Mangalore Diocese News

By Sharvin D'Souza

Mangaluru, Oct 16 : "Youth are the future of the nation. Young people should dream of future goals and strive to achieve a good name in society" - Bishop Emeritus Dr. Aloysius Paul D'Souza.

The ICYM Central Council Mangalore Diocese, in collaboration with ICYM Belthangady Deanery and ICYM Belthangady Unit, proudly organized a mega event, the 11th Diocesan Youth Conference (DYC) 2024, with the theme, "Let's Walk in the Path of Christ and Build a Serving Society," from October 10 to 13, 2024, at the Most Holy Redeemer Church Campus, Belthangady.

The program began with the "Vojem Procession," followed by the hoisting of the DYC-2024 flag by Rev. Fr. Clifford Pinto, Principal of Holy Redeemer School Belthangady and Rev. Fr. Praveen D'Souza, Director of ICYM Belthangady Deanery. The gathering was welcomed on the dais by Winston Joel Sequeira, President of ICYM Mangalore Diocese, and Mrs. Vijetha Pinky Lobo, Retired Civil Judge, who inaugurated the program by unveiling the DYC-2024 logo. She congratulated the youth, emphasizing that peace and creativity are essential for today's generation.

Chief Guest Very Rev. Fr. Walter D'Mello, Parish Priest of Belthangady Unit and Vicar Forane of Belthangady Deanery, addressed the gathering, stating that the youth should learn from this conference and implement its teachings in their lives.

Bishop Emeritus Dr. Aloysius Paul D'Souza, Mrs. Vijetha Pinky Lobo, Very Rev. Fr. Walter D'Mello, Rev. Fr. Clifford Pinto, Mr. Walter Monis, Vice President of the Parish Pastoral Council, Mr. Gilbert Pinto, Secretary of the Parish Pastoral Council, Rev. Fr. Ashwin Lohith Cardoza, Director of ICYM Mangalore Diocese, Rev. Fr. Praveen D'Souza, Director of ICYM Belthangady Deanery, Winston Joel Sequeira, Ashlin Avita D'Souza, General Secretary of ICYM Mangalore Diocese, Dr. Joyston D'Souza, Joint Secretary and Deanery Representative of Belthangady, Supreeth Hyanson Fernandes, President of ICYM Belthangady Deanery, Monal Rasquinha, Secretary of ICYM Belthangady Deanery, Anselma D'Souza, President of ICYM Belthangady Unit, Ajay Rodrigues, Secretary of ICYM Belthangady Unit, and DEXCO members were present on the dais.

Mariya D'Silva, Secretary of ICYM Surathkal Deanery, compered the program, and Ashlin Avita D'Souza delivered the vote of thanks. The inaugural ceremony was followed by the Rosary.

Day 2 - October 11, 2024

The day began with a drone shoot at the Most Holy Redeemer Church ground in Belthangady. This was followed by a session on the Bible conducted by Rev. Fr. Vincent Sequeira, Secretary of the Bible Commission, and Bible activities led by Rev. Fr. Clifford Pinto. Other sessions included a YouCat session by Rev. Fr. Alwyn Richard D'Souza, a session on Marriages and Happy Families by Mr. Clement Pinto, a Teacher at St. Philomena Aided High School in Puttur, and a session on Canon Law by Very Rev. Fr. Walter D'Mello. There was also confession and adoration led by Rev. Fr. Steevan Fernandes, Director of ICYM Udupi Diocese, followed by a Holy Eucharistic celebration at the Most Holy Redeemer Church in Belthangady. During the mass, Rev. Fr. Clifford Pinto prayed for all the youth of the diocese, and Nihan Sequeira, Vice President of ICYM Mangalore Diocese, shared his experience of Communio in Arunachal Pradesh.

All the delegates actively participated in the animation and group activities. The day concluded with a cultural program by the youth of ICYM Belthangady Deanery and ICYM Belthangady Unit.

Day 3 - October 12, 2024

The third day began with Zumba conducted by Viola Reshma Lewis, ICYM Mijarc Karnataka Coordinator. Afterward, the youth participated in exposure visits to ten different places, divided into various groups. This was followed by outdoor games and a Holy Eucharistic celebration. During the mass, Rev. Fr. Praveen D'Souza prayed for all the youth of the diocese and the donors. Additionally, Fr. Vinod Mascarenhas and the KMC Hospital team delivered a talk on organ donation.

Former DEXCO members, senior youth, and local community members visited the conference venue and relived their experiences in ICYM. The day concluded with a cultural evening featuring a program by all the groups, ending with a Baila.

Day 4 - October 13, 2024

The day began with a panel discussion on skills led by Mr. Pradeep D'Souza, District Skill Development Officer, and Mr. Ronald Oliveira, a Konkani writer. The moderator was Mr. Alwyn D'Souza, Proprietor of IN-Gallery. Later, all delegates participated in the Sunday mass held at the Most Holy Redeemer Church in Belthangady, celebrated by Very Rev. Fr. Walter D'Mello. After the mass, delegates proceeded to the hall with a procession accompanied by a band, followed by a photo session. Each group then shared their experiences from the exposure visits.

The valedictory ceremony commenced at noon. Msgr. Maxim L. Noronha presided over the program, addressing the gathering with a message that youth are the hope of the community and play an important role in building a strong community through service.

Msgr. Maxim Noronha, Rev. Fr. Ashwin Lohith Cardoza, Rev. Fr. Praveen D'Souza, Very Rev. Fr. Walter D'Mello, Rev. Fr. Clifford Pinto, Mr. Gilbert Pinto, Winston Joel Sequeira, Ashlin Avita D'Souza, Supreeth Hyanson Fernandes, Monal Rasquinha, Anselma D'Souza, and Ajay Rodrigues were present on the dais.

Very Rev. Fr. Walter D'Mello, Rev. Fr. Praveen D'Souza, Rev. Fr. Clifford Pinto, Elvin Prashanth D'Cunha, Editor of Amcho Yuvak, Dr. Flavia Paul, Animator of ICYM Belthangady Unit, Mr. Wilson Monis, Animator of ICYM Belthangady Unit, Supreeth Hyanson Fernandes, Monal Jiya Rasquinha, Anselma D'Souza, and Ajay Rodrigues were honored for their service beyond measure.

Josvita D'Souza, Vice President of ICYM Belthangady Deanery, compered the valedictory ceremony, while Supreeth Hyanson Fernandes welcomed the gathering, and Winston Joel Sequeira thanked everyone who contributed to the success of DYC 2024.

Special thanks were extended to the benefactor, Mr. Michael D'Souza and family, Anil Lobo, Chairman of MCC Bank, and all donors.

Around 300 youths, including DEXCO and Council members, actively participated in the event. The conference ended with the ICYM theme song.