By Matters India Reporter
Rome, October 29, 2018: “The several encounters with Pope Francis have made me just spellbound. He is indeed a beautiful soul and a true disciple of Christ. His angelic grace can touch the heart of anyone. And yes, he gave us a Papal gift on the last day, which is special indeed,” an Indian youth delegate.
“The synod on youth in Rome has been an amazing experience,” he said.
“As I bid good-bye to Rome, it fills my heart with joy, gratitude, a new spark and hope. The synod has been an amazing experience, something that has brought me to a better understanding of faith, Christianity and life,” said Percival Holt (25), National Youth President of the Indian Catholic Youth Movement [ICYM] – Conference of Catholic Bishops of India [CCBI] (India).
He was one of the 14 Indian delegations at the Synod as auditor (listener) during the 12th General Congregation of the Synod that discussed on the theme “Young People, Faith and Discernment of Vocation” and attended by some 300 bishops, priests, nuns and lay participants.
Holt was one the 30 young adults around the globe who took part in a global meeting of Catholic leaders. The Synod ended on October 28.
During the Synod, he presented a gift to Pope Francis on behalf of “The Youth of India.”
“We concluded the Synod yesterday (October 28) with the concluding Mass, in which again I was blessed to be able to read one of the petitions in Hindi,” Holt said.
“He has given us new hope and a guide-map to move ahead. I would ask you to pray for him and for the great deeds he intends to do. I hope and pray that the church and world sees a better tomorrow each day, and we do our best to make that happen. The beautiful bond formed with fellow Auditors, many others and several Synodal fathers is immeasurable. We are like a Synod family now, united by a common cause,” Holt said.
Holt will arrive in India on October 30 from Rome.