The curtains came down on the 7th Asian Youth day on August 6, 2017 at Air force Field, Jogjakarta, Indonesia with the Holy Eucharist presided over by His Eminence Oswald Cardinal Gracias, President of the Federation of Asian Bishops Conference accompanied by other Cardinals, Archbishops, Bishops, Priests, Religious and Youth Leaders from the 21 Asian Countries with the announcement of India being the next host country for the 8 Asian Youth Day.

The 7 Asian Youth Day began on July 30, 2017 with few days spent in in 11 Archdioceses of Indonesia. The Delegates were deputed to the 11 archdioceses for mission experience prior to the Asian Youth Day. The Indian delegation was divided into two groups of 44 delegates going to Palembang and 35 delegates joining the Pontianak Archdioceses for their mission experience.

The Indian delegation included Most Rev.  Abraham Viruthakulangara, Archbishop of Nagpur, Most Rev. Henry D'Souza,Bishop of Bellary and Chairman CBCI Council for Youth, Most.  Rev. Antony Alwyn Fernandes Barreto, Bishop of Sindhdurg, Rev. Fr. Deepak Thomas KJ OCD Executive Secretary, CBCI Council for Youth, ICYM Office Bearers, Youth Directors and animators and Youth Leaders.

The entire program was well organised with the specific Theme Joyful Asian Youth! Living the Gospel in Multicultural Asia. The objectives of AYD 7 was well articulated with this theme as well as the programs conducted in the days in diocese and also in the sessions of AYD7. Each day had its own specific Theme and the entire day evolved around this one theme. It was a great opportunity for the Indian contingent to know their counter parts from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Nepal. They had a different world view after the interaction.

India put up a glamorous cultural evening on the opening day of the AYD7 which was well appreciated. Through the exhibition stall we also another opportunity to showcase the culture and great traditions of India.

Various exposures, workshop and sessions also helped the Indian contingent to know more about Indonesia and it’s  Multicultural aspects.

The whole program was enlightening with rich experience of love, concern, hospitality and brotherhood and sisterhood. It made all the delegates of the AYD7 that though we are different because of our culture, tradition and way of life it is our faith in Jesus Christ that unites us as one family of Asian Youth.

Some of the learnings

1. We all are different but united in Christ as Asian Catholic Church.

2. We are called to be evangelizers proclaiming God’s love to all

3. The Clarian call is to 'OMG' that is Online Missionaries of God.

Fr. Deepak Thomas OCD

Executive Secretary, CBCI Council for Youth