230 young people participated in Chattogram Archdiocesan Youth Day 2024 held in Bandarban based on the theme: “Rejoice in hope (Romans 12:12)” from 10-14 April 2023. This year the youth day was more significant and special as it was celebrated in the silver jubilee year of the founding of Episcopal Youth Commission, Bangladesh.
The youth pilgrimage of the Chattogram Catholic Archdiocese started with the installation of the Youth Cross. The Archbishop of Chattogram Catholic Archdiocese, Most Reverend Lawrence Subrata Howlader, CSC announced the auspicious opening of Archdiocesan Youth Day 2024 through the opening mass and candle lighting.
Most Reverend Archbishop Lawrance Subrata Howlader, CSC, shared on the main theme “Rejoice in hope. (Romans 12:12)”; Chattogram Archdiocesan Youth Coordinator, Mr. Mickey Paul Gonsalves, shared on the topic- ‘Evangelization in the new world’; Pastoral Coordinator of Chattogram Catholic Archdiocese, Mr. Manik Wilver D Costa, enlightened the youth on several aspects of Catholic faith; A young entrepreneur, Mr. Paul Raphael Gomes, the owner of Benwill Company, shared about his journey in the field of freelancing; National Youth Coordinator, Fr. Bikash Rabeiro, spoke about the renewal of the youth formation program of the Catholic Church in Bangladesh.
Besides the sharings, the participants visited 4 para (Villages) under Fatima Rani Bandarban parish which are: Hativhanga para, Sinai para, Anta para, and Jordan para. During their visit, they took part in the Holy Mass along with the villagers and therefore witnessed the lifestyle and culture of the tribal people of Bandarban. Then everyone gathered at the ‘Meghla’ tourist spot where they spent a joyful time together.
Vicar General of Chattogram Catholic Archdiocese, Fr. Terence Rodrigues, presided over the solemn eucharistic on the closing day on 14th May 2024.
