13th November 2022 was a usual Sunday, but unique to the youths of Chattogram. On this day 62 youths gathered from Chattogram and Bandarban cities in the Archdiocesan Training Centre to celebrate Lord’s Day youthfully.
Starting from 3.00 pm the youths spent 5 hours together in catechism, worship songs,
prayers, and the Youth Mass. The catechism sessions took place based on the scripture “The thief comes to steal and kill and destroy, but I have come that they may have life, life in all its fullness.” (John 10:9-10) by Fr Jerry S Gomes SJ from Cox’sbazar and “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28) by the Diocesan Pastoral Coordinator Mr Manik Willver D’Costa. Fr Gomes emphasized how electronic devices are stealing our time and isolating us from family, friends, relations, societies, Church and God. Mr D’Costa’s focus was on the burning issue of youth feeling of despair. Two worship music ministries, Jesus Youth from Bandarban and Chattogram Youth Worship Team made the journey with the catechist speakers to lead the youths in a deeper spiritual sense and guide them to praise the Lord.
Led by Diocesan Development Coordinator Mr Mickey Paul Gonsalves the youths took part in a friendship game indoor which made the environment warm and joyful. Benefactors of Chattogram Archdiocese from MISSIO Aachen Fr Dirk Bingener and Ms Anne Knoerzer were present during the celebration accompanied by the Chattogram Archbishop Lawrence S. Howlader CSC. They took this opportunity to exchange views, ideas, and issues of the youth life in Bangladesh and Germany.
The event was finally approached at the table of Eucharist
following the trend of the Road to Emmaus where Jesus catechized the disciples to understand the Word of God and then sacrificed the bread and wine which opened their eyes. Diocesan Youth Coordinator Fr Anthony Pronoy Gomes CSC celebrated the Eucharist very youthfully which was much loved by the participating youths.