Mangalore Diocese News

By Prem Jeethan Pinto

Bantwal, Aug 21 : St. John Bantwal Deanery along with ICYM Loretto Unit organized 'Gadyanth Udkana'- Rural Sports on 18th August 2024, in which the youths participated with great enthusiasm and fanfare. The sprawling paddy field at Loretto wore a festive look with bunting decorations. The Inaugural Function was presided over by Rev. Fr Robert Dsouza Allipade - Deanery ICYM Director, The chief guest Mr Arwin Dsouza - Best Agriculturist Awardee, Rev. Fr Francis Crasta - Parish Priest Loretto, Rev. Fr Jaison Monis - Principal CBSE School Loretto, Mr Alwyn Pinto - Animator ICYM Loretto Unit, Ms.Murrel Mascarenhas- Secretary Episcopal City Deanery, Mr Jaden Lobo - President YCS Bantwal Deanery, Ms. Snehal Rosario - President, ICYM Loretto unit, Arrol Sequeira - ICYM President Bantwal deanery, Melroy Dsouza - Deanery Secretary, Jeethan Dcunha - Sports Secretary Bantwal Deanery were present on the dais.

The event commenced with March Past which was a thrilling sight for the spectators as the proud 9 teams marched to the field. The youth then raised their hearts and minds to the Almighty God through a Prayer Song. The President of the Dais Rev. Fr Robert Dsouza, Director ICYM Bantwal deanery and Fr Francis Crasta gave their messages. The Chief Guest of dais Mr. Arvin Dsouza renowned agriculturist in his edifying message explained the importance of Agriculture and the benefits through it. He also expressed his best wishes to the participants competing in different events.

Youths were participated Parish wise with great determination and eagerness in various events such as Tug of War, 3-Legged Race, Coconut Throw, Mixed Relay Race, Reverse Running, Pulling the Arecanut Leaf, Pyramid, Dog in the bone, piggyback race and wicket game. Merita compered the Inaugural ceremony, Arrol Sequeira welcomed the gathering and Melroy Dsouza proposed the Vote of Thanks.

The Paddy Field Games came to an end with the valedictory ceremony. Rev. Fr Antony Lobo - Parish Priest, Thodambila in his inspirational speech congratulated the ICYM office bearers for organizing a fun filled day for the Youths with refreshing and revitalizing games . Fr. Robert Dsouza, Deanery Director appreciated and thanked the sponsors and Mr.Arun Dsouza and his Family for lending the paddy field for conducting the games and felicitated them. He esteemed the sincerity and dedication of the participants for giving their best in all the events.

Rev Fr Mark Arun Dsouza - PP Farla, Rev.Fr Antony V Lewis - PP Bambil, Rev.Fr Lancy Dsouza Asst PP Modankap & Director YCS Bantwal Deanery, Flinton Cutinha & Melisha Dsouza - President & Secretary of ICYM South Deanery graced the occasion.

The paddy field was filled with cheer and excitement as each event result was announced by Ashwin Farla. Br.Ajay Dsouza Arwa, Mithesh Dsouza - IPP ICYM Mangalore Diocese, Reena Reshal Monteiro - Secretary of ICYM City Deanery awarded the victors with trophies. Last Rain Dance was also performed in the slushy waters of the fields that was overwhelming and awesome. Melroy D Souza compered the Valedictory Ceremony.