Jalandhar Diocese Hosts ANUBHAV 2026, Bringing Together 800 Youth for Spiritual Renewal

Jalandhar, June 10, 2026: More than 800 young people from across the Diocese of Jalandhar participated in ANUBHAV 2026, a series of ICYM Pro-Life Youth Retreats aimed at fostering spiritual renewal, moral formation and a deeper commitment to the Christian faith.

Organised by the Youth Commission of the Diocese of Jalandhar, the retreats were held under the leadership of Fr. Jibin, Director of the Youth Commission, with the support of DEXCO members. Conducted at three different locations, the initiative brought together youth from various deaneries of the diocese for days of prayer, reflection and faith-based formation.

The first retreat took place from June 2 to 4 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Phagwara, serving participants from the deaneries of Hoshiarpur, Tanda, Jalandhar Cantt., Jalandhar City, Kapurthala, Sahnewal and Ludhiana. The second session was held from June 4 to 6 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Abohar, for youth from Moga, Muktsar and Ferozepur deaneries. The final retreat was conducted from June 6 to 8 at St. Francis Church, Amritsar, bringing together participants from Tarn Taran, Amritsar, Ajnala, Fatehgarh Churian, Dhariwal and Gurdaspur deaneries.

The formation sessions were led by members of the National Team of Youth United for Christ (YU4C). Resource persons Mr. Ajin Joseph, Sr. Paulina Melite, Br. George David Toppo and Mr. Deepak Albert addressed a range of topics related to faith, morality and contemporary challenges confronting young people.

The programme explored themes including God’s love, Christian moral ethics, personal holiness and discipleship. Sessions also addressed issues such as pornography and masturbation, abortion, in vitro fertilization (IVF), contraception, gender ideology, healing and the role of the Holy Spirit in Christian life.

A key feature of the retreats was the emphasis on spiritual healing and renewal through healing and deliverance sessions, providing participants with opportunities for prayer, reconciliation and personal reflection. The retreats also included The Chosen Encounter (TCE) sessions, during which the forthcoming theatrical release of The Chosen: Crucifixion was introduced and promoted by Mr. Ajin Joseph.

Bishop Jose Sebastian attended all three retreats and celebrated Holy Mass at each venue. In his message to the participants, he encouraged them to remain steadfast in their faith, uphold Christian values and continue their journey as committed disciples of Christ.

Marked by enthusiastic participation and active engagement, ANUBHAV 2026 proved to be a significant initiative in the faith formation of the youth of the Diocese of Jalandhar. The retreat series not only strengthened the spiritual lives of the participants but also inspired them to become courageous witnesses to Christ in contemporary society.

By Catholic Connect Reporter