By Fr. Ashwin Macwan SDB for BIS Mumbai

The SYM Youth Seminar 2025 was held from October 22 to 24 at Amrutdhara Don Bosco, Kapadvanj, bringing together enthusiastic Catholic youth from various parishes under the inspiring theme “Do Whatever He Tells You.” The three-day event invited young people to reflect on the Strenna 2026 and renew their commitment to live their Christian faith with courage, discernment, and joy.

The seminar began with registration and a meaningful inaugural ceremony. Each participant received a paper pot symbolizing their life, writing a personal prayer on it and placing it on the backdrop as a sign of openness to God’s will. The lighting of the lamp officially inaugurated the seminar. Fr Ashwin Macwan SDB, Director of Amrutdhara, in his address, encouraged the youth to be attentive to God’s voice and the “signs of the times.”

Mr Ritesh Macwan, Founder and CEO of IndiMac Healthcare Pvt. Ltd., conducted the first session, “Welcoming the Signs of Time,” helping participants reflect on faith in the modern context. SYM volunteers then formed group activities to encourage sharing and teamwork. The second session, “Discerning God’s Will in Our Life,” led by motivational speaker Mr Shailesh Christie, inspired youth to recognize God’s promptings in their choices. A lively Zumba session by Bhavesh (SYM Youth) filled the afternoon with energy and joy. The evening panel discussion, “Bridges or Barriers? Social Media and Family Bonds,” moderated by Fr Macwan, provided valuable insights into using technology responsibly. The day concluded with a Eucharistic celebration presided over by Fr Pravin Makwana SDB, Dean of Umreth Deanery, followed by fun indoor games.

Day two opened with meditation led by Fr Pratap Damor SDB, Rector of Don Bosco Kapadvanj, on “Listening to the Voice of Jesus in Today’s World.” Mr Shailesh and Mrs Priti Rathod then led the session “Courage to Stand Apart – Being Catholic Youth Today,” encouraging authenticity and courage in faith. Mr Krupesh Chauhan followed with “Mary’s Invitation: Do Whatever He Tells You,” highlighting Mary’s obedience and trust. Fr Jitendra D’Monte SJ, Dean of Anand Deanery, celebrated the Eucharist, urging youth to listen and serve with humility. In “Faith in Action – Young People Responding to God’s Call,” Mr Rajesh and Mrs Pinkey Christian motivated participants to serve their communities. The evening Adoration and Confession became a profound moment of grace and renewal, followed by a vibrant musical night of songs, dances, and skits.

The final day began with a meditation by Fr Ashwin Mal SDB on the central theme. In “Agents of Change – Youth as Builders of Church and Society,” participants were challenged to take active roles in Church and society. The final session, “Way Forward – Living  in Daily Life,” by Fr Macwan SDB and Mr Christie, offered practical guidance for faith-filled living.

The concluding Eucharist, presided over by Rt. Rev. Thomas Macwan, Archbishop of Gandhinagar, reminded all that Mary’s words remain a call to trust and discipleship. The seminar closed with a heartfelt vote of thanks and distribution of souvenirs. The SYM Youth Seminar 2025 concluded with gratitude and renewed zeal.