News Contributor: Fr. Sadhan Augustine Gregory, Noakhali
“For the first time ever I have heard about the synod of the bishops and the special synod on synodality! Though I have heard several times from the sermon of our priests, it was for the first time the details were explained to us.”,
– Diana Mendez, a participant in the gathering.
Ms. Mendez, who was a participant in the youth gathering has expressed her thoughts adding, “I feel that as a young lady I also have roles in the forward journey of the Church. But I want to know deeper about the Church and the prospects of our roles.”
85 youth of the Our Lady of Lourd’s Parish, Noakhali gathered at the parish centre on 27 May 2022 to learn about the synod on synodality 2021-2023. The main theme for the day-long discussion was ‘Synodal Church: Communion-Participation-Mission’. Ms. Moury Paroy, an assistant teacher of St. Mary’s School, Jamalkhan, Chattogram presented the keynote speech. She is also the person in charge of the women’s desk under the Diocesan Commission for Laity.
Ms. Paroy said while presenting the speech “The main objective of the synodality is to inspire the whole Church to walk forward in the spirit of communion, mission and participation. It would be a Church where everybody is important, every voice is precious, and everyone’s activities be counted and recognized.”
“It is impossible to see the Church excluding the youth. So the youth need to reflect on what the Holy Father wants us to do as young people. Through the youthful zeal and activities, we need to be more concerned about making the Church vibrant through our communion, participation, and missionary dimension.”, Ms. Paroy added.
Sr. Benedicta RNDM from St. Joseph’s Quasi Parish, Lakshmipur presented a speech on ‘Participation of Youth’ and Sr. Anita CSC of Noakhali Parish on the theme ‘Youth in the Missionary Activities of the Church’.
The daylong event concluded with a Eucharistic Celebration sacrificed by Fr. Sadhan Augustine Gregory and all young participants.
