“Vardaan” Youth Retreat Ignites Faith and Renewal Among Khandwa Youth

Khandwa, October 25, 2025 — The Khandwa Diocesan Youth Commission’s three-day youth retreat, “Vardaan” (Blessing), held from 18 to 20 October at St. Theresa of Child Jesus Church, Chiklia, brought together 390 young Catholics from across the diocese for an experience of profound spiritual renewal and awakening.

Centred on the theme of Vardaan — meaning “blessing” — the retreat aimed to awaken faith, confront inner struggles, and reignite the spiritual zeal of youth in an increasingly distracted world. Through dynamic sessions, heartfelt worship, and deep moments of reflection, participants were led to rediscover their identity as beloved children of God and their mission as witnesses of Christ’s love.

The retreat featured a team of inspiring speakers and animators, including Sr. Ann Mary Thomas MSMI, Sr. Rini Lawrence MSMI, Sr. Jancy Rosa MSMI, Ms. Twinkle Joy, and Mr. Jiffin. Their talks and testimonies created a safe and honest space where faith could be shared freely and wounds could be healed. Sessions addressed crucial issues facing today’s youth — from loneliness and self-doubt to moral struggles and questions of purpose — always anchored in the liberating message of God’s mercy and love.

Moments of Eucharistic celebration, confession, and adoration stood at the heart of Vardaan, drawing participants into personal encounters with Christ. Creative exercises, such as writing letters to Jesus and symbolic acts of surrender, allowed many to open their hearts in vulnerability and gratitude. The screening of scenes from The Chosen deepened reflection, while group activities and praise sessions strengthened fellowship and unity among the youth.

The retreat also provided space for candid discussions on contemporary moral challenges, including issues like pornography, abortion, and addiction — topics often left unspoken in faith settings. These sessions, handled with compassion and clarity, encouraged the youth to confront sin not with shame, but with hope and the power of forgiveness.

Bishop Augustine M., who celebrated the Holy Eucharist during the retreat, reminded the participants of their sacred worth and the importance of living as true disciples in their families, parishes, and digital spaces. In the concluding Eucharist, Fr. Thomas Polkal, Dean of Kargone, called on the youth to become “living blessings” who radiate Christ’s light wherever they go.

The impact of Vardaan was evident in the joy, tears, and renewed faith of its participants. Many described the retreat as a turning point — a divine encounter that replaced fear with faith, guilt with grace, and confusion with purpose.

More than just a spiritual event, Vardaan became a movement of hope — a reminder to every young heart that they are not alone, not forgotten, and never unloved.

By Fr. Sible

Youth Director

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