Varanasi Diocese Empowers Youth Through 10-Day Life Orientation Program

Ballia, Uttar Pradesh, June 2, 2025: In a prayerful and solemn ceremony on April 6, 2025, at St. Francis of Assisi Church, Francispur, Ballia, the Gorakhpur Diocese officially handed over the Regional Youth Convention (RYC) Cross of the Agra Region to the Varanasi Diocese. The event, witnessed by youth and clergy alike, marked a significant moment of spiritual unity and preparation for the Diocesan Life Orientation Programme (LOP) 2025, held from May 22 to June 1, 2025.

Following its handover, the RYC Cross journeyed through key parishes of the Varanasi Diocese, including Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Ghazipur, and finally arrived at St. Mary’s Cathedral Parish, Varanasi, where it became the symbolic centrepiece of LOP 2025. The event commenced with a patriotic inauguration, during which Mr. Akash (DYEC) hoisted the Indian National Flag, and Mr. Saurabh (Media Secretary, ICYM Varanasi Diocese) raised the ICYM National Flag. Miss Archana, Diocesan Youth Joint Secretary, reverently carried the RYC Cross into the assembly.

The inaugural Mass was celebrated by Most Rev. Bishop Eugene Joseph, Bishop of the Varanasi Diocese. The programme was formally opened with motivating addresses by Fr. Kripal Melchior (Diocesan Youth Director) and Sr. Rashmi (Diocesan Youth Lady Animator). Instructions and guidelines were presented by the Diocesan Youth Director (DYD), who, along with the Diocesan Youth Lady Animator (DYLA) and the DEXCO team, steered the programme with coordination and care.

Throughout LOP 2025, youth engaged in a range of spiritually enriching and educational sessions conducted by esteemed resource persons such as Miss Shilpa (Ex-NEXCO Member, ICYM India), Fr. Ajeet Patrick, Mr. Chandrashekhar, Fr. A. Sebastian, and others. Topics ranged from youth and hope, personality development, Eucharistic life, and social justice to media culture, career guidance, and scriptural reflections.

Highlights included joint sessions on “Youth, Church, and Politics/Media Culture”, led by Miss Shilpa and Fr. Roseline Raja, and youth empowerment topics like “Identity Crisis and Purpose of Life” and “Choosing the Right Streams for a Bright Future” by Mr. Kuldeep and Mr. Akash. Mr. Saurabh conducted sessions on “Joy-Job-Enjoyment in Media Culture” and ICYM awareness, while Mr. Chandrashekhar concluded with a powerful talk on “Rejoice in Hope: Seeking Youthfulness in Scripture”.

DEXCO members also led workshops on cybersecurity, education, and post-Class 12 career planning, helping youth make informed and purposeful life decisions.

The 10-day program concluded with a solemn Eucharistic celebration presided over by Fr. Mathew Kayany, Dean of Ballia Deanery, offering prayers for the youth and their mission in the Church and society.

By Saurabh, 

Media Secretary,

ICYM Varanasi Diocese