Mangalore Diocese News

By Natasha Mascarenhas

Arva - Bantwal, Jan 1 : ICYM Arva celebrated its Annual Day, "Yuva Varshikotsav - 2024", on December 25 at 6:45 PM at St. Peter Claver Church School Ground.

The event began with a graceful prayer dance performed by Moriyal Sodality students, setting a spiritual tone for the celebrations. This was followed by captivating cultural performances by various associations centered on the Christmas theme. The cultural program was hosted by Princia Fernandes, who guided the event seamlessly.

The formal stage program commenced with a heartfelt prayer song led by ICYM Arva.

President Anson Fernandes and Secretary Ashwitha Rodrigues escorted the dignitaries to the dais, including:
Rev. Fr. Elias D'Souza, Parish Priest, St. Peter Claver Church, Arva; Rev. Fr. Vinod Mascarenhas, Director, CKSK, DAYA Special School, Vimukti, Belthangady; Mr. Steevan Pais, Vice President, Parish Pastoral Council, Arva; Mr. Lawrence Pais, Secretary, Parish Pastoral Council, Arva; Mr. Winston Joel Sequeira, President, ICYM Mangalore Diocese; Dr. Joyston D'Souza, Joint Secretary, ICYM Mangalore Diocese, and Representative, ICYM Belthangady Deanery; Mr. Supreeth Hyanson Fernandes, President, ICYM Belthangady Deanery; Mrs. Ashmitha Priya D'Souza, Animator, ICYM Arva Unit.

Anson Fernandes delivered a warm welcome to the guests and the gathering. The event was officially inaugurated with the lighting of the lamp.

Ashwitha Rodrigues, Secretary of ICYM Arva, presented the insightful Annual Report of 2024-25, highlighting the vibrant activities of the unit.

Rev. Fr. Vinod Mascarenhas distributed prizes to the winners of various competitions held during Monthi Festh and Christmas celebrations. The winners were announced by Viola Pais, Vice President of ICYM Arva.

Fr. Vinod Mascarenhas, the chief guest for the day, was felicitated by the dignitaries for his outstanding contributions to society and for winning the prestigious Rajyotsava Award 2024 for DAYA Special School. In his address, he emphasized the importance of cultivating leadership skills in children from a young age. He encouraged the youth and attendees to actively engage in social work and support specially-abled children.

As a gesture of encouragement, Supreeth Hyanson Fernandes, President of ICYM Belthangady Deanery was also felicitated for his leadership and dedication.

A lucky draw was organized as a fundraiser for the event. Fr. Elias D'Souza, Fr. Vinod Mascarenhas, and Winston Joel Sequeira drew the winning chits, and cash prizes were awarded to the winners.

Following the lucky draw, Winston Joel Sequeira addressed the gathering. He congratulated ICYM Arva on organizing such a memorable event and encouraged the youth to continue their active participation in church and social activities.

The sponsors for the event were acknowledged, and their names were read out by Kevin Lobo, Treasurer of ICYM Arva.

Fr. Elias D'Souza, in his presidential address, praised the youth of Arva for their outstanding achievements in 2024. He commended the efforts of the ICYM Arva President and Secretary for their dedication to organizing the events.

Preethi Vas, Joint Secretary, delivered the vote of thanks, and Fr. Elias D'Souza presented mementos to the dignitaries as a token of appreciation.

The stage program, efficiently compered by Lenisha Pais, transitioned into vibrant performances by the youth of ICYM Arva. The lineup included a lively dance by the girls, a humorous and engaging act by the "Men Will Be Men" team, the electrifying Kitchen Orchestra by the boys, and a short comedy drama by Rolend Cordeiro, Anup D'Souza, Avinash Lobo, and Johnson Pinto that left the audience in splits. The celebrations concluded with a lively DJ and Baila dance session, grooved by DJ Loy.

The program received widespread appreciation, with attendees from various places commending the well-organized and memorable event.