Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (KR)
Udupi, Jul 24: Yuva Samagam, a daylong programme was recently organised by Udyavar unit of ICYM at the St Francis Xavier Church hall, Udyavar.
The deanery-level programme comprised of an inaugural ceremony, panel Session on the topic 'Christian leadership’, holy mass, cultural competition and valedictory function.
Around 211 youth from nine parishes of the Udupi deanery participated in the Yuva Samagam.
The programme was formally inaugurated by lighting of the lamp by the chief guest Fr Stany B Lobo, chancellor of Udupi diocese and parish priest of St Francis Xavier Church Udyavar. Fr Lawrence Cutinha, director, ICYM Udupi deanery, Dion D'Souza, president, ICYM Udupi diocese, Ritesh D’Souza, ICYM Udyavar unit animator, Micheal D'Souza, secretary, Udyavar parish council, Vilton D’Souza Fiona D'Souza, President and Secretary of ICYM Udupi deanery respectively, Dalan Aroza and Melissa Danthi, president and secretary of ICYM Udyavar unit respectively were present for the inaugural programme.
In his message, Micheal Dsouza shared his personal experience in ICYM and encouraged the youth to build up their unity and to become the future good citizens.
Fr Stany B Lobo stressed on the importance of youth utilizing every chance they get to come forward and develop in all ways.
Vilton D’Souza welcomed the gathering, Melissa Danthi proposed the vote of thanks and Amritha D’Silva introduced the moderator of the panel session to the gathering. Fr Wilson Dsouza from Divya Jyothi and Dr Vincent Alva, principal of Milagres Degree College, Kallianpur and moderator of the panel session joined the programme.
Soon after the inaugural ceremony, a panel session on the topic 'Christian leadership' was conducted. Five topics under this main topic discussed were:
1. Commenting over sensitive topics in social media
2. Archbishop's letter and statements with regard to praying for a good government
3. Violation of women rights
4. Lynching or monocracy
5. Conversion to Christianity.
Ten youth panelists from nine units spoke and presented their point of view on these five topics.
The moderator Dr Vincent Alva concluded the session saying, "The younger generation namely today's Christian youth must become serious in life and stand against violations as will be the pillars of our nation who are capable of making India a secular and safe country." Fr Edwin D'Souza, director ICYM Udupi diocese presided over the programme and congratulated the panelists and youth for their active participation.
Later in the day, holy Eucharist was celebrated by Fr Alban D’Souza and Fr Lawrence Cutinha.
ICYM groups from nine parishes presented skits and dance on the current issues.
After the competition, a short video report on the previous year’s events conducted by ICYM Udupi deanery was presented. The ICYM Udupi deanery instagram account @icymudupivarado was inaugurated by Fr Lawrence Cutinha.
Valedictory function was presided by Fr. Lawrence Cutinha, Dean of the Udupi deanery. Other dignitaries on the dais were Fr. Stany B Lobo, Fr. Rolwin Aranha, assistant priest of Udyavar Church, Fr. Anil D’Souza, Parish priest of Perampalli church, Fr. Vijay Francis D'Souza, assistant priest, Udupi parish, Fr. Ronson D’Souza - parish priest, Katpady church, Dion Dsouza, ICYM diocese president, Rajesh Fernandes and Eric Menezes, Main sponsors of the event, Vilton Dsouza and Fiona Dsouza ICYM deanery president and secretary respectively.
Previous year office bearers Dion D’Souza, president, Shiny Alva, secretary were felicitated on the occasion. The sponsors of the event as well as the judges of the competition were honored.
In his message Fr Valerian Mendonca congratulated the youth for gathering together in such a huge number. He also appreciated the youth for their creativity and congratulated them for conducting the panel session.
Fr Lawrence Cutinha announced the results of the competition. Udyavar unit were the winners, Katpady unit was the first runner-up and Moodubelle United was the second runner-up.
Dalan Aroza welcomed the gathering and Fiona Dsouza proposed the vote of thanks. The event concluded with the ICYM anthem.