Media Releasae
Mangaluru, Aug 9: The ICYM and YCS Unit of St Lawrence Church Moodubelle observed National Youth Day August 8, 2021. The youths of the parish came together and participated in the Holy Eucharistic Celebration led by Fr Cyril Lobo, assistant parish priest of St Lawrence Church and Fr Lawrence Fernandes.
In His homily He emphasized about the difference between knowing about Jesus and knowing Jesus. The youth actively participated in the liturgy and animated the choir and liturgical readings and prayers of faithful.
After the Holy Eucharistic Celebration, the youth gathered for a get-together at the parish hall. Jenson D’souza the president of ICYM Moodubelle Unit welcomed the gathering. Fr Cyril Lobo the assistant parish priest appreciated the youths for their participation and encouraged them to be always inspired to be together. He highlighted the challenges that the youth face and ways by which they can overcome the challenges. The message was beautifully narrated with live example of late Pope John Paul. The three B’s that is 'Believe, Belong and Become' were the key features of his message. He called upon the youth to believe and have strong in the faith that they practiced when they were small children. To have strong inclination to the word of God, prayer and interest towards spiritual things. The second aspect which he explained was to belong, today the youth spend maximum of their time in social media and usage of mobiles. They need to spend more time in youth activities and be belong to the community and protect each other. The bond among them should be so strong that they always feel the presence and belonginess to each other. The third B that was emphasized was Become. To become something in life ,the youth need to really make a choice. He asked the youth a question "what you give priority, Love or Honor?" He quoted the bible verse, “Because you are precious in my eyes, and honored, and I love you: (Isaiah 43:11) where honor is given priority over love. He called upon the youth to always make sure to have honor and love in taking decisions about the future.
Fr George Dsouza, parish priest encouraged the youth to participate actively in YCS and ICYM activities. He encouraged the youth to bring together every single youth of the parish and build up the strong bond of love and unity.
Wiona YCS president proposed the vote of thanks. Deril Dsa, national president of YCS/YSM. ICYM and YCS animators Vincent Fernandes, Shanthi Alva, Shalini Lobo, Dr Judith Lobo were present on the occasion.