First Ever National Catholic Youth Leaders’ Convention in Mangaluru

First Ever National Catholic Youth Leaders’ Convention in Mangaluru

Mangaluru: “National Youth Convention of Catholic youth leaders from all over the country which will be held from January 18 to 22 at St Joseph Engineering College, Vamanjoor, will focus on promoting leadership among youth”, said the chairman of CBCI Youth Council and Bishop of Bellary Dr Henry D’Souza in a press meet held at the Bishop’s house here on January 16.

Bishop Henry said, “Over three thousand youth leaders from across the country will attend the convention. The theme of the convention is, “Touched by Jesus, Walking His way” and the focus would be on – preparing tomorrow’s leaders today”.

The convention is organized by the Indian Catholic Youth Movement (ICYM) under the Youth Council of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI). The tenth national convention will be hosted by the Karnataka Region and Mangaluru Diocese in collaboration with the dioceses of Udupi, Beltangady and Puttur.

The convention will be inaugurated by the Minister for Bengaluru and Urban Development K J George and presided over by Archbishop of Bengaluru Bernard Moras. Local Member of Parliament Nalin Kumar Kateel, MLA J R Lobo, Chief Whip of Karnataka Legislative council Ivan D’Souza and others will be the guests of honour.

Noted educationist of Rayan Group of Institutions Madam Grace Pinto will deliver the keynote address. President of CBCI Cardinal Baselios Cleemis, Major Archbishop of Ernakulam, Cardinal George Alencherry and President of the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences (FABC) and Archbishop of Bombay Cardinal Oswald Gracias will address the youth.

Over eight thousand youth will hold a peace rally on January 22. The peace march will begin from Rosario Cathedral and culminate at St Aloysius College grounds. Supreme Court Justice Kurian Joseph, will address the youth on the Constitutional Rights and Duties – Youth Responsibility.

ICYM is the largest Premier Catholic Youth Movement. It is spread over 170 dioceses in the country and across 627 districts. ICYM Started in 1999 strives to promote the integral development of youth through formation, fellowship and action.

ICYM caters to varied needs of the holistic development of its young members. With its motto – “To Lead, to Serve, and to Shine” for the youth of the country.

The National Youth Convention (NYC) was started in 1989, it is held once in three years in any one of the fourteen Ecclesiastical Regions in the country. The triennial event helps the youth to evaluate, and chalk out plans for the coming years.

Bishop of Bellary Henry D’Souza is the present chairman of CBCI youth council and Fr Deepak Thomas is the Executive Secretary. Bishop Vincent Ma Paulose of Marthndom and Bishop Joseph Pandarasseril are council member Bishops. Sijo Ambatt is the National President of ICYM and Jenny Joy Secretary General.

Bishop Alyosius P D’Souza released the logo and CD of the theme song for ICYM National Convention on the occasion.

Secretary, CBCI YCon Fr Deepak Thomas, President, ICYM India Sijo Ambatt, Director, ICYM Mangaluru Fr Ronald D’Souza, President, ICYM Mangalore Jackson D’Costa, Secretary General Jenny Joy and others were also present.

Watch Video