A three-day Franciscan Youth Gathering (You-Fra) was held at St. Anthony’s School, Adhikari, Darjeeling, from 17 to 19 October 2026. The gathering was coordinated by Rev. Fr. Deepak Ekka, TOR, with the assistance of Rev. Fr. Mukesh Ekka, TOR, and the support of the local Minister, Rev. Fr. Carlus Kiro, TOR. The gathering was held under the theme “Rediscovering Peace with St. Francis of Assisi,” which invited the young people to reflect on St. Francis of Assisi’s example and to rediscover peace in their relationship with God, with one another, and with all creation.

Youth from five Franciscan parishes took part: St. Francis Church, Hasimara; St. Mary’s Church, Sylee; St. Anthony’s Church, Thakurganj; St. Thomas Church, Adhikari; and St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, Kashyabari. The gathering offered the young people an opportunity to grow in faith, build friendships, share their talents, and reflect on the life and spirituality of St. Francis of Assisi.

Day One: 17 October 2026

The first day began with a warm welcome from Rev. Fr. Deepak Ekka, TOR, and the youth of Adhikari Parish. The participants were welcomed in a spirit of joy and Franciscan brotherhood.

The youth from St. Francis Church, Hasimara, were accompanied by Rev. Fr. Sujit Lakra, TOR, Dn. Ajit Topno, TOR , and Sr. Catherine. The youth from Sylee Tea Garden were led by Rev. Fr. Suman K. Dhan, TOR. The group from Thakurganj was accompanied by Rev. Fr. Raju Tirkey, TOR, Dn. Oskar Soreng, TOR, and Sr. Reeta, FCC. The youth from Kashyabari were led by Rev. Fr. Santosh Toppo, TOR, while the local parish community welcomed and supported the participants from Adhikari.

The Holy Eucharist was celebrated by Very Rev. Fr. Manoj Kullu, TOR, Vice-Provincial. The gathering was then officially opened with the lighting of a lamp. Youth from all five parishes presented cultural performances, showing their talents and the richness of their traditions. The day ended with an energetic group dance that brought everyone together in joy and friendship.

Day Two: 18 October 2026

Talk on “Youth of Today and Their Challenges”

The first session was led by Rev. Fr. Xavier Kindo, TOR, Province Director of You-Fra, who spoke on “Youth of Today and Their Challenges.” He encouraged the young people to understand their worth and identity, make wise choices, and face life’s challenges with courage, faith, and responsibility. He reminded them that every person is loved by God and has unique gifts and abilities.

Fr. Xavier highlighted several challenges faced by young people today, including difficulty in making decisions, lack of knowledge, a lack of effort to do one’s best, materialism, pressure to follow fashion and popular trends, and giving too little time to God, study, and other important responsibilities. He warned that depending too much on artificial intelligence and quick online answers can weaken independent thinking and the ability to check information carefully. He also encouraged the youth not to follow something simply because “everyone is doing it,” but to think carefully and choose what is right.

He stressed the importance of learning, reading the Bible, understanding the teachings of the Church, praying, and taking an active part in parish life. Families, friends, and parish communities can give young people guidance and support. He invited them to use their talents in the service of others, treat everyone with respect, help people in need, make peace when conflicts arise, and become positive examples in their homes, schools, parishes, and society. He reminded them that they can make a difference by living according to the values of the Gospel.

Talk on “Digital Addiction and Today’s Youth”

The second session was delivered by Very Rev. Fr. Manoj Kullu, TOR, Vice-Provincial, on “Digital Addiction and Today’s Youth.” He explained that digital tools such as smartphones, social media, online games, artificial intelligence, and online learning platforms can support education, communication, creativity, and personal growth. However, problems arise when their use becomes excessive and begins to control a person’s time and daily life.

Fr. Manoj described signs of unhealthy digital use, such as checking a phone constantly, spending too much time on social media or online games, and scrolling through short videos for much longer than intended. He explained that problematic use can affect sleep, concentration, studies, relationships, and face-to-face conversations. Social media can also lead to unhealthy comparisons, fear of missing out, cyberbullying, anxiety, and sadness. He stressed that screen time alone does not tell the whole story: using a device for study or creative work is different from scrolling without control.

He encouraged the youth to take practical steps to use technology wisely. These included avoiding the phone for the first 30 minutes after waking up, keeping meals phone-free, turning off unnecessary notifications, taking a break from an app that wastes time, and setting phone-free spaces such as the bedroom, classroom, dining table, and time of prayer. He also urged them to replace unnecessary scrolling with positive activities such as reading, music, sports, art, time in nature, prayer, writing, and conversation. His central message was simple: use technology as a tool, and do not allow it to control your life.

Very Rev. Fr. Manoj Abraham, TOR, Minister Provincial; Rev. Fr. Suman K. Dhan, TOR, Regional Director; Rev. Fr. Ranjan, TOR; and Rev. Fr. Anthress Bara, TOR, joined the gathering on the second day, strengthening the spirit of fraternity. The Holy Eucharist was celebrated by Most Rev. Bishop Paul Simick, giving the participants an opportunity to renew their faith and deepen their relationship with God.

In the afternoon, the youth took part in group discussions and presentations. They shared their ideas and experiences, discussed the challenges faced by young people, and learned from one another. These activities encouraged teamwork, mutual understanding, and active participation.

In the evening, youth from the five parishes presented skits based on the life and spirituality of St. Francis of Assisi. The performances highlighted humility, simplicity, compassion, love for creation, service to the poor, and peace. They showed how the example of St. Francis can guide young people in their daily lives.

The gathering was also enriched by inspiring messages from Very Rev. Fr. Manoj Abraham, TOR and Rev. Fr. Alphonse Ekka, TOR, Parish Priest of Adhikari. They encouraged the youth to remain firm in their faith, live by Gospel values, and become responsible witnesses of Christ in their families, parishes, and society.

During the concluding session of the second day, Rev. Fr. Deepak Ekka, TOR, expressed heartfelt thanks to the priests, sisters, deacons, youth leaders, coordinators, and all who helped make the gathering successful. He especially thanked Very Rev. Fr. Manoj Kullu, TOR and Rev. Fr. Xavier Kindo, TOR for giving their time and sharing their insights with the youth. The day ended with another lively group dance.

Day Three: 19 October 2026

The final day concluded with the Holy Eucharist presided over by Rev. Fr. Ranjan Ekka, TOR. After three days of prayer, reflection, discussion, cultural sharing, and fellowship, the participants prepared to return to their respective parishes.

The youth departed with cherished memories, lasting friendships, and renewed spiritual inspiration, eager to follow the example of St. Francis of Assisi by living simply, fostering peace, caring for creation, serving those in need, and using technology wisely.