Aryan Lawrance –
The annual Training of Trainers (TOT), organised by the Indian Catholic Youth Movement (ICYM) and the Lucknow Diocesan Youth Commission, took place last weekend at the Navintha Pastoral Centre.
Bustling with excitement, more than 110 parish executive members (PEXCO), who mentor young people in their parishes, convened to hone their leadership abilities and strengthen their faith.
The TOT programme, led by Reverend Father Vijay Crasta of St. Francis, Nigoah, was a dynamic investigation of the issues that contemporary youth leaders encounter in their everyday lives. It went beyond simple workshops. Father Vijay’s workshops were praised for being insightful and useful, providing new ideas to improve youth ministry in all parishes.
Diocesan Youth Director Rev. Fr. Dominic Pinto emphasised that “leadership is about service” and urged aspiring leaders to exhibit compassion and humility. “They create solid teams, cultivate positive attitudes, and treat people with respect thanks to training.” He continued, encouraging guests to have a real influence on their communities, saying, “They’re not just leaders; they’re role models who lead by example.”
The president of the Lucknow Diocesan Youth, Aryan Lawrance, inspired other young people to influence the direction of their ministry. “Together, we can build a lively and welcoming environment,” he declared with excitement. He went on, inspiring his peers with a feeling of purpose and unanimity, “Let’s harness our talents to bring everyone together, making a lasting impact that defines our diocese.”
Ms. Ritika David, Diocesan Youth Secretary, underscored the potential of young leaders to drive positive change. “Our youth are poised to lead with faith and conviction,” she affirmed, motivating attendees to serve their communities with passion and dedication.
The event celebrated diversity through cultural performances, highlighted by Mr. Nikhil Tirkey, Diocesan Youth Event Coordinator. “The cultural showcases united us, showing our strength in diversity,” he observed, emphasizing the event’s inclusive spirit.
Reflecting on the impact of TOT, Ms. Harshita John from St. Joseph Cathedral shared, “This training empowered us to better support our communities.” Her sentiment echoed among participants who found the program not only enriching but essential for their personal growth.
Ms. Abhilasha Shaji, President of Holy Redeemer, imparted her insight, stating, “Humility is key to effective leadership.” Her words resonated, stressing the importance of humility in leadership development.
Mr. Melvin Massey, President of Infant Jesus, hailed the event as “flawless and invaluable,” highlighting its organized success and profound impact on participants.
Mr. Elvis, President of Nitya Sahay Mata, praised the program’s blend of leadership development and cultural celebration, noting, “Our training journey embraced humble leadership and celebrated cultural diversity.”
Ms. Shalin Singh, President of Holy Family, reflected on TOT’s transformative effect, noting, “This program equipped us not just for church but for life.” Her reflection emphasized the practical relevance and personal growth nurtured by TOT.
TOT sparked vital discussions about the future of youth ministry, including inclusivity and awareness of issues like LGBTQ rights and comprehensive sex education among youth. These discussions aimed to equip youth leaders with knowledge and empathy to address these sensitive topics within their communities.
As Mr. Ajay Dominic, Youth Advisor, echoed Saint Teresa of Calcutta’s call to “Spread love wherever you go,” the room brimmed with optimism and solidarity. The future of youth leadership in Lucknow’s Diocese shines brightly, with young leaders ready to lead with compassion, humility, and unwavering faith.