Goa Diocese Trains 300 Youth Leaders Ahead of Diocesan Youth Day 2026

Old Goa, July 31, 2026: The Diocesan Youth Centre of Goa brought together 300 young leaders for the Diocesan Leaders Meet 2026 and the Youth United for Vibrant Apostolate (YUVA) Training Programme, strengthening preparations for Diocesan Youth Day (DYD) 2026 under the theme "Abide in Me."

Held at the SJVSR Centre in Old Goa on July 19, the programme was attended by two representatives from every parish and chapel youth group across the archdiocese. The gathering aimed to equip youth leaders with a deeper understanding of the statutes, guidelines and pastoral vision of the Diocesan Youth Centre.

The programme began with the celebration of the Eucharist, presided over by Fr. Alwin Joyan D'Costa CSSR, during which the Pilgrim Cross and Mary's Portrait were ceremonially presented. The official logo for Diocesan Youth Day 2026 and the theme song, "Abide in Me," were also unveiled.

A series of formation sessions focused on strengthening youth ministry and leadership. Fr. Leslie Gomes reflected on Magnifica Humanitas, the encyclical of Pope Leo XIV, while Fr. Blaise addressed the effective use of social media in parish youth ministry.

Fr. Blaise also conducted elections for deanery youth teams across the archdiocese's 19 deaneries and introduced the Deanery Priest Youth Animators to their respective teams. He outlined plans for the Pilgrim Cross with Mary pilgrimage, which will begin in November and culminate with the celebration of Diocesan Youth Day on Dec. 13.

Representatives of YU4C, Marriage and Family Centre (MFC) and Jesus Youth introduced participants to their ministries and encouraged greater collaboration in youth evangelisation. The Diocesan Youth Synodal Implementation Team, led by Joyston Fernandes, facilitated discussions on three priority areas for implementing synodality in youth ministry.

Participants were also informed about a concert by Fr. Sandesh Manuel OFM, scheduled for Nov. 15 at Navelim, and received an orientation on World Youth Day 2027 in Seoul, South Korea, presented by Mrs. Dorothy of TRAVCO.

The programme concluded with the presentation of YUVA certificates to 300 youth leaders, marking the completion of their training and reaffirming the diocese's commitment to forming young leaders for active participation in the Church's mission.

DYC Office, Goa