Pics: Kevin Rodrigues
Daijiworld Media Network – Karkala (WD/KR)
Karkala, Jan 17: As part of 10th of national youth conference which is scheduled to be held from January 18 to 22 in Mangaluru, youth delegates from nearly 11 states and from 34 diocese of the country took part in 'Days in Diocese' by staying in various houses under the diocese.
A grand felicitation and send off programme was arranged for delegates at St Lawrence Minor Basilica, Attur here on Tuesday January 17.
Fr George D'Souza, rector of St Lawrence Minor Basilica welcomed the delegates and gave a brief introduction about the place.
A documentary film depicting St Lawrence and the heritage of Attur Minor Basilica was shown to all. Prior to holy Eucharistic mass, a procession from the church hall to the basilica was held.
Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, bishop, diocese of Udupi presided over the holy Eucharistic celebrations while Msgr Fr Baptist Menezes, diocese of Udupi, Fr Charles D'Souza, national director, ICYM / YCS, Fr Anil, dean, Kundapur deanery, Fr Royson Fernandes, Fr Edwin D'souza and priest from various diocese of the country were concelebrants.
In his homily, Msgr Baptist Menezes told the youngsters, "Looking at you, I feel envy because at your age I did not have such opportunities to be part of church activities. The Gospel asks us to follow the commandments and the laws. A good man does not need any laws but listens to his heart. We must be perfect as the heavenly Father is perfect. It's not enough to be good, we should be perfect if we wish to go to heaven."
After the mass, a fellowship meal with delicious Mangalurean cuisine was served to all the delegates.
Narrating their experiences, a delegate from Kolkata said, "It was a wonderful experience to be in the diocese of Udupi. The people here are caring and loving. We received great hospitality from the people and also came to know the beautiful culture of this place."
Loyal D'Souza, president of ICYM Udupi diocese said, "It was a unique experience hosting this programme. I thank all the delegates present and also the youths and the office-bearers of Udupi diocese for their wholehearted support."
Fr Anil, dean of Kundapur deanery gave an inspiring speech to the youths. Later a cultural programme was presented by the youths of various dioceses relating to their tradition and culture.
The Treble Quest music band of youngsters entertained the crowd with their brilliant performance.
Fr Edwin D'Souza, youth director of Udupi diocese, Fr Reginald Pinto, director of Sampada, Fr George D'Souza, director of St Lawrence Minor Basilica, Attur-Karkala, Walter D'Souza, animator of ICYM Udupi diocese, Loyal D'Souza, president of ICYM, Udupi diocese, Arthur Dias, vice-president, Felina D'Souza, secretary, Don D'Souza, treasurer, Onil Andrade, PRO, Derick Mascarenhas, former president and others were present.
Youth delegates from various dioceses from all over India had arrived to Udupi diocese on Saturday January 14 to experience culture and lifestyle of the people here by staying with families under the diocese. The cultural exchange programme was aptly named 'Days in Diocese'.
The 10th National Youth Convention will be held at St Joseph's Engineering College, Vamanjoor in Mangaluru from January 18 to 22. Minister for Bengaluru urban development is expected to inaugurate the event at 5 pm. Archbishop of Bengaluru diocese will lead the Eucharistic celebration at 3.30 pm.