Bangalore Archdiocese

By Fr Franklin Dsouza

Shivamogga, Dec 17 : The Diocese of Shimoga concluded its "Year of Youth 2024" program on December 15, 2024, at the Sannidhi Center for Pastoral Renewal in Shivamogga. This event culminated a year-long initiative focused on youth development and leadership within the church and broader community.

The program began at 11:00 AM, with Mr. Chethan and Ms. Shalen Infanta serving as Masters of Ceremony. A prayer dance performed by the Karehalli Parish Youth established a reverent atmosphere, followed by welcoming remarks from Ms. Priya Maria D'Souza, President of ICYM Shimoga Diocese.

The event was honored by the presence of several distinguished guests: Most Rev. Dr Francis Serrao SJ, Bishop of Shimoga Diocese; Rev. Fr Franklin D'Souza, Diocesan Youth Director; Rev. Fr Clifford Roshan Pinto, Director of Sannidhi Pastoral Centre; Rev. Fr Simon Pinto, Coordinator of the Diocesan Pastoral Commissions of Shimoga Diocese; Sr. Treesa Lidiya, Diocesan Lady Animator; Mr. Anson Nazareth, National YCS/YSM President; Ms. Supriya Varghese, National ICYM General Secretary; Ms. Jesvita D'Souza, Regional YCS/YSM President; Ms. Priya Maria D'Souza, Diocesan ICYM President; and Ms. Anisha Rodrigues, Diocesan YCS/YSM Vice President.

In his address, Most Rev. Dr Francis Serrao, SJ., emphasized that the conclusion of the Year of Youth is not an end, but a beginning of a renewed journey for young people in faith and leadership. The event also included honoring the bishop, marking the silver jubilee of ordination of Rev. Fr Franklin D'Souza, and speeches by Mr. Anson Nazareth on youth leadership and by Fr Franklin D'Souza.

Highlights included the honoring of guests including Rev. Fr Clifford Roshan Pinto and Rev. Fr Simon Pinto, as well as youth leaders Ms. Supriya Varghese and Ms. Jesvita D'Souza for their representation of Shimoga Diocese at the national and regional levels. The outgoing ICYM President, Ms. Priya Maria D'Souza, ceremoniously handed over the ICYM flag and report book to the newly elected president, Mr. Suhas Martin, while Ms. Anisha Rodrigues transferred the YCS/YSM report book to the newly elected YCS/ YSM president, Mr. Alwin.

A symbolic oath-taking ceremony saw the newly elected DEXCO and DTS teams holding candles, pledging their commitment in the presence of the dignitaries. Rev. Fr Franklin D'Souza, Diocesan Youth Director led the Oath taking ceremony. Ms. Priya Maria D'Souza and Ms. Anisha Rodrigues were honored for their dedicated service to the youth of the diocese.

The Christmas Yuvataare program competition winners are as follows: Crib competition—first place, St. Anthony's Church, Karehalli; second place, Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Thirthahalli. Carol singing competition—first place, Sacred Heart Cathedral, Shivamogga; second place, Good Shepherd Church, Gopala. Group dance (Theme Song)—first place, Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Thirthahalli; second place, Sacred Heart Cathedral, Shivamogga.
Bishop Francis Serrao, SJ., handed over the trophies to the winners of the Still Crib, Carol Singing, and theme song dance competitions.

He then handed over the trophies for the best ICYM & YCS units. St. Paul the Hermit Parish, Tandagunda ICYM unit was awarded "Yuva Sarvottama," and the YCS unit of Our Lady of Lourdes was also awarded "Yuva Sarvottama." The rolling trophy for the best ICYM & YCS unit of the Year of Youth, "Yuva Saurabha," was awarded to the Sacred Heart Cathedral, Shivamogga, for their outstanding participation. A video presentation showcased the journey of the Year of Youth, followed by a heartfelt vote of thanks delivered by Ms. Priya Maria D'Souza.

The celebration concluded with a solemn Holy Eucharist at Sacred Heart Cathedral, Shivamogga, presided over by Most Rev. Dr Francis Serrao SJ, Monsignor Very Rev. Fr Stany D'Souza, of Sacred Heart Cathedral, Shivamogga preached meaningful homily. Diocesan Youth Director thanked the Bishop Francis Serrao SJ, Msgr Stany D'Souza, and concelebrants Rev. Fr Christuraj SDB, Carmel Deanery Youth Director, Rev. Fr Vincent Serrao Ofm CAP, Rev. Fr Paul Anand Prasad SJ, Rev. Fr Pius D'Souza, Rev. Fr Santhosh Almeida, Rev. Fr Mathew CMF, Rev. Fr Eugene Lobo SJ, Rev. Fr Roshan Pinto. Following the Mass, Rev. Fr Pius D'Souza, the former Diocesan Youth Director, was honored for his selfless service.

The successful culmination of the Year of Youth initiative has created a lasting legacy and instilled renewed hope for future youth leadership within the Diocese of Shimoga.