Mangalore Diocese News

By Sharvin Dsouza

Mangaluru, Sep 18 : The Indian Catholic Youth Movement (ICYM) Mangalore Diocesan Executive Committee and Central Council met with the Bishop of Mangalore and Chairman of ICYM Mangalore Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. Peter Paul Saldanha, on September 17, 2024, at Bishop's House, Kodialbail, Mangalore.

Winston Joel Sequeira, President of ICYM Mangalore Diocese, welcomed the gathering, and the Central Council members introduced themselves.

Bishop Saldanha was honored with a shawl and portrait, marking the completion of six years since his episcopal ordination.

The Diocesan Youth Conference (DYC) 2024 logo was then unveiled by the Bishop.

Addressing the ICYM Diocese leaders, Bishop Most Rev. Dr. Peter Paul Saldanha is happy with The council team for being serious about career choices. ICYM organizes various programs, but today's event is exceptional. Life presents many challenges, but it's essential to learn how to influence people, win hearts, and analyze information to gain wisdom. Knowledge without love is mere information, while knowledge with love is wisdom. God is love, and loving one another is crucial.

In today's world, success is often measured by wealth, but in Christianity, success means being faithful and loving. Treating others with kindness is vital. Many youth lack love and affection from priests and the church, leading them to feel disconnected. He emphasized the importance of gentleness, especially when interacting with others.

Further he expressed his wish saying that it's our responsibility to attract youth who are disinterested in the church. "You, the youth, play a vital role as ambassadors of Christ. Show love, concern, and maintain friendly relationships to win people over". New evangelism means becoming a new person, making others feel they belong. This reduces youth involvement in negative activities. He appreciated for opting higher studies and stressed the importance of higher studies. He called all by saying "Let's win youth back to Christ and be the pillars of the present and future church."

Ashlin Avita Dsouza, Secretary of ICYM Mangalore Diocese, thanked everyone, and Fr. Ashwin Cardoza, Director of ICYM Mangalore Diocese, compered the event.