January 28th to 30th, 2026 marked a historic moment for the Confederation of India as it hosted the first-ever National RYVM Coordinators and Youth Representatives Meeting at Navaspoorti Kendra, Bangalore on the theme “Journeying with the Young: RYVM Forward.” For the first time, the three units of the Confederation came together as a joint RYVM Secretariat, with around 35 participants in attendance. Notably, youth representatives were fully involved in the discussions and deliberations, allowing the authentic voices of young people to be heard within Redemptorist ministry gatherings. A few lay collaborators also participated, enriching the experience with their valuable perspectives.
Day 1 – Seeing the Reality
The program began with the Holy Mass celebrated by Rev. Fr. Edward Joseph, C.Ss.R., the Provincial Superior of the Bangalore Province and concelebrated by Fr. Poly and Fr. Henry Fernandez, Provincials of the Liguori Province and the Vice Province of Majella, respectively.
The three-day gathering followed a dynamic pastoral framework:
- Day 1 – See (Understanding Reality)
- Day 2 – Discern (Prayer and Vision)
- Day 3 – Act (Planning for Youth Ministry in the Units)
The first day featured Fr. Benedict Santhosh, SJ, a dynamic Jesuit priest who delivered the keynote address and facilitated the sharing of RYVM ministry experiences across the provinces. He encouraged participants to identify and respond to the “most abandoned” among the youth in their respective regions. His address inspired participants to courageously explore new and challenging paths in youth ministry, journeying together as fellow pilgrims.
A special session was conducted by Mr. Srijith, a software specialist, along with Dennis, a youth animator from Holy Redeemer Church, coordinated by Fr. Sandeep. They introduced a new Redemptorist youth software platform called NAS IO, currently being developed by the Bangalore Province. The software aims to connect and engage young people across parishes, especially those active in digital and social media spaces.
The day concluded with a lively campfire evening, led by the Redemptorist youth from Bangalore, creating a joyful atmosphere of fellowship and celebration.
Day 2 – Discernment: Prayer and Vision
The second day focused on discerning the relevance and direction of RYVM youth ministry in India. Sessions led by Fr. Vijayanand, C.Ss.R. who brought the new dimension boundary breaking and Mr. Nishal Preetham D’Souza encouraged participants to rethink and renew their approach to youth ministry in the context of contemporary social realities. Emphasis was placed on motivating young people to respond positively to the growing culture of division and intolerance. Youth representatives were inspired to become bridge-builders and agents of unity in society.
A significant moment of the day was the presentation by the RYVM Secretary, Fr. Peter B., C.Ss.R., who introduced new youth registration forms designed to gather accurate data and understand the needs and expectations of young people in parish ministries. He emphasized the importance of proper documentation and pastoral planning based on real youth engagement.
Day 3 – Acting for the Future
The third day centered on future planning for RYVM in India. The sessions were highly participatory, generating many constructive suggestions and action plans for strengthening youth ministry in the different units. The final segment included important updates on upcoming national and international RYVM programs.
The gathering concluded with a relaxing outing to the Fish Aquarium at Fun World, providing participants with a refreshing and joyful conclusion to the three-day experience. The three-day RYVM meeting was deeply appreciated by representatives from all three units of the Confederation. It fostered unity, collaboration, and renewed enthusiasm for youth ministry. As participants return to their respective regions, they carry with them a shared commitment to walk alongside young people and, together with them, become missionary Disciples of Christ.
The Youth Coordinators’ Meeting was a great success due to the active support of the three Provincials, the dedicated cooperation of the RYVM Confederation members: Fr. Louis Menezes, C.Ss.R. (Chairperson), Fr. Peter B., C.Ss.R. (Secretary), Fr. Anoop Mundakal, C.Ss.R. (RYVM Secretary for the Conference of Asia-Oceania), Fr. Jaise, C.Ss.R., Fr. Ashwil, C.Ss.R. and the RYVM members of Bangalore province, who took care of the physical arrangements of the event.
We hope that RYVM in India will continue to journey with the youth and for the youth, guiding them to become missionary disciples by following Christ the Redeemer.
Fr. Peter B. C.Ss.R.
Secretary, RYVM Confederation of India
