Mangalore Diocese News

Report : Shaun Fernandes & Preema Menezes

Gurpur - Kaikamba, Nov 1, 2024 : On October 20th, the ICYM - PYC Gurpur, in collaboration with the Youth Commission, held a heartwarming 'Saints Life Inter-Ward Skit Competition' at the Pompei Sabha Bhavan. Themed “Let’s Come Together and Strengthen Our Community,” the event commenced at 3 PM with an opening prayer led by ICYM - PYC members, setting a reverent tone for the afternoon. The gathering was presided over by the esteemed Parish Priest and ICYM - PYC Director, V. Rev. Fr. Rudolf Ravi D'Sa. Also gracing the dais were Chief Guest Rev. Fr. Vivian Nishanth Rodrigues, ICYM Pezar Deanery Director and Assistant Priest of St. Joseph Church, Bajpe; Rev. Fr. Stany Pinto, Parish Priest of Holy Spirit Church, Mukka; Parish Deacon Vikas Pereira; Parish Pastoral Council Vice President Mr. Romans Lobo; Council Secretary Mr. Johnson Lobo; Parish 21 Commissions Coordinator Mrs. Hilda Menezes; ICYM - PYC Animator Mr. Godwin Tauro; and ICYM - PYC representatives including President Lester Menezes, Secretary Preema Menezes, and Cultural Secretary Viola Moras. President Lester Menezes warmly welcomed all dignitaries and parishioners. Parish Priest V. Rev. Fr. Rudolf Ravi D'Sa in his address, expressed pride in the youth’s efforts to organize such a meaningful event for the first time. He commended their hard work and extended his blessings to all participants, encouraging them to embody the virtues of the saints they portrayed.

The event officially began with a captivating skit on the life of St. Gonsalo Garcia, presented by ICYM - PYC members. Following the performance, Cultural Secretary Viola Moras outlined the rules for the competition, and then each ward took the stage to enact the life story of their assigned saint:

1. Kandar A - St. Max Million Kolbe
2. Kowdoor A - Sepoy St. Sebastian
3. Addoor - St. Francis Xavier
4. Pompei B - St. Anthony of Padua
5. Pompei A - St. Joseph Vaz
6. Kandar B - St. Maria Goretti
7. Kowdoor B - St. Mary Magdalene
8. Monel - St. Agnes
9. Gurpur - St. Catherine Labore
10. Church - St. Mary Baouardy

Nine wards participated with stellar performances, bringing the lives of these saints to life with passion and reverence. The highlight of the afternoon was a moving song dedicated to St. Anthony, performed by the Parish Priest, which added a special glow to the event. Chief Guest and judge Rev. Fr. Vivian Rodrigues in his address, applauded the ICYM - PYC members for organizing an event that not only entertained but also reinforced spiritual values among the youth. He commended them for hosting such a significant event on Mission Sunday. Fellow judge Rev. Fr. Stany Pinto encouraged parishioners to draw inspiration from the saints’ lives, adopting at least one saintly quality in their everyday lives. Later, ICYM Mangalore Diocese Treasurer and PYC Member Reena Crasta shared her experience and announced the prize winners.

• First Prize - Gurpur Ward
• Second Prize - Church Ward
• Third Prize - Kandar A Ward
• Best Master of Ceremony - Venisha Saldanha, Gurpur

Then, prizes of the Mary's Statue Decoration competition were distributed by the guest.

• First Prize - Josline Moras, Monel
• Second Prize - Cyprian Andrade, Monel
• Third Prize - Hansel Menezes, Kowdoor B

The event concluded with the ICYM Anthem, bringing a harmonious end to an inspiring day. With the dedicated leadership of PYC President, Secretary, Cultural Secretary, Animator, and the Core Committee, along with the full cooperation of PYC members, the event was a resounding success. The entire program was skillfully emceed by ICYM - PYC Treasurer Letisha Lobo. Capturing the memories of the day, PYC Media Representative Shaun Fernandes, Joint Secretary Deepak D'Souza, and member Royston D'Cunha documented the event with photos and videos.

Performance of all the wards can be viewed in this Youtube Channel - https://youtube.com/@pompeichurchmedia8386?si=HRzakJP-VyRkMm3F

St. Gonsalo Garcia Play by ICYM – PYC Gurpur Members - https://youtu.be/w97YPSObul0?si=LVRQ3alpCS8Hc0Zr