By Arwin Fernandes
Nirkan - Bantwal, Aug 14 : The National Youth Sunday event started on Sunday, 11th August 2024 with a mass at 7:45 am at St. Thomas the Apostle Church, Nirkan.
Rev Fr. Wilson Tauro, OCD, presided over the Holy Eucharist, and Rev Fr. Leo William Lobo co-celebrated the mass. In his homily, he emphasized the importance of partaking in the bread given by God so as to live forever in him, alongside a prayer for the future of all the youth.
During the offertory, ICYM members offered their offerings and actively participated in the Sunday Liturgy.
Following the mass, the "Yuva Mel - 2024" event was held in the Nirkan Church Hall for all the youth of Nirkan Parish.
Despite the absence of Rev. Fr. Leo William Lobo, the parish priest, at the inaugural function, he later joined and expressed his appreciation for the event, emphasizing the importance of youth in society.
The program commenced with a prayer song sung by members of ICYM & YCS Nirkan.
Rolvish Fernandes, President of ICYM Nirkan Unit, welcomed all the dignitaries present, including Melroy D’souza Allipade - Secretary of ICYM Bantwal Deanery; Roshan Sequeira Bambil - Red Drop/social cause representative of ICYM Bantwal Deanery; Elvin Prashanth D’cunha Belthangady - Amcho Yuvak Editor of ICYM Central Council Mangalore diocese and also representative of ICYM Bantwal Deanery, who acted as the Resource Person for Yuva Mel; Sr Severine Fernandes - Animator of YCS Nirkan Unit; Brother Loyd D’souza; Vincent Bennis - Vice President of PPC and animator of ICYM Nirkan Unit; Leesha Lobo - Secretary of ICYM Nirkan Unit; all the youth of Nirkan Parish represented at the inaugural function.
Elvin Prashanth D’cunha assumed control of the program and led the first session of the day on Leadership. He organized interactive games to support and highlight the theme of the session, delivering the message that "a leader is a lone warrior."
All the youths were given refreshments.
Melvita Crasta welcomed and introduced the second resource person, Mr Yvonil D’souza an Investment services professional. Also welcomed the office bearers of ICYM Bantwal Deanery, including Arrol Jackson Sequeira (President), Preemal Cutinha (Lady Vice President), Prem Jeethan Pinto (Amcho Yuvak Rep), and Flavian Jeethan D’Cunha (Cultural / Sports Rep). They initiated dances for songs to make the day more interactive and fun-filled.
Then handed over the event to Mr Yvonil D’souza for the next session. He spoke on Financial planning for the youth. He encouraged audience participation, asking about the best funds an employee should have when they lose their job. He elaborated on emergency funds, debts, equity, and compared single stock and mutual funds, providing valuable insight into stocks and Fixed Deposits (FD).
30 youths wholeheartedly participated in the program, exhibiting their enthusiasm and dedication.
Leesha Lobo - Secretary of ICYM Nirkan Unit expressed gratitude to all who worked for the success of the programme and to all the gatherings present for their participation.
Melvita Crasta, a member of ICYM Nirkan Unit, served as the host for the program.