Deanery Youth Day 2025: Hope – Fuel for Life

Shaun Pascal Pereira

On a wintry and truly "peaceful" Sunday during the Advent season, the North Bombay Deanery celebrated Deanery Youth Day 2025 at the historic Shrine of Don Bosco Madonna, Matunga, on December 7, 2025. Centred on the theme "Hope – Fuel for Life," the gathering brought together around 270 youth from across the deanery for a day of faith, reflection, fellowship and celebration.

The afternoon began with registrations efficiently managed by the youth of Sacred Heart, Worli, whose warm hospitality set the tone for the day. Participants were welcomed with snack boxes sponsored by Our Lady of Salvation, Dadar, and a ribbon tied on their wrists—symbolising unity in diversity among the youth of the deanery.

The evening formally commenced with the celebration of the Holy Eucharist at the solemn heritage Shrine of Don Bosco's Madonna. The choir was led by Our Lady of Fatima, Sewri, while the liturgy was conducted by Our Lady of Lourdes, Sion. The Mass was presided over by the Assistant Director of the DYC, Fr Omar Fernandes, and concelebrated by Fr Leon Cruz, Deanery Youth Coordinator.

In his homily, Fr Omar reflected on his experience with the deanery in 2008, recalling its "sportific" spirit and the strong involvement of youth through sports. Engaging the congregation with questions on sports personalities and teams, he gradually drew attention to the themes of the day—Hope and Peace. He shared the inspiring story of Moroccan Paralympian Laila El Abbassi, whose act of sportsmanship at the Tokyo Paralympics 2021 moved the world. Choosing compassion over victory, Abbassi helped her fallen competitors finish the race, later stating, "The world already has enough winners. It needs better human beings." Fr Omar used this powerful testimony to remind the youth of the call to live as "Pilgrims of Hope," choosing peace, selflessness and service in a competitive world, just as Christ did.

The programme continued with energetic telegames organised by St Michael, Mahim, keeping the youth engaged and fostering bonds of trust, faith and hope on the chilly evening.

The second half of the celebrations unfolded at the school hall dedicated to Late Fr Bernard Fernandes, former Principal. Hosts Jacob (Our Lady of Lourdes, Sion) and Fia (Our Lady of Dolours, Wadala) led a vibrant session where representatives from each parish marched in with their flags, reflecting strong parish pride and unity. This was followed by the ceremonial lighting of the lamp by Deanery representatives and parish Youth Directors.

A thought-provoking talk titled "Ahem, Relationships!" was delivered by Fr Kenneth Pinto, who addressed common confusions faced by young people today. Using creative props, he highlighted how choices shape relationships, concluding with a meaningful reflection on chastity, and encouraging youth to date responsibly with marriage as the ultimate goal.

The highlight of the evening was an address by Fr Leon Cruz, who acknowledged and thank the countless efforts, sacrifices and dedication of the Deanery representatives and Youth Directors. Mr Nelson Sadanand, Deanery President and DYC member, echoed this gratitude, honouring Fr Leon Cruz as the "unseen hero" behind the successful event.

The celebration concluded with dances, skits, action songs led by the DYC Council, a lively jam session, and a creative photo-booth by St Anthony, Dharavi. The day ended with a packed dinner and hearts filled with hope, joy and lasting memories.

Versova's 14-day Rink Football Tournament

Abhishek Papaya

For 14 electric nights, the quadrangle of Our Lady of Health Church, Versova was transformed into a cauldron of footballing passion as the Rink Football Tournament 2025, hosted by the OLOH Youth, took centrestage. With over 90 teams competing across the Open, Veterans, and Legends 50+ divisions, every evening delivered roaring crowds, nail-biting finishes, surprise twists, and flashes of teamwork born purely from love for the game.

Behind the scenes, the OLOH Youth ran the show with remarkable grit and heart. Event Head Kenisha, ably supported by Assistant Head Domnica, kept the wheels turning, while animators Mervin and Mariano brought relentless energy, seamless coordination, and the occasional mad dash to solve last-minute challenges. From marketing and food to stage management and the tireless army of ball boys, every responsibility was owned—not assigned—by young volunteers who arrived early, stayed late, and stepped in wherever needed.

What truly sets the tournament apart is its scale and spirit; it remains the only tournament in Mumbai to run continuously for 14 days (Nov. 24–Dec. 7) without hiring external manpower, relying entirely on volunteers.

This dedication was backed up by unwavering support from parish priests, sponsors, families, and parishioners—so many, in fact, that listing them would fill pages. That collective spirit is what elevates this Rink Football Tournament into Mumbai’s top three, alongside the iconic Willingdon Tournament and Orlem Super Cup.

As the OLOH Youth look back—hearts full and legs sore—one promise stands firm: the Rink Football Tournament is only getting bigger, brighter, and even more unforgettable.

Active in Advent

Fr Ivan D'Souza SJ

As the title suggests, it was an active Advent at St Peter Church, Bandra. Normally, Advent passes off as four Sundays in purple, and by December 15, everyone is gearing up for Christmas – sweets, decorations, shopping, outings, and much more that tend to overshadow the true essence of Advent. Keeping in mind the graces and the importance of Advent, the youth of St Peter's came together to prepare a day-wise Advent calendar that engaged the entire parish. 

There was an Advent board where the Nativity scene was built up daily. The calendar had a weekly pattern for           each day. 

1. Activity Sunday – After every Mass, parishioners joined in a small activity that was lively and engaging. People waited back to participate and also talk to one another.

a. Hope Sunday – Each wrote their intentions of Hope this Christmas and dropped them in a box. 

b. Peace Sunday – They wrote their intentions of Peace in their lives.

These boxes were placed at the Altar and prayed over daily at all Masses.

c. Joy Sunday – People exchanged Joy Cards with one another, thereby spreading Christ's joy.

d. Love Sunday – Parishioners wrote Love notes to the homebound. These were collected and given to the homebound at the Christmas Eve Mass for the sick on December 24.

The weekdays were spiritual and thoughtful. The material was delivered through Instagram on the active_in_advent2025 handle and a WhatsApp group, so that all age groups could be reached out to. 

2. Reflection Mondays – Short articles were shared on the weekly themes—Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love.

3. Transformation Tuesdays – Every Tuesday, four areas of our lives were presented in the form of a checklist to ponder upon e.g. the vices of greed, anger, lust etc.

4. Family Wednesdays – Short, sweet family activities were suggested to participate in e.g. Doing a family chore, listening to a carol together, going to buy the groceries, etc.

5. Action Thursdays – Practical challenges included praying, attending Mass, skipping social media, or reaching out to a friend.

6. Wacky Fridays – Fun, theme-based random acts of kindness were proposed e.g. Leaving the change for the auto driver, picking up a wrapper from the street, buying a snack for a beggar, etc.

7. Marian Saturdays – Reflections explored how Mary exemplified Hope, Peace and Joy in her life.

Through the Advent calendar, the entire parish kept the spirit of Advent alive and moved people to truly prepare for Christmas. The youth definitely helped create a meaningful Advent experience. Even amid the noise and cheer of the season, parishioners were encouraged to remain fully present in each moment, truly acknowledging the "Birthday Boy" and the reason for the season—Christ our Lord.

Check it out; follow the Insta page "active_in_advent2025".