By Fr McEnroe Lopes SDB for BIS Mumbai

 The Catholic Diocese of Khandwa, Madhya Pradesh, celebrated its Golden Jubilee with great joy and enthusiasm, marking a significant milestone in its journey of faith and service. As part of the Golden Jubilee celebrations, a three-day Diocesan Youth Convention, November 7 – 9, 2026, was organised at Christ the King Church, Sendhwa, bringing together approximately 700 young people from various parishes across the diocese.

 One of the major highlights of the convention was the special invitation extended to Echoes of Zion, the Gospel band of the Salesian Youth Movement, led by Fr McEnroe Lopes, to lead the participants in Praise and Worship. The entire diocese had eagerly looked forward to this special opportunity to participate in a worship experience led by Echoes of Zion. Their presence added a distinctive spiritual dimension to the convention, creating an atmosphere of prayer, praise and joyful celebration.

 The convention was graced by the presence of several eminent Church leaders, including Rev. Augustine Madathikunnel, Bishop of Khandwa Diocese; Rev. Ignatius D’Souza, Bishop of Bareilly Diocese and President of the CCBI Youth Commission; Rev. Thomas Matthew Kuttimackal, Bishop of Indore and Chairman of the Madhya Pradesh Regional Youth Commission; Bishop Chako Thottarickal, Emeritus Bishop of Indore Diocese; and Fr John Berman, Director of the CBCI Youth Commission. Approximately 20 priests and 30 religious sisters from across the diocese also participated in the convention.

 The entire programme was meticulously organised under the leadership of Fr Sibel Devasyykutty, Diocesan Youth Director, whose efforts ensured the meaningful participation of young people from across the diocese.

 During the Praise and Worship sessions, Echoes of Zion led the young participants through a series of reflections centred on important teachings of the Catholic faith. Through Scripture-based reflections, prayer, music and moments of silence, the youth were encouraged to deepen their relationship with Christ and renew their commitment to living their faith meaningfully.

 One of the most profound moments of the worship experience was the solemn Benediction. The sight of hundreds of young people gathered in prayer before the Blessed Sacrament was deeply moving. Their reverence, faith and devotion reflected a genuine spiritual hunger and a deep desire to encounter the Lord personally.

 At the conclusion of the convention, the bishops and priests present acknowledged and appreciated the valuable service rendered by Echoes of Zion over the years in bringing young people closer to Christ through music and worship.

 The Golden Jubilee Youth Convention was not merely a celebration of fifty years of the diocese but also a renewed commitment to nurturing a vibrant, faith-filled and missionary generation of young Catholics. It was truly a memorable celebration of faith, fellowship and spiritual renewal.