As part of the Jubilee Year celebrations of St Francis of Assisi, the Azara Community, together with the Jesus Youth leaders of the campus, undertook a pilgrimage-cum-outing to St Francis Church, Mariampur, on 2 October 2026. The pilgrimage was an opportunity for the young people to step away from their usual campus routine and spend time in prayer, fellowship and reflection in the spirit of St Francis. The Jesus Youth members were accompanied by Rev. Fr K. J. Thomas, SDB, Rector, along with Fr K. J. Anthony, SDB, and Rev. Fr Romanus Barwa.

The day began with a spirit of prayer and enthusiasm as the group journeyed to Mariampur. At the church, the participants spent time in prayer and reflection, recalling the life and witness of St Francis, particularly his love for Christ, simplicity of life, fraternity and care for creation.

For the Jesus Youth members, the pilgrimage was not merely an outing but a meaningful experience of faith and community. The pilgrimage gave us a chance to move away from the busy campus routine and spend quality time with God and with one another. It reminded the members that their faith journey is strengthened when they walk together.

The participants also appreciated the opportunity for fellowship with one another. The shared journey, conversations, prayer and moments of recreation strengthened the bonds among the Jesus Youth leaders and the Salesian community.

The pilgrimage concluded with a renewed commitment among the young people to live their faith with greater joy, simplicity and fraternity, inspired by the example of St Francis of Assisi. The celebration thus became a meaningful combination of pilgrimage, prayer, fellowship and joyful youth engagement during the Jubilee Year of St Francis.

News Courtesy: Fr. Thomas Kunnappillil SDB