Report: Stan Avil D'Souza
Photography: Joel D'Souza, Preston Lobo & Raison Pinto
Mangaluru, Aug 13: Indian Catholic Youth Movement (ICYM) City Deanery organized the “Aqua Splash Fiesta” youth conference on 11 August 2024 at St. Lawrence English Medium School, Bondel. Registration started at 8:30 AM, and the program officially began at 9:30 AM with a prayer service led by ICYM Kelarai.
The dignitaries present on the dais included Fr James D'Souza – Vicar Forane of City Deanery, Fr William D'Souza, director of ICYM City Deanery, Fr Andrew Leo D'Souza, parish priest of Bondel Church, Michael D'Silva, chief guest, Fr Peter Gonsalves, principal of St Lawrence English Medium School Bondel, Fr Paul Sebastin D'Souza, assistant parish priest of Cordel Parish, John D'Silva, vice president of Bondel Parish Pastoral Council, Santhosh Misquith, secretary of Bondel Parish Pastoral Council, Ashlin Avita D'Souza, general secretary of ICYM Mangalore Diocese, Jaison D'Souza, regional rep of ICYM Mangalore Diocese, Christon Menezes, president of ICYM City Deanery, Reshal Monteiro, secretary of ICYM City Deanery. Inauguration function was presided over by Fr James D'Souza along with the guests.
Rishal D'Souza hosted the program. Christon Menezes the president of City Deanery extended a warm welcome to the gathering. Fr Andrew Leo D'Souza spoke about the importance of youth being the pillars of society. The chief guest, Michael D'Silva, emphasized the importance of focusing on studies, being aware of politics, and staying socially conscious. Fr James D'Souza encouraged everyone to stay active in the coming days and emphasized the importance of Bible reading. The jersey launch was a highlight, with the guests unveiling the jerseys while Rayan Marshal Noronha added excitement with his lively presence. Ashlin D'Souza and Fr Paul D'Souza were honored during the event with a heartfelt felicitation.
The formal ceremony concluded with a vote of thanks by Reshal Monteiro, secretary of ICYM City Deanery, followed by the ICYM theme anthem by ICYM Vamanjoor.
The morning session featured fun activities and games led by Roshan Rocco. Later, the City Deanery Executive Committee entertained everyone with a flash mob, followed by an ice-breaking session and action songs by Ranil and his team.
Following this an informative session was organized for all the youth by Royal Praveen D'Souza, lecturer at St Aloysious (Deemed to be University), Mangaluru. His talk focused on the risks of information theft and scams, providing valuable insights on how to stay safe in the digital world.
After the session, the youths participated in a Mass, with the choir led by ICYM Bajal. Lunch was then served.
In the afternoon, the youth were split into 7 groups for fun water games, spot dances and other activities, led by Ashton D'Souza and Roshan Rocco. ICYM Angelore also performed a flash mob during the activities.
During the event Fr Ashwin Lohith Cardoza, ICYM Mangalore Diocese director, Winston Sequeira, DEXCO president, Mithesh D'Souza, DEXCO IPP, Wilson Pinto, DEXCO Social Cause secretary paid a visit to the venue and conveyed their wishes towards the event.
Thanks to Murel Misquith, president of ICYM Bondel and the entire Bondel unit for their support throughout the event.
The event successfully concluded with a rain dance by bringing joy to all participants.
Around 190+ young individuals actively participated in this fun-filled event.