Chennai, India, November 1, 2026 – Deepagam, the Don Bosco Catechetical Centre of the Salesian Province of Chennai (INM), organized a one-day youth faith forum titled “Let's Talk Faith” (Nambikkaiyai Pesuvom) on November 1, 2026, at Deepagam Hall, Chennai. The initiative aimed at preparing young people to celebrate the forthcoming Advent season through reflection, dialogue, and faith sharing.

Forty-five young people from the parishes of Perambur and Ayanavaram participated in the forum, which adopted an interactive and synodal approach to faith formation. The event was moderated by Fr. Jesudoss Periyanayagam, Mrs. Pauline Rose and Mrs. Amali Martin. The Keynote speakers of the day were Dr. Revathi Robert, Prof. Dominic of Loyola College, Mrs. T.G. Sudha, and Mr. Thalapathi, Chief Editor of Mutram Monthly Magazine.

Participants were divided into groups and invited to engage in dialogue around four Advent-centred virtues: Hope, Joy, Love, and Peace. Through guided discussions, biblical reflections, and personal sharing, the youth explored how these virtues can be lived in contemporary society and within the Church.

The sessions on Hope moderated by Mrs. Pauline encouraged participants to draw inspiration from biblical figures such as Abraham and Sarah, Noah, Moses, Ruth, Mary, and Jairus. Young people reflected on their hopes for the Church and the role of youth as witnesses and pillars of faith. Discussions highlighted the importance of translating faith and hope into concrete action and service. During the session, Thought provoking questions were asked such as: What are you hoping for the Church? What are you hoping from the Church? One participant remarked, “We are signs and witnesses of the Church of the future.”

During the reflection on Joy, Dr. Revathi Robert invited participants to discover authentic joy in God, service, and relationships. She asked the participants: “Who were joyful persons in the bible?” Drawing inspiration from the lives of Mary, Mother Teresa, and Don Bosco, she encouraged young people to find happiness in helping the poor, the elderly, and those in need. She also challenged participants to preserve cultural and linguistic heritage while remaining centred on Gospel values. Dr. Revathi observed that St. Joseph serves as an important biblical model of respect toward women. She questioned: “How will you be a happy person?” Thus, encouraging participants to discover authentic joy rooted in faith, Dr. Revathi reminded them, "When God becomes the centre of our lives, joy becomes more than an emotion; it becomes a way of life."

The session on Love, led by Mrs. T.G. Sudha, emphasized acceptance, understanding, and the ability to adapt to people and situations. Speaking on the virtue of love, Mrs. Sudha emphasized that love is expressed in daily relationships through acceptance and understanding. "The art of adjusting to people and accepting situations with patience is one of the simplest and deepest expressions of love," she noted. Participants reflected on love as a practical expression of faith that enables harmonious relationships and community living.

Prof. Dominic guided the discussions on Hope with the key question: “When will we be hopeful?” He related the answers to the aspirations and challenges faced by today's youth in education, employment, and personal growth. He highlighted the importance of trust in God, self, and others, while encouraging participants to become active agents of peace in their families and communities. While, addressing the aspirations and struggles of young people, Prof. Dominic encouraged participants to look beyond academic and professional success. "Hope must reach beyond career expectations” He said. He also challenged participants with a contemporary question: “Can you trust smartphones?” “You must rather trust yourself, trust others, and trust in God," he added, while inviting the youth to become responsible co-creators of a more humane and compassionate society.

Reflecting on the theme of Peace, Mr. Thalapathy, Chief Editor of Mutram Monthly Magazine, challenged participants to view peace as an active commitment rather than merely the absence of conflict. Referring to the life and witness of human rights advocate Navanethem “Navi” Pillay, he underscored the importance of protecting human dignity and promoting justice. Recounting an incident from a humanitarian conflict zone, where efforts were made to safeguard the life of a girl child, he highlighted the value of every human person. "Peace is not merely keeping silent or avoiding disturbance; peace is choosing to protect life, dignity, and justice," he told the youth. Drawing inspiration from Mother Teresa and the Tamil thinnai culture of hospitality and neighborliness, he further urged them: "There are many paths towards peace, but every Christian is called to become a peacemaker."

In his concluding address, Fr. Jesudoss challenged the youth to become courageous witnesses of justice and truth. “We are not here merely to sing and dance. We are here to prepare ourselves to stand for justice, truth, and the transformation of society,” he said. He urged the youth to courageously confront corruption and injustice and become active witnesses of Gospel values in day-today-life.

The gathering also featured dance animation, youth interaction, and faith-sharing moments that strengthened the spirit of fraternity among participants. Members of the Deepagam team, including Mr. Joseph Bernard and Mr. Prince Samson, invited the youth to become part of Deepagam's mission of youth catechesis and evangelization.

Bro. Arun, Rector of the INM Provincial House, described Jesus as "the greatest revolutionary" and reminded the participants that "youth are the hope of the future, the Church, and the society." He encouraged them to nurture the virtues they had reflected upon and share them with others. Moreover, he appreciated Fr. Jesudoss’ dream of mobilizing the movements for evangelization.

One of the significant outcomes of the event was the decision to organize the Nambikkaiyai Pesuvom Faith Forum once every two months at Deepagam and to develop regional-level youth faith formation initiatives. Twelve participants also volunteered to join the Deepagam LIGHT Club, expressing their commitment to ongoing faith formation and missionary engagement. The forum marked another significant step in Deepagam's mission of accompanying young people in their faith journey and forming them as active disciples, evangelizers, and protagonists of hope in society.