Mangalore Diocese News

Report : Shaun Fernandes & Preema Menezes

Gurpur - Kaikamba, Aug 22, 2024 : Pompei Youngsters Club - ICYM Gurpur Unit and the Youth Commission in collaboration, organized the ‘Yuva Sparsh and Red Drop Enlightenment’ on the occasion of National Youth Day celebration on August 11th in the morning with a Eucharistic Holy Mass, at Our Lady of Pompei Church, Gurpur , Kaikamba. The event began with a solemn Mass led by Rev. Fr. Ashwin Cardoza, Director of ICYM Mangalore Diocese, and parish priest V. Rev. Fr. Rudolph Ravi D'Sa. During the Eucharistic Holy Mass, Rev. Fr. Ashwin Cardoza offered meaningful insights in his homily, encouraging the youth to make productive use of their time, grab every opportunity, and avoid wasting it. He also congratulated the youth for participating actively in the Liturgy.

Following the Mass, ‘YUVA SPARSH’ a vibrant and thrilling event was held for all the youth of the church at the Centenary Hall. V. Rev. Fr. Rudolph Ravi D'Sa, the Parish Priest, presided over the event, with the Chief Guest and Resource person Ms. Viola Reshma Lewis, Karnataka MIJARC Coordinator, and other dignitaries on the dais were Mr. Romans Lobo, Vice President of the Parish Pastoral Council, Mr. Johnson Lobo, Secretary of the Parish Pastoral Council, Mrs. Hilda Menezes, Coordinator of the 21 Commissions, Mr. Godwin Tauro Animator of ICYM – PYC Gurpur Unit, Lester Menezes, President and Preema Menezes, Secretary. The event commenced with a heartfelt prayer song led by Venisha Saldanha, Liturgy Secretary and team, setting a reverent tone for the proceedings. ICYM – PYC President Lester Menezes welcomed the gathering with warm words of encouragement.

The program was then inaugurated by the dignitaries by coloring art on the board representing ‘Yuva Sparsh’. Lolita Babita Serrao, PYC member, read the significance and meaningful message of the Inauguration. Master of Ceremony Rushal Lobo introduced the Chief Guest Ms. Viola Reshma Lewis, who delivered a motivational speech to the youth, emphasizing the importance of celebrating National Youth Day. Prizes of the quiz competition named ‘QUIZ MANIA’ which was held in the first week of August, where Fr. Rudolph Ravi D’Sa and Vice President Romans Lobo spun the wheel to select the winners. The winners were Nigel Peris (first prize), Roshan Misquith (second prize), and Viola Meghana Lobo (third prize). Prizes were distributed by Mr. Romans Lobo. V. Rev. Fr. Rudolph Ravi D’Sa in his address, urged the youth not to confine themselves within the boundaries of the parish but to extend their work towards social causes, strive to achieve government positions like IAS and IPS officers, and leave a mark. The PYC President, Secretary, and Core Committee were appreciated for their efforts in making the event a grand success. The Secretary, Preema Menezes, expressed gratitude to all who contributed to the success of the event.

The stage was vacated by the Honorary Guests for the next program and breakfast was served to all the members present. The program continued with a productive and effective session led by the Resource Person Ms. Viola Reshma Lewis on the topic – ‘Spirituality, Youth Awareness and Personal Skill Development’. Then, a Career Guidance session by the Sham’s Academy team, representative Ms. Shobha Violin Pais was given. All the youngsters actively participated in the sessions and made a very good use of it. Following this, the ICYM Mangalore Diocese Central Council President Winston Sequeira, and Secretary Ashlin D’Souza, along with the Central Council Team, introduced themselves and provided some insights and congratulated the youngsters for their active participation in the event. Josvita D’Souza, President of the ICYM Pezar Deanery Unit, conducted Red Drop Enlightenment and provided insights on blood donation, and how it impacts someone else’s life and encouraged the youth to participate in such noble causes. An artwork was created by all the youth blood donors, pledging to “Donate Blood, Save Lives”.

The event concluded with entertainment activities including dance, songs, and games, which were well appreciated by the youth. The winners of these games were awarded prizes by ICYM - PYC Animator Godwin Tauro. Viola Reshma Lewis concluded the program, thanking all the youth for their enthusiastic participation and acknowledging the efforts of the PYC President, Secretary, and the entire team. The event witnessed around 75 young participants, who benefited from the insightful sessions on life skills and personal growth. Photos were taken by Deepak D’Souza and Shaun Fernandes to capture the memories of the day.

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