Bangalore: “Our best of technologies cannot produce grain and greenery. Our preoccupation with modern technologies should not blind us to the need for farming. We must dedicate our own little spaces in the vicinity for farming. Pursue high professions in life, but do your bit to produce grain for the world. The world is overwhelmed with technologies and neglecting agriculture which is absolutely necessary for our survival” Bishop Henry D’souza (Bellary Diocese) told a gathering over 1000 youth at the first ever international youth and family conference at Logos retreat centre in Bangalore.

The prelate who is Chairman of the CBCI commission for Youth was addressing families and youth on the first day of a 3-day conference called ‘Peniel 2015’, Jan 24th.

The retreat centre is managed by the Vincentian Congregation of Priests and has been a hub for retreats for Catholics across Bangalore and beyond for over two decades.

Retreat Centre Director Fr. Jose Vettinankel, in his inaugural address told the gathering “the youth are the pillars of the Church and have an immense potential to promote the gospel values through the multi-faceted talents that God has gifted them with”. Superior of the Congregation Fr. Saju Kodamullil together with Assistant Director Fr. Arun Kuruvanthanam boosted the spirits of the participants by urging youth to becoming pro-active Catholics by affecting change for the good of society by their very way of life.