The youthful spirit of mission, joy, and friendship filled the air from 3rd to 5th June 2025, as the Redemptorist Youth and Vocation Ministry (RYVM) of Bangalore Province hosted the Redemptorist Youth Meet (RYM) 2025 – North India. Held at St. Clement Sadh Jharna, Pandripani, the event brought together 46 enthusiastic young participants from four parishes in the North: Kalunga, Kemtatoli, Burigora, and Pandripani.
The event was coordinated by Fr. George Kindo, C.Ss.R., the North Zone RYVM Coordinator, in close collaboration with the RYVM team of the Bangalore Province. This collaboration represented the deepening of Redemptorist youth networking—under one shared mission.
A Celebration of Faith, Fellowship, and Formation
The Redemptorist Youth Meet was more than just a gathering—it was a unique blend of spiritual formation, and creative expression. The purpose of the meet was to deepen the participants’ understanding of the Redemptorist charism, to inspire their growth in faith, and to help them see their unique role in the Church and in society as missionaries of hope and compassion.
The first day was marked by a grand cultural evening, where each participating parish showcased their talents through dance, music, and drama. This vibrant display of heritage and creativity served as a powerful ice-breaker, helping the young people connect with one another.
Rooted in the Redemptorist Mission
There were input sessions that explored key themes from the Redemptorist tradition. The participants learned about the inspiring lives of Redemptorist Saints, the spirituality of the Congregation, and the foundational charism that has driven Redemptorists for nearly three centuries—to preach the Gospel to the poor and most abandoned.
These sessions were dynamic and engaging, with moments of group discussion, personal reflection, and storytelling. The young participants discovered that being a Redemptorist youth meant much more than attending events—it meant being bearers of hope in a wounded world, especially among those often forgotten by society.
Faith into Action: The Role-Play Challenge
On the second evening, the young participants took part in a role-play competition that challenged them to step into real-life situations where society’s abandoned and neglected are often left unseen. Each group dramatized a scenario—from street children, to those caught in addiction, to migrant workers struggling for dignity. The dramatizations were powerful, moving, and at times hard-hitting. But they also reflected the hope and idealism of youth determined to make a difference.
This event was a highlight of the programme, not only because of its creativity but also because it drew attention to the call of the Redemptorists and their youth collaborators to stand with the marginalized and offer healing and hope.
A Joyful Conclusion with Insight and Inspiration
The final day of the meet began with a lively quiz competition hosted by Fr. Sanjay Kujur, C.Ss.R. His quiz tested the participants’ knowledge of the Redemptorist Congregation, its history, saints, and spirituality. Laughter, cheers, and friendly rivalry filled the hall as teams raced to get the correct answers and score points for their team. The event reinforced key learnings while making it fun and competitive.
The gathering concluded with a powerful and inspiring talk by Mrs. Shanti Bala, a retired Colonel of the Indian Army. With sincerity and wisdom, she spoke to the youth about principled leadership—about staying true to one’s values, especially in a world that is often filled with distractions, pressures, and challenges. Drawing from her own journey of discipline and dedication, she urged the youth to be leaders who do not compromise on integrity and compassion.
Her message struck a deep chord with the audience, as she encouraged the young Redemptorist collaborators to rise above cultural negativity and peer pressure, and to lead by example—with courage, commitment, and care.
Carrying the Flame Forward
The Redemptorist Youth Meet 2025 – North India closed with heartfelt thanksgiving and a renewed sense of mission. The participants returned home not just with memories, but with a deeper understanding of their call as missionary youth, inspired by the Redemptorist way of life.
The event was a testament to the power of youth when guided by faith and rooted in a sense of purpose. It reflected the dream of St. Alphonsus Liguori to reach the abandoned with the message of God’s redeeming love—and it proved that today’s youth are ready to carry that dream forward, with joy in their hearts and fire in their souls.
Fr. George Kindo, C.Ss.R.
