ICYM’s ‘Days in Diocese’ concludes at St Lawrence Basilica Attur
Pics by Prasanna Kodavoor and Oniel Andrade
Karkala: The grand valedictory function of ‘Days in Diocese’ programme in the Udupi Diocese that was organized in anticipation of the National Youth Convention to be held from 18 to 22 January 2017 at St. Joseph’s Engineering College, Vamanjoor, Mangaluru, was held at St Lawrence Basilica, Attur-Karkala on Tuesday, 17 January.
The youth delegates from 11 states spread over 34 dioceses who had been residing with foster families of different parishes of the Udupi Diocese from 14 to 17 January, gathered at the Souhardha Sabha Bhavana near St Lawrence Basilica in the morning of 17 January and went in a procession to the Basilica where a holy mass was concelebrated under the leadership of the Bishop of Udupi Diocese, Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo.
Msgr. Baptist Menezes-Vicar General of Udupi Diocese delivering the homily stressed on youth leadership and the importance of ‘Lectio Divina’ year proclaimed by Pope Francis to highlight the significance of reading and following the Holy Scriptures.
At the valedictory function organized after the holy mass, delegates who had participated in the ‘Days in Diocese’ programme were felicitated by offering them with mementos. Youth delegates who represented different dioceses in India presented various cultural programmes. ICYM members of the Udupi Diocese also presented a few cultural programmes.
In his message, Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo gave a glimpse of the Pastoral Plan 2025 of the Udupi Diocese to the youth delegates and wished them well for the National Youth Convention that would take place from 18 to 22 January at Mangaluru.
Fr Anil D’Souza-Dean of Kundapur Deanery and former Youth Director of ICYM Central Committee, Mangalore Diocese, narrated his memories and experience of the National Youth Convention.
Following the valedictory function, youth delegates who were to proceed to Mangaluru to participate in the National Youth Convention were given a warm send off.
Fr Edwin D’Souza-Youth Director of Udupi Diocese, Fr Reginald Pinto-Director of Sampada, Fr George D’Souza-Director of St Lawrence Basilica, Attur-Karkala, Loyal D’Souza-President of ICYM, Udupi Diocese, Arthur Dias -Vice President, Felina D’Souza-Secretary, Don D’Souza-Treasurer, Onil Andrade-PRO, Derick Mascarenhas-Former President, Vinel D’Souza-President of ICYM Udupi Deanery, Royston D’Souza, Flexan D’Silva, Velida Mendonca and others were present.