Media Release
Udupi, Nov 10: Diocese level YCS/YSM organized “Konkani Culture – Yuva Fest” at St. John’s school, Shankerpura on November 8. Earlier prior to the celebrations His Lordship Most Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo Bishop of Udupi Diocese was warmly welcomed by Dr Leslie D’souza parish priest of Pangla Church, Fr Edwin D’Souza, director of Youth Commission of the diocese, Fr Mari Joseph, secretary of YCS/YSM of Karnataka Region, Parish pastoral office bearers and officials of YCS officials of the Pangla unit.
Bishop along with guests marched towards the stage with brass band of the St John’s School, Pangala. The stage was decorated traditionally by the local unit with farm producing products and other cultivating materials around the stage. Fr Leslie D’Souza, spiritual director of host Pangla unit inaugurated the fest. In his inaugural speech he said that we should maintain our Konkani culture with the spirit of Jesus's love. He also added that the first step of the YCS is to maintain our Konkani culture and tradition.
In his address Bishop said that we have to take advantage of the scope we are getting in order to grow in our life and we should shine in our family, society and nation. He praised the director of the youth commission Fr Edwin for his marvelous effort to bring up youths in systematic way. He said "This occasion will be the platform to exhibit the talents."
Fr Mari Joseph inaugurated the Konkani Bajar by cutting the ribbon. Prior to the inauguration Fr Vincent Coelho conducted the invocation prayer. Clive John Quadros, president of YCS of the diocese welcomed the gatherings. Elson D’Souza Irgan and Sasha Rodrigues compered the program.
Fr Fredrick D’Souza, convener of ICYM Kallianpur Deanery, Fr Rollwin Aranha, convener of YCS Kallianpur Deanery, Fr Paul Prakash of Kundapur Deanery, Fr Wilson, convener of Shirva Deanery, Herald Periera, former director of YCS, Mangalore Diocese, Fr John Moras, animators of the diocese as well as units, judges of various competitions and others were present.
Famous singer and resource person Irene Rebello gave talk on career guidance to the YCS students. There were Konkani cultural dances organized which were judged by Noel, Santhosh and Snehith. Quiz was also organized by Nelson Monis.
Konkani singing competition was held on the occasion of the Konkani Culture Fest. Deanery level group cultural skits on the events of Ward and Ward Gurkar by Kundapur Deanery, Offerings “Ojem” by Karkala Deanery, Roce by Shirva Deanery, Christian weddings by Kallianpur Deanery and Cradling ceremony by Udupi Deanery held beautifully.
During the valedictory function Rev Dr Baptist Menezes Vicar, general of Udupi Diocese presided. Fr Charles Menezes ,director of YCS of National Committee, Fr Lesli, Fr Edwin, Francis D’Cunha, Clive John Quadros, Sohan, president of Pangla Unit, central animators and others were present on the dais.
Fr Charles Menezes said that religion is humanity. The hard work in favour of our Christian youths will influence our youths during their career.
Prizes were distributed to various cultural competitions winners. Most of the personalities were felicitated for their contribution to the YCS. Fr Mari Joseph, Fr Baptist Menezes also praised the central committee of Youth commission, which was under the tremendous leadership of Fr Edwin D’Souza.
Udupi Diocese is shining in youths organizations though Karnataka and India due to leadership of Fr Edwin D’Souza. Udupi diocese is the role model for them all diocese.
Fr Edwin D’Souza was felicitated by the Vicar General for his outstanding hard work for the betterment of our youths as a whole.
The Konkani Culture and the fest celebration was huge success in order to unite the youths of the diocese as well as to give a clear platform to exhibit their talents. Under the leadership of Dr Leslie D’Souza and team of Pangla church unit, Konkani Culture and Youth Fest was huge success with beautiful arrangements.