Media Release

Udupi, Oct 10: Yuvaconference, Udupi diocese level youth presidents' meet was organised by Indian Catholic Youth Movement (ICYM) Udupi Diocese Council on Monday October 8. ICYM unit of Stella Maris Church, Kalmady hosted the day-long conference of youth at the church hall.

The inauguration was done in a unique way wherein all the ICYM unit presidents stuck words of values to the tree symbolizing unity. Thereafter the guests present namely, Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, bishop, Udupi diocese, Fr Edwin D'Souza, director, Youth Commission Udupi diocese, Fr Alban D'Souza, parish priest, Stella Maris Church, Dion D’Souza, president ICYM Udupi diocese, Sandeep Andrade, ICYM Kalmady animator, Melwyn Carvalho, ICYM Kalmady unit president, Jeeza Mendonca, ICYM Kalmady unit secretary, Sanjay Andrade, Shoba Mendonca and Francis Fernandes watered the tree symbolising the strength and support.

The first session of the day was conducted by the bishop himself wherein he enlightened the youth with topics of self esteem. The bishop in his interactive sessions with the youth discussed on how a person having high self esteem becomes very successful. He also stressed on the topics of positive thinking, self motivation character and on why youth need to develop the art of listening.

A formal meeting was conducted thereafter. This meeting was chaired by Dion D'Souza, ICYM Udupi diocese president in the presence of the council members, Lesley Aroza, ICYM Udupi diocese animator and the guest for the meeting Derick Mascarenhas, former ICYM diocese president. Fr Edwin D'Souza, presided over the meeting. The unit presidents presented the unit reports of the various programmes organised and the further year plan for the upliftment of the youth. Many appreciable programmes were planned and implemented in the various units of Udupi diocese for the betterment of youth and their involvement in social activities. Director Fr Edwin expressed his happiness over the appreciation received by the youth of Udupi at national level. The meeting concluded after a short message from Derick Mascarenhas and the director.

The second meeting namely the ICYM diocese action plan commenced after lunch. The 'SPECS'(spiritual formation, personality development, education excellence, cultural enrichment, socio political involvement) agenda and the 'Christian Leadership' motive of the ICYM for the year were presented to the presidents.

Thereafter an action plan of ICYM was discussed and finalized. The meeting concluded with a speech from Dion D'Souza. He said, "Presidentship is a skill of responsibility and commitment toward a task. To lead the society in future is to lead the youth now."

The president urged the youth to unite at diocese level, work for the betterment of society, involve in political activities and always aim toward serving India at the best. He appreciated the presidents for their hard work until now and concluded the speech by seeking their support toward all future projects of the youth movement.

Thereafter, the animator Lesly Aroza addressed the youth leaders. He expressed his happiness over the works of the youth. He also placed his thoughts over the strengthening of the youth to work toward further requirements for the development of the diocese.

The final session of the day was held by Fr Chetan, PRO of the diocese. He presented the infrastructural and financial details of the Udupi diocese in the presence of the bishop. The youth were made aware of all the works undertaken by the diocese for the betterment of its people.

The programme concluded with a message from Fr Alban D'Souza and the prayer and blessing from the bishop.

Fr Reginald Pinto, director of SAMPADA, Janet Barboza, president, Udupi diocese women's association made their presence in the midst of the programme. Oniel Andrade, spokesperson of ICYM Karnataka region and Sandra Reberio vice president of ICYM Udupi diocese compered the day-long event.

Melwyn Carvelho, president ICYM Kalmady unit welcomed the gathering and Jeeza Mendonca, secretary ICYM Kalmady unit extended the vote of thanks. Wenilda Lavina D’Mello compered the inaugural programme.