Nitika Don Bosco Introduces “10 Tips for the Young” by the Youth of the Archdiocese of Calcutta

Kolkata: Nitika Don Bosco together with the Salesian Youth Department and the Archdiocesan Catechetical Commission introduced the “10 Tips for the Young” derived from the Post-Apostolic Exhortation of  Pope Francis, Christus Vivit on 3 August 2019 at Nitika in the presence of Archbishop Thomas D’Souza and 90 youth and animators from the Archdiocese of Calcutta. The “10 Tips” was the brainchild of Fr. Gilbert Choondal SDB, the catechetical Director of Nitika Don Bosco.

Though the participants received a free copy of the “10 Tips”, extra copies were available for Rs. 5/- per copy after the event. “We want our youth and animators to value what they receive. By putting a nominal price tag, they will not take for granted this attractive message of Pope Francis. When they buy another copy, they can gift it to another young person or their companion. That is evangelisation. The animators and heads of institutes can reach out to their students and boarders. That is how we need to disseminate the work of Pope Francis,” said Fr. Gilbert, the creator of “10 Tips”, during the vote of thanks. The programme commenced at 4:30 pm with Psalm 23 expressed through the body language of Miss Angela, a student of Loreto School, Entally. Fr. Robin Gomes SDB, the rector of Provincial House Community welcomed all to Nitika. Archbishop Thomas D’Souza released the “10 Tips” with a message to the youth and animators. He emphasized the role of youth in the Church as missionaries.

The most important part of the session was the presentation of the “10 Tips” by 10 Young people from the Archdiocese. “We wanted the other youth to learn this art of spreading the message of Pope Francis this way in their own parishes and schools, colleges and hostels,” said Fr. Gilbert. They explained each tip with conviction and personal experiences. “We were moved and touched by the sharing of the young boys and girls who presented the message of Pope Francis convincingly,” expressed Sr. Carmella IBVM. Fr. Patrick Lepcha SDB was the live wire of the programme with his lively compering. The surprise presence of the day was a group of Egyptian youth with a Coptic priest who attended the programme. Fr. Robert Johnson, the catechetical secretary for the Archdiocese thanked all, especially Archbishop Thomas D’Souza, Fr. Gilbert, the creator of “10 Tips”, and all the participants.