Bangalore Archdiocese

News by : Alisha Bishop
Photos by : Flavion and Abhinav

Davanagere, May 5 : The Regional Students Leadership Training Program (RSLTP) commenced its third day, May 3, 2025, with an opening prayer led by President Jesvita. A subsequent group evaluation assessed participant performance within their respective cells. Concurrently, animators and REXCO members participated in a training session facilitated by Fr. Edwin D'Souza, emphasizing the crucial role of animators in providing student guidance. Following a panel discussion, five REXCO members shared their personal experiences within the organization.

In the morning, they warmly welcomed the Most Rev. Dr. Henry D'Souza, Chairman of the Karnataka Regional Youth Commission and Bishop of Bellary. At 11:00 a.m., he graciously led a session, speaking about positive qualities for young people to develop and briefly introducing YCS/YSM and its goals. He then presented felicitations to Fr. Lourd Raj, Regional Youth Director, and Mr. Anson, National President of YCS/YSM. The REXCOs expressed their gratitude and appreciation to Bishop Henry D'Souza. At 12:00 p.m., a Holy Mass was celebrated by the Rev. Dr. Henry D'Souza, along with Fr. Lourd Raj, Fr. Franklin D'Souza, Fr. Sachin Christy and Fr Xavier , and the choir; the liturgy was conducted by members of the Shimoga and Chickmangaluru dioceses.

Following lunch, Fr. Pius D'Souza, former Director of Youth for the Diocese of Shimoga and current Executive Director of the Shimoga Diocesan Social Service Society (SMSSS), conducted a presentation on student mental well-being. This presentation educated students on the importance of mental health and provided strategies for its preservation.

Following the conclusion of the daytime activities, indoor games were facilitated in the evening. A comprehensive review and discussion of diocesan movement progress ensued, with each diocese submitting a revitalization plan. Subsequently, a farewell was extended to the Gulbarga diocese, departing ahead of schedule. Each diocese presented unique and innovative strategies for movement revitalization. At 7:30 PM, a special healing ceremony was conducted by Fr. Franklin D'Souza. Post-dinner, recreational activities and action songs were enjoyed, culminating in a concluding prayer service.

On the final day, after breakfast, the participants visited St. Thomas Church in Davanagere. From 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., an evaluation was conducted in the hall of Lourdes Boys' School. At 11:30 a.m., a Thanksgiving Holy Eucharist was celebrated at the church by Reverend Father Lourdu Raj. Certificates were then distributed to all participants. The four-day RSLTP WAS Programme concluded at 1:00 p.m.