By Ancy D'Souza Paladka

New Delhi, June 29: Fr Deepak K J Thomas, OCD will take charge as the secretary of the CBCI Commission for youth from August 15. Under this responsibility he will also serve as the national youth director of ICYM, executive secretary for Activ8 Foundation (R) organisations under CBCI in India.

CBCI standing committee which met in Bengaluru appointed him to this prestigious position to serve the youth of India.

Fr Deepak K J Thomas was born on 8 March 1978 at Silvergate, Kulshekar, Mangaluru and he belongs to St. Joseph's the Worker Church, Vamanjoor. He did his basic education at St Joseph's, Kulshekar, then high school at St Raymond's, Vamanjoor, PUC at Sacred Heart College, Madyanthayar, B.Com Degree at Karnataka open university, Mysuru.

He studied theology at St Joseph's seminary in Mangaluru. He holds M.Th.in youth ministry from the Kristu Jothi College, Bangaluru. He was Ordained on December 30, 2005. He served as assistant priest at St Joseph's Church, Mira Road and he was also in charge of youth and SCC director. He was assistant priest at St John the Baptist's church, Vijayanagar, Bengaluru.

At time of appointment he was the parish priest at St Mary's Church, Hegdenagar, Bengaluru as well as director of Carmel welfare centre, Geddalahalli, Bengaluru.

Present secretary Fr Franklin D’Souza from the diocese of Shivamogga completes his term on August 15. Fr Deepak will take charge on the same day in New Delhi. Fr Franklin has served the youth tirelessly. He has done a commendable job by blending spirituality with secular leadership. Being Charismatic preacher and trainer he had done justice to his mission in building up of the youth of the nation. He credits all his success to Lord Jesus, who inspired him to inspire others.