Annual Meeting of the Synodal Commission for Youth at the Catholicate Centre

The Synodal Commission for Youth convened its annual meeting on 30th November 2024 at the Catholicate Centre, Pattom, Trivandrum, bringing together key leaders, clergy, and representatives committed to fostering the spiritual and social growth of young members of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church.

Leadership and Guidance

The meeting was presided over by His Excellency Most Rev. Dr. Mathews Mor Polycarpos, Auxiliary Bishop of the Major Archieparchy of Trivandrum and Chairperson of the Youth Commission. In his address, His Excellency reflected on the vital role of the youth in shaping the Church’s future and emphasised the importance of initiatives that nurture both faith and community engagement.

The event was meticulously organised under the guidance of Rev. Fr. Dr. Prabheesh George, Secretary of the Synodal Commission for Youth, whose efforts ensured a seamless and productive gathering.

Review and Strategic Planning

The Commission’s past year’s activities were comprehensively reviewed, celebrating the successes of various youth programmes conducted across the dioceses. Discussions centred on identifying areas of improvement and setting clear objectives for the coming year, focusing on:

• Expanding outreach initiatives to engage youth in rural and underserved areas.
• Introducing innovative platforms for faith formation through community resources.
• Strengthening the MCYM (Malankara Catholic Youth Movement) chapters at diocesan and parish levels.

Inspirational Highlights

The meeting also featured vibrant discussions on the challenges faced by young Catholics in today’s world and the need to create avenues for active participation in Church life. Attendees shared their experiences and proposed strategies to address these challenges while staying rooted in the values of the Syro-Malankara tradition.

Path Forward

The Synodal Commission for Youth reaffirmed its commitment to providing spiritual, emotional, and social support to the youth. Plans were laid out to ensure every parish becomes a hub of vibrant youth activity, promoting a sense of belonging, leadership, and mission among young members of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church.

The gathering concluded with prayers and blessings, leaving the participants inspired and energised to carry forward the mission of the Commission.

This meeting marks another step forward in empowering the youth of the Church to live their faith actively and make meaningful contributions to society. It also serves as a reminder of the Church’s unwavering dedication to nurturing its younger generation, ensuring they remain steadfast in their spiritual journey and community life.