Media Release
Punjab, Oct 15: From October 5 to October 12, the CBCI Office for Youth – ICYM under the leadership of National Youth director Fr Franklin D’Souza and ICYM national youth president Olima Minj had conducted its IX National Youth convention at Trinity College, Jalandhar, Punjab.
1850 delegates from the 148 dioceses were present. October 5 to October 7 delegates lived along with the families of Archdiocese of Delhi, Diocese of Jalandhar, Diocese of Jammu- Srinagar and Diocese of Shimla Chandigarh.
On October 8 at 4 pm delegates gathered at Trinity College. After the flag hoisting Ms. Olima Minj officially welcomed all the delegates.
At 5 pm his eminence Telesphore Cardinal Toppo offered the inaugural mass and invited the youth to witness risen Jesus without fear. He said that don’t keep the truth under the bushel, but proclaim it.
He also invited youth to take up value based leadership. There was grand cultural evening by the Northern Region. ICYM chairman Archbishop Leo Cornelio welcomed all the delegates and invited them to participate meaningfully in the convention.
The theme of the convention was “Transformed by Faith; Transforming the world”. With its four thrusts namely; Networking, Employability, Gender Parity and Caring for the earth.
On October 9 J Alexander IAS from Bangalore gave the key note address on “Responsibility of Youth in the civil society, being the followers of Jesus”. He challenged and encouraged youth to take up value based leadership.
At 10: 30am Sardar Prakash Singh Badalji chief minister of Punjab, officially inaugurated the IX NYC. He congratulated the efforts of Catholic community to unite youth; he also told that youth should work hard to achieve in life.
He appreciated the organisers; he said his agenda in his government is “Peace and Harmony”. Bishop Franco Mulakkal in his speech highlighted the injustice done to Dalit Christians for decades, he requested the chief minister to pressurise the central government to reply to the Supreme Court. He stressed that Church always stand for National Integration and always work for the nation building.
Bishop Jacob Mar Barnabas conducted the Panel session on “Faith & Me”. Successful entrepreneur Alber D’Souza from Mumbai, Cyril John, director Parliament and Educationist Sr Nirmalini, enlightened Youth how they came up with their faith and hard work. They also interacted with the youth.
Then Sr Edelburg B.S conducted panel session on “woman empowerment”. Social activist Dr Jyotsna and journalist Anna Vetticad from Delhi spoke on the topic and interacted with the youth.
There was 27th Award ceremony; in which ICYM 25 awardees from 13 regions were awarded for their services. 12th General body of the ICYM was conducted by Archbishop Leo Cornelio, in which everyone decided that coming year we will work on setting up National Youth Centre at Yuvagram, Nagpur.
Since this convention of all the three Churches, there was Syro Malabar Holy Mass as well as Syro Malankara Holy Mass. Through youth experienced same faith in different traditions of the Catholic Church.
There were 25 thematic sessions as well as mixed small group and regional wise discussion was initiated by Fr Jerry. Theme thrusts were evolved during the convention for the next four years. Theme: touched by jesus- living/walking his way and thrusts are youth to Youth Evangelization, Media Advocacy, Youth Empowerment and Socio-Political Leadership.
On the final day, a peace rally was organised to bring awareness as well as importance of the peace and harmony.
All the 13 regions took part in it and proclaimed that we the Catholic youth of India stand for peace and harmony. ICYM vice Chairman Bishop Jacob Mar Barnabas blessed the rally and Archbishop Anil Couto of Delhi flagged off the rally. Grand finale of IX National Youth Convention began at October 12 3 pm.
His Excellency Archbishop Salvatore Pennacchio Apostolic Nuncio to India offered the Holy Eucharist and thanked God for the IX National Youth Convention.
In his Homily he said, “I appreciate all of you for your faith witness. I am so happy to see so many youth from all over India. I want to advice you, dear young friends, do not close your heart – God wants to dwell in your heart. You are the instrument of God. Allow God to use you as His instrument for His cause. As Jesus told his Apostles, you too must go back and proclaim the Gospel.” He also told the youth not to be afraid of witnessing to the Faith, because, “God is with you. Go, proclaim Him and serve Him. May Mother May always intercede for you.”
He also congratulated Fr. Franklin and all the members of the organizing committee of the Convention.
Fr. Franklin D’souza, thanked everyone who worked for the success of the convention Jalandhar Diocese handed over the NYC Cross to the National Office. Next convention will be in year 2017.