ICYM Sastan Unit holds Kallianpur Deanery Level Yuva Samagam
Udupi: Yuva Samagam, A panel discussion was organised by the Sastan unit of ICYM at the St. Antony Church Mythri hall, Sasthan on September 2.
The Kallianpur deanery-level programme comprised of an inaugural ceremony, panel Session on the topic ‘Christian leadership’, Holy Mass, cultural competition and valedictory function.
Around 180 youth from nine parishes of the Kallianpur deanery participated in the Yuva Samagam.
The programme was formally inaugurated by lighting of the lamp by the president Fr John Walter Mendonca, Parish priest of St Antony Church Sasthan. Chief guest Dr Vincent Alva, principal of Milagres Degree College, Kallianpur, Dion D’Souza, president, ICYM Udupi diocese, Joyal D’Almeida ICYM Kallianpur deanery animator, Robert Furtado, ICYM Sasthan unit animator, Aral D’Souza and Melrica President and Secretary of ICYM Kallianpur deanery, Riya Lewis and Lavita Cardoza, president and secretary of ICYM Sasthan unit were present for the inaugural programme.
Fr John Walter Mendonca stressed the importance of the youth utilizing every chance they get to come forward and develop in all ways.
Aral D’Souza welcomed the gathering, Melrica delivered the vote of thanks and introduced the moderator of the panel session to the gathering. Dr Vincent Alva, principal of Milagres Degree College, Kallianpur and moderator of the panel session joined the programme.
Soon after the inaugural ceremony, a panel session on the topic ‘Christian leadership’ was conducted. Five topics under this main topic discussed were:
1. The fourth pillar of Democracy – Voice of minorities or advocate of majorities
2. Church and media – The big picture
3. Crisis of Christian spokespersons – A challenge
4. Social media – A stage to propagate harmony or hatred
Seven youth panellists from Seven units spoke and presented their point of view on these four topics.
The moderator Dr Vincent Alva concluded the session saying, “The younger generation namely today’s Christian youth must become serious in life and stand against violations as will be the pillars of our nation who are capable of making India a secular and safe country”.
Fr Edwin D’Souza, director ICYM Udupi diocese, presided over the programme and congratulated the panellists and youth for their active participation.
Later in the day, the Holy Eucharist was celebrated by Dr Fr Lawrence D’Souza Vicar Forane of Kallianpur Deanery.
ICYM groups from nine parishes presented skits and dance on the current issues.
The Valedictory function was presided by Dr Fr Leslie Clifford D’Souza youth director Kallianpur Deanery. Other dignitaries on the dais were Fr John Walter Mendonca, Parish priest of Sasthan Church, Fr Philip Neri Aranha, Parish priest of Barkur church, Fr Jerald Sandeep D’Mello assistant Parish Priest, Kolalgiri, Aral D’Souza and Melrica ICYM deanery president and secretary. Riya lewis welcomed gathering.
In his message, Dr Fr Leslie Clifford D’Souza congratulated the youth for gathering together in such a huge number. He also appreciated the youth for their creativity and congratulated them for conducting the panel session.
Dr Fr Leslie Clifford D’Souza announced the results of the competitions. Kolalgiri unit were the winners, Mount Rosary unit was the first runner-up and Sasthan Unit was the second runner-up.
The vote of thanks was delivered by Lavita Cardoza and the event concluded with the ICYM anthem.