Over 400 Bareilly Youth Receive Pro-Life Formation at ICYM Convention

BAREILLY, October 20, 2026: More than 400 young people from the Diocese of Bareilly received pro-life formation at the Anubhav Youth Convention 2026, as the Indian Catholic Youth Movement (ICYM) sought to strengthen their understanding of human dignity, chastity and the sanctity of life.

Held from October 17 to 19 at the Bishop Conrad School Campus in Bareilly, the three-day convention addressed moral and cultural challenges facing young people through the lens of Catholic teaching, with sessions on abortion, in-vitro fertilisation (IVF), the theology of the body, human sexuality, pornography, masturbation, gender ideology and LGBTQ+ issues.

The formation sessions were led by Ajin Joseph, associate secretary of the CCBI Family Commission with special responsibility for pro-life ministry, and Sr Paulina Melite MSMI. They highlighted the dignity of every human person, the value of chastity and the importance of making life-affirming choices in everyday life.

The programme aimed to equip young Catholics to engage with contemporary questions surrounding life, sexuality and relationships with greater moral clarity, informed by Scripture and Church teaching.

An exclusive session led by Joseph focused on inner healing, physical healing and deliverance, with particular emphasis on chastity. Participants were encouraged to seek spiritual renewal, cultivate purity of heart and body, and deepen their relationship with Christ.

Bishop Ignatius D’Souza of Bareilly, chairman of the CCBI Youth Commission, celebrated Holy Mass on October 18 and encouraged the youth to deepen their faith and live their Christian vocation with conviction.

The convention also featured a prayer session for the Baptism in the Holy Spirit, led by Sr Paulina on October 19. David’s Harp Gospel Band of YU4C Delhi supported the gathering’s praise and worship.

The event was organised under the leadership of Fr Vijay Tellis, youth director of the Diocese of Bareilly, in collaboration with diocesan priests, religious sisters and members of the ICYM Diocesan Executive Committee.

The organisers encouraged participants to carry the fruits of the formation into their families, parishes and communities, becoming witnesses to the Gospel of Life and promoting respect for human dignity and the sanctity of life.

By Catholic Connect Reporter