Mangalore Diocese News

Media Release

Mangaluru, July 16 : ICYM unit of St Francis Xavier Church, Bejai in association with commission for Ecology and commission for Youth organized Vanamahotsava and Youth SWAG 2023 on 16th July 2023 at 8:30AM in Bejai Church Hall. The day began with Thanksgiving Mass. Rev. Dr. J. B . Saldanha – Parish Priest Bejai was the main celebrant. Rev. Fr. Suraj Lobo – Assistant Parish Priest concelebrated. The Liturgy and Choir was led by ICYM members. During the Mass there was an oath taking ceremony of the newly elected Executive Committee members of ICYM Bejai.

The formal stage program began at 10:00AM with a Prayer song. Dignitaries on the dais were Rev. Dr. J. B. Saldanha – Parish Priest Bejai, Rev. Fr. Suraj Lobo – Assistant Parish Priest Bejai, Sr. Severine Crasta – Superior St. Angela Convent, Mr. Ashok Pinto – Vice President Bejai Parish Pastoral Parishad, Mrs. Avitha Pinto – Secretary Bejai Parish Pastoral Parishad, Mr. Godwin Pinto – 21 commissions coordinator, Mr. Lawrence D’Souza – commission for ecology secretary, Mrs. Sylvia Lobo – commission for youth secretary, Mr. Wilson Lobo, Sr. Cicilia Crasta, Mrs. Preethi Gomes – ICYM animators, Sonali Rodrigues – ICYM Bejai President, Vion Lobo – ICYM Bejai Secretary.

Sonali Rodrigues – ICYM Bejai President welcomed everyone present. The program was inaugurated by lighting the lamp by the dignitaries. Rev. Dr. J. B. Saldanha addressed the gathering. The gurkars of the 24 wards of Bejai Parish were handed over with sapling on the occasion of Vanamahotsava. The formal stage program concluded with vote of thanks by Vion Lobo – ICYM Bejai Secretary.

To spread awareness about the environment, a dance drama was performed by the youth. Resource persons of the day were Mr. Melwyn Fernandes, Mrs. Neetha Fernandes and Mr. Chris Crasta who spoke on the topic family core values and ethics.

Action songs and games were conducted by the ICYM Episcopal Deanery Executive Committee members.

There were various cultural performances which were performed by the ICYM, YCS, Altar Servers of Bejai Parish.

The program concluded with lunch followed by baila. Around 210 youths of Bejai Parish participated in this event.