Mangalore Diocese News

Media Release

Mangaluru, Aug 8 : Celebrating the spirit of Friendship Day, the Catholic Action League (CAL) of St. Sebastian Church Bendur, along with ICYM Bendur, orchestrated a dynamic and empowering event, "Youth Cafe 2K23." The occasion, held on August 6th, 2023, at the St. Sebastian Centenary Auditorium, brought the vibrant youth of the parish together in a display of fervor and camaraderie.

The atmosphere was set ablaze with the melody of a prayer song, harmoniously led by dedicated CAL members, signifying the beginning of a day filled with meaningful interactions and activities.

Guiding the day's proceedings was V. Rev. Fr. Vincent Monteiro, the esteemed CAL director, who presided over the event with his wisdom and benevolence. The inaugural ceremony was graced by the presence of notable dignitaries, including the chief guest, Dr. Rohan S Monis, Chief Administrative Officer of Kanachur Hospital & Research Centre.

The gathering witnessed the esteemed presence of Rev. Fr. Lawrence Cutinho, CAL Assistant Director, Rev. Fr. Vivian Rodrigues, Assistant Parish Priest of Bendur, Mr. Vinod Dsouza, Vice President of the Parish Council and diligent CAL Animator, Mrs. Patsy Britto, Secretary of the Parish Council, Mrs. Rashmi Sequeira, Youth Commission Convenor, Mr. Joswin Pinto, ICYM Episcopal City Deanery President, Mr. Sanjay Orwin Dsouza, CAL President, and Ms. Defney Dsouza, CAL Secretary.

In an unparalleled and innovative inauguration, "Youth Cafe 2K23" was officially launched by the dignitaries, symbolizing the uniqueness of the event itself.

Dr. Rohan S Monis took the stage, addressing the youth with motivational and inspirational words that ignited a spark of ambition within the attendees. He encouraged the young minds to rise to leadership positions and maintain an active and engaged stance.

V. Rev. Fr. Vincent Monteiro seized the opportunity to encourage the youth to fully engage with the enriching program, emphasizing the importance of gaining valuable insights by its culmination. He lauded the organizing team for their meticulous planning and seamless execution.

A notable highlight of the event was the honoring of Ms. Jewel Cutina and Mr. Joswin Pinto, elected as presidents of ICYM and YCS Episcopal City Deanery respectively, recognizing their commitment to leadership and service.

Ms. Defney Dsouza, CAL Secretary, extended a gracious Vote of Thanks, expressing gratitude to all involved for their contributions to the event's success.

Following the formal inauguration, the ICYM ECD Executive committee, led by Muriel Maschanrenhas, orchestrated action songs and ice-breaker activities, infusing the event with an atmosphere of fun and excitement.

The first session featured Dr. Rohan S Monis once again, addressing critical issues faced by today's youth, including drug addiction, and offering practical approaches to overcoming these challenges.

The engaging and enlightening sessions continued with Rev. Fr. Naveen Pinto, Judicial Vicar of Mangalore Diocese, discussing inter-religion marriages through practical examples.

In recognition of academic excellence, Ms. Neema Fernandes and Ms. Sharon Menezes were honored for their outstanding achievements.

The afternoon session, led by Fr. Kenneth Crasta, Assistant Director of St. Joseph's Engineering College, featured discussions and case studies, fostering active participation and collective learning.

The inspirational spirit of the event was further amplified by a motivating speech from Mr. Mithesh Dsouza, ICYM Diocesan Youth President, emphasizing the importance of empowerment and utilizing talents to uplift the organization.

A vibrant performance by CAL members, comprising a captivating dance, enthralled the audience after lunch, further enriching the day's festivities.

The event reached its pinnacle with a baila dance session, uniting the youth in joyous celebration.

As the day drew to a close, the valedictory program of "Youth Cafe 2K23" commenced, where prizes were distributed to the triumphant winners of various games.

Mr. Vinod Dsouza expressed heartfelt gratitude to all participants, acknowledging their instrumental role in making "Youth Cafe 2K23" a resounding success.

The program was seamlessly guided by the skilled compering of Ms. Tina Rego, ensuring a smooth and engaging flow.

"Youth Cafe 2K23" has indelibly etched a mark of friendship, inspiration, and unity within the St. Sebastian Church Bendur community. The event's resounding success is a testament to the dedication of the youth and the collective commitment to fostering a stronger, more empowered future.