Daijiworld Media Network-Mangaluru
Mangaluru, Nov 7: Young Catholic Students/Young Students’ Movement (YCS/YSM) Mangaluru diocese organized the ‘Diocesan YCS Convention 2017 (Cardijn Day) which is first of its kind on November 5 at Cordel Church Hall, Kulshekar to commemorate the 135th birth anniversary and 50th death anniversary of the inspirational founder of the movement, servant of God Cardinal Joseph Cardijn.
The theme of the event was ‘Catholic Youth in the National Mainstream’ to motivate the youngsters to serve the nation. The inaugural ceremony was presided over by Fr Chethan Machado, YCS/YSM National Chaplain India presiding over the event.
Fr Anil D’Sa, SDB, regional youth director Karnataka, MP Noronha, secretary, diocesan pastoral Parishad, Mangaluru diocese, Jesvita Pricy Quadras, the president YCS/YSM India and Sonia D’Souza the regional president were the guests of honour.
The event was inaugurated in a unique way with Dion Pinto, a budding artist and a YCS member from Bondel painting a portrait of Cardinal Joseph Cardijn and the dignitaries filling it with colors.
Diocesan YCS/YSM director Fr Rupesh Madtha, diocesan YCS president, Quinie Mariya D’Costa, secretary Melnitha Correa, diocesan YCS animator Prajwal Sequeira, regional secretary Royden Colaco were the other dignitaries present on the dais.
In his presidential speech, Fr Chethan Machado called upon the youngsters to come forward and take up roles in defence, civil services and other public sectors. Elton Pinto compered the event.
After the inauguration, ice-breakers were held and the YCS members actively participated in singing action songs with foot tapping music. MP Noronha delivered the key note address based on the theme of ‘Catholic Youth in the National Mainstream’. This was followed by holy mass.
Cultural competitions were held between eight deaneries of the diocese who displayed their unique talents and thoroughly entertained the audience.
The grand finale began at 3 pm. Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza, bishop of Mangaluru presided over the event. JR Lobo, MLA, Mangaluru South, Ivan D’Souza, MLC, Chief Whip , Govt of Karnataka, Arun Furtado, KAS, deputy secretary to the CM (Admin), Karnataka, Fr Victor Machado, dean city deanery, Fr Chethan Machado, Fr Anil D’Sa, Jesvita Pricy
Quadras, Sonia were the guests of honour.
Bishop inaugurated the YCS Education Fund to assist higher education of the needy students, raised by the YCS units of the diocese using a unique fund raising initiative ‘Wealth out of Waste’. The YCS members collected the money by selling old newspapers for the fund. A total of Rs 76,000 was raised as a part of this initiative.
‘YCS/YSM Mangalore Diocesan Proficiency Awards 2017’ was constituted for the first time where young achievers in the national or international level in any field were honored.
Six achievers chosen for the award were –Danan Saldanha Bondel, Gavin Lobo Urwa, Simran D’Souza Permude, Viani D’Cunha Urwa, Shalon Pais Bbajjodi and Crystal Pinto Bondel.
Prizes were distributed to the units who collected the highest amount for the fund raising initiative and the winners of the cultural competitions. Members of YCS /YSM Diocesan Central Council were present on the dais.
Parents of the awardees, central council members and representatives from national as well as regional YCS/YSM were present as special guests. Melnitha Correa compered the
event.
Around 1000 youths from 135 units of the diocese participated in the event and dispersed with the YCS/YSM claps and anthem.