Pics: Dayanand Kukkaje
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (ANK/AM)
Mangaluru, Jan 18: The 10th National Youth Convention (NYC) hosted by Indian Catholic Youth Movement (ICYM) under the aegis of CBCI Council for Youth and Youth Activ8 Foundation began on a grand note at St Joseph Engineering College (SJEC) grounds, Vamanjoor here on Wednesday, January 18.
Archbishop of Bengaluru Dr Bernard Moras inaugurated the 10th National Youth Convention (NYC), hosted for the first time in Karnataka region.
Addressing the gathering, Dr Bernard Moras said, "We have the lot of responsibilty of helping others and bringing them to the church in order to practice our faith.
"Youth need to go to the church and pray for their welfare. They need to involve in activities and walk in the path of Jesus. Our Catholic youth should throng the church to seek the blessings of jesus."
In his introductory speech, bishop of Mangaluru Aloysius Paul D Souza said, "We are honoured to host the 10th National Youth Convention. Mangaluru diocese comprises Dakshina Kannada and Kasargod districts. Mangaluru diocese has a vast history of 130 years, having a population of over 2 lac, comprising nearly 11% of the whole South Canara with 17 parishes. Mangaluru diocese has given 45 bishops to the churches in India. Mangaluru is a place where people live in harmony. It is a peace loving city, known for religious harmony, a Smart City and education hub.
"Youths in Mangaluru are energrtic, talented and dynamic, spread all over the world and serving in different fields. This convention has come up with the powerful motto og preparing tomorrow's leaders. A true leader is a performer, reformer and transformer," he said.
Bishop of Ballari diocese Henry D'Souza said, "This convention focuses on producing leaders for tomorrow, leaders who bring change, achieve and transform. Jesus had a great dream; follow in the footsteps of Jesus. Youth have great capacity and talents. Face every challenge which comes your way. Youth need to be inspired by the values of the Gospel. Young men and women have the potential to become either achievers or harmful, the choice is yours. Let this convention come up with a positive outcome."
In her keynote address, educationist of Ryan Group of Institutions Grace Pinto said, "It is my privilege to witness this convention that is aimed at producing future leaders of the country. We are all extraordinary. We need to have a motto which says, 'I can, I will, I must be a winner'. Jesus is a teacher, preacher and a leader too.
"We need to be bold. We need to know our dreams. Always dream big, achieve big and speak big, then automatically positiveness will come and flow from your heart. Respect your parents and don't discard them during old age as they are the ones who supported, guided and carried you in their arms.
"Go to church, read the Bible as it is very important to know the basic instruction before you leave the earth. You are accepted by God, live in faith to have a better tomorrow," she said.
Logo of National Youth Convention, designed by 12 regional leaders, was unveiled on the occasion.
National president of ICYM Sijo Ambatt welcomed the gathering while ICYM general secretary Jenny Joy proposed the vote of thanks.
Bishop of Beltangady diocese Fr Lawrence Mukkuzhy, bishop of Kalburagi diocese Fr Robert M Miranda, Fr Deepak Thomas, director of St Joseph Engineering College Joseph Lobo, director of Lufthansa John Phillips and others were present.
Earlier, the event began with a Eucharistic celebration presided over by Archbishop of Bengaluru Dr Bernard Moras.
Bishop of Beltangady Dr Lawrence Mukkuzhy in his homily cited the example of Zacchaeus and Paul from the Bible and said that everyone should walk in th footsteps of Jesus Christ. "The theme of NYC 207 is 'Touched by Jesus; Walking His Way'. Zacchaeus and Paul both were touched by Jesus and that converted them. They were ready to sacrifice everything for Jesus.
"Place yourself before Jesus. He will touch you. This youth convention should transform the society. Youth should get together to build this nation," he added.
Earlier, ICYM members from 12 different regions like Karnataka, Chhattisgarh, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and several other states joined together to welcome the National Youth Conference Cross. The ICYM flag was unfurled and the ICYM anthem was sung in unison.
Bishop of Mangaluru diocese Aloysius Paul D'Souza, bishop of Ballari diocese Dr Henry D'Souza, bishop of Kalburagi diocese Dr Robert Miranda, bishop of Udupi Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, Msgr Denis Moras Prabhu, Fr Eugene Lobo, Fr Pius James D'Souza and a host of other priests and religious were present.
The National Youth Convention (NYC) is organised with the aim of uniting youth leaders, youth directors and animators from all over 171 dioceses of India. Around 5000 youth delegates will mainly focus on concepts like Youth Empowerment, Socio-Political Leadership, Media Advocacy and contribution to the National Integrity through workshops, group discussions, catechesis, etc. in this convention.