Junior Bible Festival 2025: Five-Year-Old Wins Prize as Lucknow Diocese Youth Shine

Lucknow, September 30 2025 –

Junior Bible Festival 2025: Five-Year-Old Wins Prize as Lucknow Diocese Youth Shine

Lucknow, September 30, 2025 – A five-year-old participant stole hearts and headlines at the Junior Bible Festival 2025, proving that age is no barrier to faith and talent. Hosted at St. Joseph’s Cathedral, the event transformed the parish grounds into a vibrant stage of faith, creativity, and youthful energy. Organised by the Lucknow Diocesan Youth Commission in collaboration with the Lucknow Diocesan Commission for the Bible, the festival brought together more than 120 students under 18 from across the Diocese.

The day opened with the Holy Eucharist, celebrated by Fr. Lawrence Joel Fernandes, Assistant Parish Priest of St. Joseph’s Cathedral, and Fr. Elias Cardoza, Director of the Diocesan Bible Commission. Preaching the homily, Fr. Joel drew the young congregation into deep reflection as he explained the difference between the Sin of Commission and the Sin of Omission. Later, Fr. Elias conducted a session on the origins of the Bible, tracing its roots in Hebrew, Greek, and Aramaic, and highlighting how St. Jerome’s Latin translation, the Vulgate, shaped Christian history. He urged students to use modern tools to encounter Scripture, helping many realise the Bible is not an old book but a living Word.

Competitions across seven categories—Speech, Singing, Fancy Dress, Drawing, Collage, Folk Dance, and the highly anticipated Bible Quiz—kept the day buzzing with creativity. Mr. Aryan Lawrance, President of the Lucknow Diocesan Youth, emceed with energy, while Mr. Nikhil Tirkey, Diocesan Youth Event Coordinator, ensured the smooth running of off-stage activities. Fr. Vijay Crasta, as Quiz Master, led the Bible Quiz with assistance from Ms. Sheryl Swing. Media coverage was overseen by Mr. Rikki Dhawan, technical arrangements by Mr. Roshan, and backstage coordination by Adv. Nivedita and Ms. Anupma Khushbu Soren. Judges Deacon Tintus, Sr. Rajini Tigga FDCC, Ms. Jasmine Lakra, and Mr. Eric Richard Francis gave their time and expertise to assess each performance.

One of the festival’s most moving moments came when a 5-year-old participant, the youngest of the day, confidently performed on stage and even secured a prize—a reminder that God’s gifts, when used for His glory, transcend age.

During lunch, an episode of The Chosen screened for participants, sparking what became a spontaneous spiritual watch party.

The results crowned Nitya Sahaya Mata Church as 1st Runner-Up, while St. Joseph’s Cathedral successfully defended its Champion of Champions title. Yet the greater victory lay in the spirit of the young Church. Winners will now represent the Diocese of Lucknow at the Regional Bible Festival on 1–2 November at Nav Sadhana, Varanasi.

As students packed their bags and posed for photographs, the message rang clear: the Church’s future is not distant—it is already here, alive with faith, talent, and service.

By Aryan Lawrance, President, Lucknow Diocesan Youth Commission

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