Udupi: The Indian Catholic Youth Movement (ICYM) Udupi deanery along with ICYM Moodubelle organised a day-long deanery level youth conference ‘Yuva Samagam-2015’ at the St Lawrence Church Hall, Moodubelle here, on July 26.
The programme began with an invocation. Nevil D’Souza, president of ICYM Moodubelle, welcomed the gathering.
Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, Bishop of Udupi Diocese, inaugurated the programme by lighting the lamp. In his inaugural message, the Bishop complimented ICYM Udupi Deanery and Moodubelle for organizing the ‘Yuva Samagam’. He urged the youth to enter into government services and make their presence felt in the society. The Bishop expressed sadness on the fact that in spite of many Catholic students securing high marks and passing SSLC with distinction, there are hardly few students who make a mark in the competitive examinations. The Bishop made an appeal to the youth to avail government facilities, especially scholarships allotted for minorities. He emphasized on preserving and promoting Konkani language and culture and said that ICYM should also organize competitions in those aspects which highlight Konkani culture and traditions.
Dr Norbert Lobo, the chief guest of the function, was honoured by the Bishop for his achievements in the field of education. Hazel Martis, who was elected as the President of Karnataka YCS, was also honoured on the occasion.
Following the inaugural programme, Alwyn Danti, the resource person of the day, conducted the morning session on the theme of ‘The Purpose and Aim of Life’ with special reference to the youth.
The second session of the ‘Yuva Samagam 2015’ was conducted after the lunch. The session included group activities such as singing, dancing and other various tasks. The session was conducted by Norbert Misquith, resource person for the Mangalore and Udupi Dioceses, along with members of the ICYM Central Committee – Rebecca, Oliver, Avil and Joyson.
The valedictory function was held at 4 pm and was presided by Fr Fred Mascarenhas, Dean of Udupi Varado. Fr Alban D’Souza was honoured by Fr Mascarenhas for his valuable service as the Director of ICYM Udupi Varado for the last three years.
Seven talented ICYM members in academics, sports and culture from different parishes were also honoured.
In his presidential address, Fr Fred Mascarenhas complimented all those who were responsible for planning and organizing the conference. He asked the boys not to lag behind, but make efforts to develop their talents in the best way possible. At the same time, Fr Fred said that it is not enough to have good physical health, but to have good spiritual and moral health rooted in the teachings of Jesus Christ. He made an appeal to the youth to maintain Christian identity and be an inspiration to others by their behaviour and actions.
Fr Clement Mascarenhas (Parish Priest of Moodubelle), Fr Victor Fernandes (Co-pastor), Fr Edwin D’Souza (Director of Youth Commission), Fr Royson Fernandes (Present Director of ICYM Udupi Deanery), Fr Reginald Pinto (Director of Women’s Commission), Walter D’Souza (Animator of ICYM Udupi Diocese), Wilfred Lewis (Animator of Udupi Deanery), Vincent Fernandes and Rovita Fernandes ( Animators of ICYM Moodubelle Unit), Joseph Martis (President of Youth Commission of Moodubelle), Alphonse K Alva and Latha D’Mello (President and Secretary of Parish Pastoral Council respectively) and others were present.
President of ICYM Udupi Deanery Idving Soares welcomed the guests. Felina D’Souza, Secretary of ICYM Unit Moodubelle and Udupi Varado, delivered the vote of thanks. Onil Kalmady compered the valedictory programme. The inaugural programme was compered by Ancida D’Souza and Sara D’Souza delivered the vote of thanks.