A day of seminar on Youth Guidance, marking the year dedicated to the youth, was held at Darshan Institute of Theology, the Capuchin Theologate at Kengeri, Bangalore, from 9 am to 4 pm on Friday, 28th January 2011. About a hundred religious brothers and sisters attended the seminar.

It began with a prayer service and lighting of the lamp followed by the welcome address by Rev Fr Charles Furtado, the dean of studies. Rev Fr Jossy Fernandes OFM Cap., the director of Shanthi Sadhana, delivered the key note address. Rev Fr Gilbert Choondal SDB, head of the department of Faith and Youth Ministry of Kristu Jyoti College, presented the first paper with the audio-visuals on Youth and Evangelisation. Two other papers were presented, one by Rev Fr Stanley OFM Cap., on Youth Challenges, and another by Rev Fr Patrick Crasta OFM Cap., on Youth Accompaniment. There was time assigned for questions and interactions after each paper, moderated by Rev Fr J.B. Sequeira OFM Cap., Rev Fr Anil Sequeira OFM Cap., and Rev Fr. Chetan Lobo OFM Cap., respectively. Rev Fr Baptist Rodrigues OFM Cap., the rector, conducted the concluding session of the seminar.

The seminar gave valuable insights into the proper understanding of youth today. They are a force and power that needs to be rightly channelised for the future of the church and world at large. Properly loved, appreciated, understood and guided, they can be effective evangelisers and agents of social change.

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