A Journey of Love, Faith, and Transformation.
From 20th March to 22nd of March a three-day residential retreat was conducted by the Redemptorist Youth and Vocation Ministry (RYVM) for the youth at the retreat center of the Bangalore Province at Nava Spoorthi Kendra, Bangalore. About 60 youth participated in this retreat titled, “Beloved -2026.”
Not Just a Retreat – A Transforming Experience
The youth retreat Beloved 2026 was not just an event, it was a deeply moving experience that touched the hearts of many young people and renewed their relationship with God. Organized under the Redemptorist Youth and Vocation Ministry (RYVM), Province of Bangalore with the assistance of the Holy Ghost Church and Holy Redeemer Church parish clergy. The retreat brought together youth from different backgrounds, creating a space of prayer, reflection, joy, and belonging. As someone who has been part of the Redemptorist family from a very young age, starting as an altar server, growing through youth ministry, this retreat held a very special place in my heart. It was not only an event I helped organize but also a reflection of my own journey of faith and growth.
Setting the Tone for the Retreat
The retreat began on March 20th with participants arriving in the evening, greeted warmly by the hospitality team. The Enthronement of the Word of God set the tone, as the Icon of Mother of Perpetual Help and the symbols of the Crib, the Cross and the Eucharist were also placed in prominent altars, we were reminded that God’s Word and God’s love would be at the center of the entire experience. The initial icebreakers and group activities helped participants open up and feel at home.
A Love Beyond All Borders
What followed was a series of sessions led by Fr. Sandeep Menezes C.Ss.R, the coordinator of RYVM, Karnataka Mission Zone, beginning with “A Love Beyond All Borders,” which beautifully introduced the theme of the retreat understanding God’s unconditional love challenging us to a love that is inclusive especially for the abandoned, those different from ourselves. The day concluded with a symbolic offering and a silent visit to the Blessed Sacrament, allowing participants to enter into a space of quiet reflection.
Fr. Sandeep Menezes C.Ss.R. 
Fr. Anoop Mundackal C.Ss.R. 
Fr. Peter. B C.Ss.R. 
Fr Rajanayagam, CSsR.
Young People Called to Holiness and Mission
Day two was filled with both spiritual depth and joyful interaction. It began with the Holy Mass, followed by praise and worship that energized the participants. One of the highlights of the day was the meditation on the Mother of Perpetual Help Icon led by Fr. Peter. B C.Ss.R, the Secretary for RYVM who invited the participants to encounter God. Sessions such as “Keys to the Spiritual Life” by Fr. Anoop Mundackal C.Ss.R who put us through a practical introduction to sharing God’s love with one another through a beautiful time of interaction and activities with all the youth concluding with a magic show calling us to grow in holiness and grace. “Young People Called to Mission” by Fr. Vijayanand C.Ss.R., encouraged the youth to reflect on their purpose and calling in life in the concrete situation of India.
A Mission that Includes Care for Creation
The Laudato Si Walk, guided by Mr. Julian Coelho, who is a member of the Ecology Commission for the Archdiocese of Bangalore and member of the Lay associates of the Redemptorists, provided a unique opportunity to connect with nature and understand our responsibility towards creation as we took a walk in the beautiful outdoors.
Mr. Julian Coelho
Faith Sharing and Youth Stations of the Cross
The day also included testimonies, faith-sharing sessions by our lay animators Mr. Denzil Thomas and Mrs. Joanne Anthony Denzil.
The powerful Youth Stations of the Cross, which allowed participants to walk with Christ in His suffering, which was organized outside in the gardens of Nava Spoorthi Kendra, Bangalore. I had the opportunity to share with the youth my thoughts on, “Hope Does not Disappoint”.
Fr. Jerry Fernandes, CSsR. 
Faith sharing by Joel Prithvi Raj 
A Beautiful Moment of Adoration & Vibing with Jesus
The evening was impactful with Adoration, the Rosary, and the interactive “Vibe with Jesus” Q&A session, where participants could openly ask questions and seek clarity.
Healed by the Redeemer: Sent Out as Missionaries of Hope
The final day of the retreat focused on deeper healing and mission. It began with a quiet time of moving “praise and worship” music, Sessions like “What it Means to be a Missionary Youth” and “Your Life as a Journey” (art therapy) by Fr. Peter. B C.Ss.R, encouraged self-reflection and a sense of purpose. One of the most profound moments of the retreat was the session on “Brokenness and Healing,” where Adoration and Confessions took place side by side. Many participants experienced inner healing and reconciliation during this time. The retreat concluded with a Commissioning Mass, sending the youth forth with a renewed sense of faith and mission.
Fr. Vijayanand, CSsR. 
Lay animators Mr. Denzil Thomas and Mrs. Joanne Anthony Denzil
The Impact of Beloved 2026 on Young People
The impact of Beloved 2026, the second installment of this RYVM initiative, can be understood through the shared experiences of the participants. Many described the retreat as more than just a program, it was a journey that brought them closer to God, to others, and to themselves. There was a strong sense of warmth and belonging from the very beginning, where even participants from other Christian backgrounds felt welcomed and included, experiencing the retreat as one united family.
Participants shared how the sessions, especially the counselling interactions and open discussions, helped clear doubts and gave them a better understanding of life and faith. The Redemptorist style of preaching, combined with creative meditations on icons, nature, and life’s journey, made the experience both meaningful and relatable. Moments like Eucharistic Adoration stood out deeply, where many encountered God in a personal way.
For some, the retreat answered a deeper longing, the desire to truly feel the presence of the Lord. They realized that God’s love is not something distant to be earned, but something already given. In the silence of prayer and reflection, we discovered that His presence is often found not in noise, but in stillness. This realization brought peace, clarity, and a renewed faith.
More importantly, Beloved 2026 did not end as just an emotional experience. It set the youth on a mission not only to understand and accept that they are loved by God, but also to carry that love into the world. The retreat inspired us to not just love ourselves, but to love everyone around us in the same way God loves us with patience, kindness, and compassion.
For me personally, being part of this retreat was a reminder of how far I have come on my own journey. From serving at the altar as a young boy to now leading the youth group, every step has been shaped by the Redemptorist ministry and the guidance of our priests. This retreat was a continuation of that journey not just for me, but for every young person who attended.
Beloved 2026 has truly planted seeds of faith, hope, and love in the hearts of many. It has inspired youth to deepen their relationship with God, embrace their identity as His beloved, and step forward with courage in their mission. As we look ahead, we pray that the fruits of this retreat continue to grow and that more young people may experience the same love and transformation in the years to come.
A word of appreciation and gratitude to all the resource persons, (Fr. Sandeep, Fr. Peter. B, Fr. Vijayanand, Fr. Rajanayagam, Fr. Jerry Fernandes, Sr. Christine, Mr. Julian Coelho, and Mr. Denzil Thomas and Mrs. Joanne Anthony Denzil) the RYVM secretariat, Province of Bangalore, Fr. Rajanayagam, the youth groups coordinator for Holy Ghost Church, The parish clergy of Holy Ghost Church and Holy Redeemer Church. St. Anne’s sisters and St. Charles Borromeo sisters and all the Volunteers. Last but not the least, we are grateful to Fr. Sandeep and the Redemptorist Youth for the work behind the scenes which ensured the fruitful retreat for the young people.
Joel Prithvi Raj
(Youth President, RYVM Bangalore)
