News & pics: Venrold Lewis
Udupi, Sep 4: ‘Yuva Samagam’, a panel discussion was recently organised by Sasthan unit of ICYM at the St Antony Church Mythri hall, on September 2.
Around 180 youth from nine parishes of the Kallianpur deanery participated in ‘Yuva Samagam’.
The programme was formally inaugurated by lighting of the lamp by the president Fr John Walter Mendonca, parish priest, St Antony Church, Sasthan. Chief guest Dr Vincent Alva, principal of Milagres Degree College, Kallianpur, Dion D'Souza, president, ICYM Udupi diocese, Joyal D’Almeida, animator, ICYM Kallianpur deanery, Robert Furtado, animator, ICYM Sasthan, Aral D’Souza and Melrica, president and secretary, ICYM Kallianpur deanery respectively, and Riya Lewis and Lavita Cardoza, president and secretary, ICYM Sasthan unit respectively, were present for the inaugural programme.
Fr John Walter Mendonca stressed on the importance of youth utilizing every chance they get to come forward and develop in all ways.
Aral D’Souza welcomed the gathering, Melrica rendered the vote of thanks and introduced the moderator of the panel session to the gathering. Dr Vincent Alva, principal of Milagres Degree College, Kallianpur and moderator of the panel session joined the programme.
Soon after the inaugural ceremony, a panel session on the topic 'Christian leadership' was conducted. Seven youth panellists from seven units spoke and presented their point of view on the topic.
The moderator Dr Vincent Alva concluded the session saying, "The younger generation namely today's Christian youth must become serious in life and stand against violations as will be the pillars of our nation who are capable of making India a secular and safe country”.
Fr Edwin D'Souza, director, ICYM Udupi diocese, presided over the programme and congratulated the panellists and youth for their active participation.
Holy Eucharist was celebrated by Dr Fr Lawrence D'Souza, dean, Kallianpur deanery.
ICYM groups from nine parishes presented skits and dance on the current issues.
The valedictory programme was presided by Fr Leslie Clifford D'Souza, director, Kallianpur deanery. In his message, he congratulated the youth for gathering together in such a huge number. He also appreciated the youth for their creativity and congratulated them for conducting the panel session.
Fr Leslie Clifford D'Souza announced the results of the competition. Kolalgiri unit won the overall championship, and Mount Rosary unit Sasthan Unit being first and second runners-up respectively.
Other dignitaries on the dais were Fr John Walter Mendonca, parish priest, Sasthan Church, Fr Philip Neri Aranha, parish priest of Barkur Church, Fr Jerald Sandeep D'Mello, assistant parish priest, Kolalgiri Church, Aral D’Souza and Melrica, ICYM deanery, president and secretary respectively.
Riya Lewis welcomed gathering. Lavita Cardoza rendered the vote of thanks.