Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (KR)
Karkala, Dec 9: The grand finale and concluding ceremony of the ‘Year of the Youth’ was held on December 8 at St Lawrence Minor Basilica, Attur here.
The event began by prayer service led by the YCS members of Kallianpur deanery. Percival Holt, national president of ICYM delivered the keynote address on the theme ‘Young People on the Mission of Christ in the World’. Speaking on the theme he said, "Every young person must ask his heart that as a young person what Jesus wants me to do in the world; in my family, career and in life. When we find the answer we live as missionary disciples in the world.”
After the keynote address, Br Joseph Crasta of Snehalaya Mangaluru, shared his testimony with the young people. This made youth understand better how a Christian person can live life as Jesus taught. He also motivated the youth to make little sacrifices and help the poor and needy in the society.
Later the formal concluding programme was held, which was presided over by Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, bishop of Udupi diocese. The award ceremony of ICYM members was also held during this programme. Nine youth of the diocese received the awards.
Karkala deanery
1. Shaman Castelino, Nakre Parish - Selected as Deputy Range Forest Officer, Govt of Karnataka
2. Lester Gomes, Christ the King Church, Karkala-Town - State level winner in arm wrestling
Kundapur deanery
1. Jackson D’Souza, St Philip Neri Church, Basrur - International power lifter
2. Jennifer Lawrence Noronha, Holy Cross Church, Byndoor - National level throwball player for Karnataka and Goa state
Kallianpur deanery
1. Joyce Philomena D’Souza - National level winner in Boxing and Karate
2. Joyson D’Souza, St Peter’s Church, Pethri - National level Body Builder
Udupi deanery
1. Kenet Marvin Saldanha, St Anthony Church, Kuntalanagar - Topper in KSDNEB examination
2. Ancita Oshin D’Souza, St Lawrence Church, Moodubelle - Chartered Accountant
Shirva deanery
Rochelle D’Cruz, St Joseph Church, Belman - Chartered Accountant
Youth leaders elected in colleges and Social organizations were also felicitated during the event.
1. Sherwin Oliveira, President - SWC Milagres College, Kallianpur (Kemman Parish)
2. Arul Rixon Mascarenhas, President - SWC Govt First Grade College, Tenkanidiyoor
3. Branson Wilfred Monis, President - SWC St Mary's College, Shirva
4. Rayan Fernandes, President, Rotaract Club - Subhasnagar (2018-19)
5. Jackson Cabral, Rotaract Club - Shirva (2019-20)
The secretary of CCBI Youth commission Fr Chethan Machado addressed the youth and advised them to use the social media prudently as the younger generation spends lot of time on social media.
Jesvita Quadros, recently elected member of the international advisory body on young people - The Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life, Vatican, Rome, and Deril D'Sa, national president of YCS were also felicitated during the event.
Yuvapuraskar 2019 was awarded to the Fives Best performing units in the entire year of the youth. Belman, Karkala-Town, Katapady, Thottam and Perampally bagged the awards. ICYM Kundapur deanery was felicitated for maximum number of participation in Youlympics 2019 held in the month of October.
The bishop in his presidential address congratulated the youth for the success of Year of Youth. He gave a Clarian call to the young people and said not to lose hope in life as Christ truly lives and he also wants each one of us to live life in its fullness.
The programme concluded with the thanksgiving Eucharistic celebration. The Bishop was the main celebrant. In his homily, Fr Albert Crasta said, "Young people should never give up hope in the church as Christ is truly alive in the Church.” Quoting Christus Vivit he said, "You are the now of God. The church needs your energy. You are the present of the church and should never postpone working for the church."
The youth band led by Bosco Youth under the leadership of Fr Kiran Nazareth added beauty to the entire event.
The vicar general of Udupi Diocese Msgr Baptist Menezes, rector of the Basilica Fr George D'Souza, diocesan youth commission secretary Fr Edwin D'Souza, deanery youth Directors Fr Ronson D'Souza, Fr Vishal Lobo, Fr Roy Lobo, director of Sampada Udupi Fr Reginald Pinto, director of Divya Jyothi Fr Stephen D'Souza, ICYM present Dion D'Souza, YCS president Sweedal Pinto, Youth animators Leslie Arouza, Melwyn Castelino and Lydia Aranha were present.
Derick Mascarenhas, coordinator of the Year of Youth welcomed the gathering. Sweedal Pinto rendered the vote of thanks. Jane Mendonca, Pernal and Fiona Aranha, Attur, compered the programme.