Karachi: October 6, 2017. (By Ayyaz Gulzar) “I appreciate the good works of the Jesus Youth Pakistan, especially their dedication and enthuse in organizing live-in retreats", Bishop Samson Shukardin OFM said in his closing remarks during Jesus Youth Pakistan’s annual “youth retreat”. During his address Bishop Samson urged young Catholics to be modern day Prophets, take the Missionary calls seriously and reach out to the young Catholics away from the Church and is in the clutches of bad society and satanic works. Church needs some good laypersons to support the Church ministries and I am impressed the way Jesus Youth is witnessing the Risen Lord. Being the Chairperson of the Catholic Laity Commission, I advise you all to be part of your Parish Ministries in obedience to your Parish Priests and Catechists, Bishop Samson added. Jesus Youth Pakistan organized its annual youth retreat entitled “JOY” from September 29th till October 1st, 2017 at Tatarko retreat house, Karachi. The retreat began with Praise and Worship followed with an introductory session “What is retreat”? conducted by Ms. Aneeta Andrews. Mr. Ayyaz Gulzar, Coordinator of Jesus Youth Pakistan welcomed all the attendees from Archdiocese of Karachi and Diocese of Hyderabad. He said: “This is the fifth annual Youth Retreat and it’s a time to be thankful to God for a success we had in past five years. This year we will be focusing on the petitions of ‘The Lord’s prayer’. Retreat will be a time for us to stay silent and work to prepare ourselves to experience the graces of the Triune God during the sessions, time of reflection, in silence, adoration, Confession and Praying over session.” Mr. Ayyaz Gulzar, Mr. Asif Mansha, Fr. Shahzad Arshad, Fr. Ryan Joseph, Mr. Amos Suneel, Mr. Joel Riasat, Mr. Daniel Bashir, Ms. Shabnam John and Ms. Maria Arif conducted sessions as per the given petitions of the Lord’s Prayer. Each input was followed with a time of reflection. Bishop Samson Shukardin OFM, Fr. Ryan Joseph, Fr. Shahzad Arshad and Fr. Noman Arif heard the confessions, led the Adorations and said the Holy Mass during the retreat. Bishop Samson Shukardin presided the concluding Holy Mass. During the Homily He said: “I admire the way Jesus Youth comes for confessions with genuineness and honesty. It is a sign of hope for the Church. Take up your missionary calls to strengthen young Catholics in faith especially the family life, the culture of divorce and separation is a modern day threat for the Church, I encourage Jesus Youth to take it as a mission and train your young people and married couples to live this sacrament and follow the Church teachings. Dr. Daniel Bashir, Youth Coordinator of JY Pakistan thanked Bishop Samson Shukardin for his presence in the retreat, all the resource persons, organizing team, staff of retreat house and all the attendees. 52 people from Archdiocese of Karachi and Diocese of Hyderabad attended the retreat. During the retreat The Blessed Sacrament was kept exposed for the attendees to seek help of the Eucharistic Lord.