UPAASANA AND YSM CONCLAVE INSPIRE FAITH AND PERSONAL GROWTH
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9 October 2026 | Our Lady of Lourdes Church Campus, Martalli.
As a part of the Year of Faith 2026, the Diocese of Mysore, through the Commission for Faith Formation and Catechetics, organised two significant programmes at Martalli on 9 October 2026: UPAASANA – “Sitting Near the Lord,” for students of Classes VIII–X, and the YSM Conclave for students of I and II PUC. A total of 560 high school and PUC students participated in this initiative, which aimed to nurture their spiritual growth, strengthen their Christian values and promote holistic personal development.
Inspired by Luke 10:39, which describes Mary sitting at the Lord’s feet and listening to His Word, the main theme, “Sitting Near the Lord,” invited young people to deepen their relationship with Jesus Christ through prayer, Scripture, listening and reflection.
The sub-theme, “Responsibility Towards Faith, the Church, the Saints and Personal Development,” encouraged young people to take responsibility for their faith, participate actively in the life of the Church, draw inspiration from the lives of the saints and develop the qualities necessary for a mature Christian life.
The formation sessions addressed responsibility towards faith and the Church, the lives of the saints, personal development, self-awareness, positive attitudes, communication, teamwork, interpersonal relationships and the practical application of Christian values in everyday life. Students were encouraged to practise honesty, compassion, forgiveness, discipline and respect, becoming responsible members of their families, educational institutions, parishes and society. The UPAASANA programme for Classes VIII–X was held at Lourdes Church Hall, while the YSM Conclave for I and II PUC students took place at a separate venue within the Lourdes Church campus. Both groups participated in a common inauguration before proceeding to their respective formation sessions and activities.
Rev. Fr. Wilfred Anthony, Rev. Fr. James Joseph, Rev. Fr. Arokia Prabhu and Rev. Fr. Elangovan served as resource persons. Sr. Felicia SND and Rev. Fr. Pradeep Marshall MMM contributed through formation sessions, interactive activities, music and games. The programme provided opportunities for prayer, learning, reflection, interaction and fellowship.
The programmes were hosted by Rev. Dr. M. Vincent, Parish Priest and Dean of Our Lady of Lourdes Deanery, Martalli. Rev. Fr. Christopher served as coordinator and discipline in-charge, assisted by Mr. Xavier Jayasheelan, Mr. Louis Nesan and Mr. Rayappan. Sr. Anitha CSST and Sr. Jancy SSS coordinated registration and time management. Mr. Annainatha managed music and sound arrangements, while Mr. Robert Clement Dhanraj oversaw refreshments and lunch. The resource persons, religious sisters, coordinators and volunteers contributed to the smooth conduct of the programmes.
The participation of 560 students highlighted the importance of accompanying young people in their journey of faith. The programmes sought to strengthen their relationship with Christ, deepen their sense of belonging to the Church, promote moral responsibility and equip them with personal and interpersonal skills. The combination of faith formation and personality development encouraged students to translate their beliefs into concrete actions of love, service, compassion and responsibility.
UPAASANA and the YSM Conclave were meaningful initiatives in the Diocese of Mysore’s celebration of the Year of Faith 2026. The programmes reaffirmed the Church’s commitment to nurturing young people as confident, responsible and committed Christians.
The central message was clear: sit near the Lord, listen to His Word, learn from the saints, take responsibility for your faith and become a joyful witness of Christ in everyday life.
