By Steffi D'Mello
VIRAR, JAN 27, 2015: Youth Fest 2016 was held at Jyoti Mata Church, Jyoti, Virar on January 24. The theme for this year's fest was, 'Blessed are the Merciful.' 80 youth from different Salesian parishes - in and 
across Mumbai- came together to celebrate this annual youth event.
The programme started with the theme song on Mercy. It was followed by an introduction by Father Savio Silveira, Vice Provincial of the Salesian province of Mumbai, who spoke about the significance of Mercy in today's world and encouraged youth to spread this message of Mercy through simple gestures.
Father Cleophas Braganza took a session on the meaning of the Jubilee Year of Mercy and Pope Francis' message. He also explained the logo of Year of Mercy. This was followed by a group discussion where the youth came up with new ideas on how to implement Mercy in their daily lives. Two newly ordained priests, Father Leon Rodrigues and Father Ashwin Mal were the main celebrants for the Holy Eucharist.
In the afternoon, the youth groups from different parishes presented their annual report and upcoming events. There were also presentations of skits on various ways of being Merciful. Father Royal D'Abreo and the parishioners of Jyoti Mata Church gave the youth a practical demonstration in practising mercy through their hospitality, care and generosity. It was a wonderful platform for the youth from across the city to come together and celebrate God's mercy.