Juniors’ Meet 2023: A Transformative Experience

The Juniors’ Meet 2023, held at the Society of St Paul in Bangalore, was a comprehensive and enriching experience for the 11 participants from Bangalore and the 3 from Pune. The six-day event, spanning from 27 December 2023 to 1 January 2024, was designed to provide the juniors with a holistic understanding of personal and spiritual growth within the context of the Society of St Paul.

The opening two days featured Br Varghese Mandapathil, the Provincial Superior of Montfort Brothers, Assam, as the resource person. Br Varghese brought a wealth of experience, covering topics such as "Ready to Change", "Self-esteem", "Self-compassion", and "Emotions and Maturity". His sessions set a contemplative tone, encouraging participants to reflect on their individual readiness for change and personal development.

Fr T.C. Joseph, a distinguished speaker, took the opportunity to share his insights into the evolution of Pauline Apostolate. Participants were taken on a journey from traditional press to contemporary digital apostolate, gaining a nuanced understanding of the changing and progressive landscape of communication within the Pauline Apostolate.

The experiential programme conducted on 29 and 30 December by J Team, led by Mr. Santhosh, added a dynamic element to the Juniors’ Meet. The programme incorporated both indoor and outdoor activities, such as archery, magical flute, tink tank, and more. The brilliance of this programme lay in the lessons imparted after each activity, emphasizing teamwork, leadership, and drawing meaningful conclusions from experiences.

Fr Devasia Puthiyaparabil's session on the 30th provided a glimpse into the life of Alberione at the age of 20, inspiring participants to embrace writing, aligning with the vision of founder James Alberione. Furthermore, Fr Shaiju Joseph's practical session on strategy equipped participants with valuable tools to navigate challenges effectively.

In addition to the enriching sessions, the juniors had the privilege of meeting the authorities. These included Fr Joby Mathew (Provincial Superior), Fr Prithviraj Philip (Director of Formation), Fr Saju George (Director General of Apostolate), and Fr Johnson Chacko (General Councillor). These interactions allowed the participants to grasp the broader vision and mission of the Society of St Paul, fostering a deeper connection with the organization.

The Juniors’ Meet 2023 concluded on a festive note with a New Year's Day picnic at the Agarwal farmhouse in Nelamangala, Bangalore. This provided a relaxed setting for participants to unwind, reflect on their experiences, and strengthen the bonds formed during the event.

In summary, the Juniors’ Meet 2023 at the Society of St Paul in Bangalore was a well-crafted blend of informative sessions, engaging activities and meaningful interactions. The participants left not only with a deeper understanding of their personal and spiritual journeys but also with lasting connections and memories that will undoubtedly influence their continued growth within the Society of St Paul.