ICYM Udupi Diocese holds Youth Presidents Meet “YUVAFERENCE”
Udupi: “YUVAFERENCE”, Udupi Diocese level Youth Presidents meet was Organised by Indian Catholic Youth Movement (ICYM) Udupi Diocese Council on Monday, 8th October. ICYM unit of Stella Maris Church, Kalmady hosted the day-long conference of Youth at the Church hall.
The programme commenced at 9:30 am in the morning with the arrival of the Bishop of Udupi Diocese Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo. The inauguration was done in a unique way wherein all the ICYM unit presidents stuck words of values to the tree symbolising unity.
Thereafter the guests present namely, the Bishop Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, Fr Edwin D’Souza, Director of ICYM Udupi Diocese, Fr Alban D’Souza, Parish Priest Of Stella Maris Church, Dion D’Souza, Diocese President Of ICYM, Sandeep Andrade, ICYM Kalmady Animator, Melwyn Carvalho, Kalmady Unit President, Jeeza Mendonca, Kalmady Unit Secretary, Sanjay Andrade, Shoba Mendonca and Francis Fernandes watered the tree symbolising strength and support.
The first session of the day was conducted by the Bishop himself wherein he enlightened the youth with the topic of Self Esteem. The Bishop in his interactive sessions with the youth discussed on how a person having high self-esteem becomes very successful. He also stressed on the topics of positive thinking, self-motivation, character and on why the youth need to develop the art of listening.
After a short break for refreshments formal meeting of the Presidents began. The meeting was chaired by Dion D’Souza, ICYM Udupi Diocese President in the presence of the council members, animator, Lesley Aroza and the guest for the meeting Derick Mascarenhas who was also the EX- ICYM Diocese President.
Fr Edwin D’Souza, Director of ICYM Udupi Diocese presided over the meeting. The unit presidents presented the unit reports of the various programs organised and future plans for the upliftment of the youth. Many appreciable programs were planned and implemented in the various units of Udupi Diocese for the betterment of the youth and their involvement in social activities. Director Fr Edwin expressed his happiness over the appreciation received to the youth of Udupi at the National level. The meeting concluded after a short message from Derick Mascarenhas and the Director.
The second meeting namely the ICYM Diocese action plan commenced at 2:00 pm after lunch. The “SPECS”(spiritual formation, personality development, education excellence, cultural enrichment, socio-political involvement) agenda and the “Christian Leadership” motive of the ICYM for the year was presented to the presidents.
Thereafter the action plan of the ICYM was discussed and finalized. The meeting concluded with the speech from Dion D’Souza. Dion D’Souza speaking said, “Presidentship is a skill of responsibility and commitment towards the task.” He also mentioned that to lead the society in future is to lead the youth now. He urged the youth to unite at the Diocese level, work for the betterment of the society, involve in political activities and always aim towards serving the country at the best”. He appreciated all the presidents for their hard work and concluded the speech by seeking their support towards all the future projects of the youth movement.
Thereafter the Youth animation of the Diocese Lesly Aroza addressed the youth leaders. He expressed his happiness over the work of the youth. He also placed his thoughts over strengthening the youth to work towards further requirements for the development of the Diocese.
The final session of the day was held by Fr Chetan, PRO Of the Diocese. He presented the infrastructural and financial details of the Udupi Diocese in the presence of the Bishop. The youth were made aware of all the work undertaken by the Diocese for the betterment of its people.
The programme concluded at 5:00 pm with a message from Fr Alban D’Souza and the prayer and blessing from the Bishop Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo.
Fr Reginald Pinto, Director of SAMPADA, Janet Barboza, President of the Udupi Diocese Women’s association made their presence in the midst of the programme. Oniel Andrade, spokesperson of ICYM Karnataka region, and Sandra Reberio the Vice president of ICYM Udupi Diocese compered the day-long event. Lavina D’Mello of ICYM Kalmady was the emcee for the inaugural ceremony. President of the host unit Melwyn Carvalho welcomed the gathering and Jeeza Mendonca the secretary delivered the vote of thanks.