Media Release

Udupi, Jan 28: As part of the year of the youth activity, ‘Yuva Milan’ with the theme ‘Youths where we are?’ was organized by the Yuva Aayog of St Lawrence parish Moodubelle.

The day began with the Eucharistic celebration concelebrated by Fr LawrenceCutinha, assistant parish priest and ICYM director Udupi deanery, Fr Roman Mascarenhas, rector minor seminary Udupi diocese and Fr Valerian Castelino. The Youths of the parish participated in the holy Eucharistic celebration with devotion.

The ‘Yuva Milan’ programme was held soon after the Mass at the church hall with refreshments. Around 120 youths from the parish registered for the programme. The programme began with prayer song by Edna and group. Vilton D’Souza, the president of the Yuva Aayog Moodubelle parish and also the ICYM president Udupi deanery welcomed the dignitaries and the gathering.

Fr Clement Mascarenhas, the parish priest of St Lawrence Church Moodubelle presided over the function. In his address he highlighted the role of youth in the parish and society at large. He emphasized that youth are the centerfocus of the parish with their vibrant energy they can bring better revolution in the entire society. As part of appreciation to the youth he gave rosary to each youth gathered and requested each one to pray to mother Mary and seek her intercession in their journey of life especially in this special year announced by Pope Francis especially for the youth.
Fr Valerian Mendonca, dean of Udupi deanery and parish priest of Mother of Sorrows Church Udupi was the chief guest and resource person for the day. He congratulated the youth for coming together and addressed the youth on the theme ‘Youth where are we’. He began his talk with a game emphasizing how the problems in life can be looked upon. He mentioned that there are various ways to find solution but how we approach the problem and how we go about finding solutions is that every one of us need to understand. He also highlighted on the fact how the youth needs to channelize their energy in a proper direction and build up the family values in their life. He asked the youth to come forward and nurture their talents. A clear vision to move forward with idealistic and realistic focus helps in building up a youth life path was his emphasis.

The youths of the parish came forward to speak about their own experience. Glen Rebello, an YCS member highlighted the current situation or challenges faced by the youth in the society. Sara Dsouza the ICYM secretary of the Udupi diocese and member of the parish shared her experience how catholic sabha activities, participating in YCS and ICYM activities helped her to reach and achieve success. Ancita Oshin D’Souza one of the youth a rank holder in BCom from the parish and ICYM member highlighted how she could achieve success overcoming all obstacles and challenges where every youth face. She highlighted the importance of time management which is crucial in every individual’s life to reach success.

The closing remarks were given by Fr Lawrence Cutinha and he also honored the resource person speaker and other dignitaries with mementos.

Fr Roman Mascarenhas, Fr Valerian Castelino, Dion D’Souza ICYM president of Udupi diocese, Vilton D’Souza, ICYM deanery president, Deril D’Sa YCS deanery president and NEXCO nominated member, Lenissa D’Souza YCS president, Victor Cony D’Souza couple, the ‘couple for the youth’, nominated from St Lawrence Parish Moodubelle, Vincent Fernandes, vice president, parish council, Latha D’Mello secretary, ICYM and YCS animators, Valerian Noronha, Anitha Alva, Shalini Lobo, and Dr Judith Lobo were also present on the dais.

Hazel Martis introduced the chief guest, Fr Valerian Mendonca, Jesmitha Mendonca, secretary of the Yuva Aayog, proposed the vote of thanks and Joyce Fernandes compered the programme.