to missionary service. The gathering encouraged the young volunteers to reflect on their vocation and place Christ at the centre of their lives.
The day began with prayer led by the Communio Missionary Volunteers, entrusting their missionary journey to God.
Holy Mass was celebrated by Bishop Shyamal Bose of Baruipur, with Fr. Stephen Alathara, Deputy Secretary General of the CCBI and Director of Communio, concelebrating with the priests present.
In his homily, Bishop Bose reflected on the Kingdom of God and the Christian responsibility to build it through faith, love and service. He also spoke about Guardian Angels and God's loving care and protection.
The Bishop appreciated the volunteers for undergoing formation and preparing themselves for missionary service.
The inauguration was led by Fr. Sunil Kerketta SDB, Provincial Superior of the Kolkata Province, who released the theme poster. Bro. Roshan SDB, Director and Administrator of Nitika Don Bosco, welcomed the volunteers.
Fr. Sunil encouraged the young missionaries to live the three pillars of Communio — Prayer, Solidarity and Mission — with passion, reminding them that today's youth can make a meaningful difference in the Church and society.
Following the inauguration, Archbishop Elias Frank of Calcutta addressed the volunteers and encouraged them to dedicate themselves to God's work.
He emphasised that missionary service is expressed through concrete acts of goodness, love, care and service. The Archbishop also appreciated Fr. Stephen Alathara for his visionary leadership and dedicated service to Communio.
Fr. Stephen then spoke about the vision, mission and importance of Communio volunteership. Reminding the volunteers, “Your commitment is to Jesus,” he urged them to keep Christ at the centre of both their personal lives and missionary service.
He explained that Communio volunteership is ultimately a response to Christ's call to mission.
Fr. Glasten Gonsalves, Associate Director of Communio, led a session entitled “Living the Commitment: Becoming an Authentic Communio Missionary Witness.”
Reflecting on the importance of commitment, he reminded the volunteers, “Commitment is what allows God to work through you.”
Through biblical reflections, activities and personal sharing, Fr. Glasten encouraged the participants to embrace Prayer, Solidarity and Mission not merely as programme themes but as a way of life.
The gathering also included animations on the importance of a smile and the value of life, alongside interactive activities and joyful games that strengthened fellowship and teamwork.
The volunteers prayed the Holy Rosary together, entrusting their missionary journey to the intercession of Mary.
The day concluded with Eucharistic Adoration, led by Fr. Glasten on the theme “Hearts on Fire, Feet on the Move”.
The prayer invited the volunteers to encounter Christ, renew their commitment and become joyful witnesses of the Gospel.
The gathering became a meaningful journey of faith, formation, fellowship and renewal, inspiring the Communio Missionary Volunteers to keep their hearts on fire and their feet ready to move wherever God calls them.
By Catholic Connect Reporter
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