YOUTH SPEAK

From Rituals to Relationships

Rachel Menezes

There is a profound, quiet power in simplicity. We often imagine that reaching out to the Divine requires a specific architectural setting, a rehearsed script, or a certain level of "holiness." But sometimes, the most transformative prayer you can offer is just two words: "Hi Jesus."

Growing up, many of us followed a structured path of piety. For me, childhood was defined by a faithful commitment to night-time rituals. Every evening, I would recite the classic petitions: "I lay my body down to sleep, I pray to God my soul to keep. If I die before I wake, I pray to God my soul to take." I would follow this with the Guardian Angel prayer, along with the rhythmic, comforting cadence of the Our Father and Hail Mary for my family.

These prayers were my bedrock. They were the "holy" habits that shaped my early understanding of God. However, as the complexities of adulthood crept in, that foundation began to crack. The busyness of life and the distractions of the world led to a slow drift. I stopped praying and forgot the inherent power of that connection. For a long while, the silence was deafening.

Finding my way back wasn't an overnight shift; it reached a crescendo on January 3 at the Resound concert. In that atmosphere of worship, something shifted. It wasn't just the music; it was the realisation that the connection I thought I'd lost was simply waiting for me to pick up the phone.

That spark ignited a fire. I dove into preparations for Milestone and the YU4C Young Adults Camp. Getting active in the community was the catalyst I needed to restart. Through the chaos of planning and the fellowship of other young adults, I discovered that prayer didn't have to be a performance; it could be a lifestyle.

Today, my prayer life looks very different from the memorised lines of my childhood. It has evolved into a vibrant, ongoing conversation. I talk to Jesus the same way I would talk to a close friend. Whether I'm asking for help to "get a rick" (a breakthrough) or just venting about my day, I speak with a renewed sense of conviction. When you stop treating prayer like a chore, and start treating it like a relationship, the faith behind your words carries real weight.

To every young adult navigating the noise of today's world: do not underestimate the power of showing up. You might feel like you've forgotten how to pray, or that your words aren't "holy" enough, but God isn't looking for a polished speech; He is looking for you.

When the world feels heavy and you don't know where to start, go back to the roots. Remember the Our Father—a prayer given to us as a perfect blueprint. It reminds us that we have a Father who provides, forgives, and protects. Use those sacred words as your foundation, and then build on them with your own.

Don't wait for a "perfect" moment to restart. Start with a "Hi Jesus" while you're on the bus, in the gym, or at your desk. Whether it's the ancient words of the Our Father or a simple chat with a friend, just start talking. Your faith is not found in the perfection of your prayers, but in the persistence of your heart.

IGNITE 2026 - A Day of Sports, Team Spirit, and Youthful Energy

Muriel Coutinho

IGNITE 2026, a vibrant sports event organised by the North Bombay Deanery, was held on January 4, 2026 at Don Bosco Turf, Matunga. The event brought together youth from across the deanery for a day dedicated to sports, teamwork, and fellowship. With over 70 young participants representing 13 parishes, IGNITE 2026 truly lived up to its name by igniting enthusiasm, unity, and healthy competition among      the youth.

The Don Bosco campus came alive early in the morning, as teams arrived filled with excitement and anticipation. The venue provided an ideal setting for the three sporting events planned for the day—Football, Cricket, and Tug of War.

The day began with the Football tournament, setting an energetic tone for the rest of the event. Seven parish teams competed, each displaying determination, skill, and strong team coordination. The matches were intense yet fair, with players demonstrating excellent sportsmanship throughout. Cheers from fellow participants and supporters added to the lively atmosphere.

As the tournament progressed, the competition grew more thrilling. After a series of closely contested matches, St Paul Parish, Dadar (East) and Our Lady of Good Counsel parish, Sion, advanced to the finals. The final match was an exciting encounter, with both teams giving their best on the field. Strong defence and strategic play kept spectators engaged until the final whistle. In the end, St Paul Parish, Dadar (East) emerged victorious, and lifted the football trophy, marking a proud moment for the parish.

Following the football matches, attention shifted to the Cricket tournament, which continued until the very end of the day. Despite the long hours, the energy and enthusiasm of the players never faded. The matches showcased a mix of skill, strategy, and endurance, with teams giving their all in every over.

As the competition reached its conclusion, Our Lady of Lourdes parish, Sion, stood out with their consistent performance and teamwork. Their efforts paid off as they emerged the winners of the cricket tournament, earning applause and appreciation from participants and organisers alike.

One of the most exciting events was the Tug of war. This competition brought together raw strength, coordination, and unity, making it both intense and entertaining. Teams pulled the rope with determination, while supporters cheered passionately from the sidelines. After a series of hard-fought rounds, Our Lady of Victories Parish, Mahim, proved their strength and teamwork, securing victory in the event.

Beyond the results and trophies, what truly defined IGNITE 2026 was the spirit of sportsmanship displayed throughout the day. It was inspiring to see parishes competing with respect and encouragement. Players supported their teammates, acknowledged good play by opponents, and accepted both victory and defeat with grace. The event fostered a strong sense of unity and mutual respect among the youth.

The success of IGNITE 2026 was a testament to the efforts of the North Bombay Deanery, the organisers, volunteers, and the enthusiastic youth who made the event memorable. A Special Thanks to Fr Leon Cruz, our Youth Director, for his unwavering trust and encouragement through the tournament

Youth Outreach to Juvenile Detention  Centre, Matunga

Priya D’Souza

January 26 proved to be a truly memorable and enriching day for the youth group of Infant Jesus Church, Jogeshwari, as they visited the children at the Juvenile Detention Centre, Matunga to share in the spirit of Republic Day.

The group received a warm and gracious welcome from the staff, setting the tone for a joyful and meaningful interaction. The children had thoughtfully organised a Republic Day programme that included flag hoisting, dance performances, singing, and other cultural items. Their confidence, talent, and enthusiasm left a lasting impression on the visitors, who felt privileged to witness their celebrations.

The primary aim of the visit was to engage the children through fun and interactive activities. A lively Zumba session got everyone moving with infectious energy, while games and group activities created an atmosphere of laughter and camaraderie. The Best out of Waste activity highlighted the children's remarkable creativity, with imaginative creations such as paper flowers, paper boats, and costumes made from newspapers depicting their favourite characters.

A communication session followed, offering the youth an opportunity to listen to the children's stories and learn about their daily lives. This exchange proved to be deeply humbling and insightful, placing many things in perspective, and fostering a strong sense of empathy and connection. Games like "Rainbow in the City" and "Row, Row the Boat" further added to the excitement, filling the space with joy and cheerful laughter.

The day concluded with music and dance, leaving smiles on every face and hearts filled with gratitude. The youth expressed sincere thanks to Fr Melroy Mendonca for initiating this ministry and providing them with the opportunity to be part of such a meaningful outreach.

The visit served as a powerful reminder that every individual deserves to be heard, valued, and appreciated. It was a day the youth will cherish, inspiring them to continue spreading joy, hope, and compassion through future interactions.