Media Release

Mangaluru, May 17: YCS Mangaluru diocese organised diocesan level ‘Laudato Si’ residential camp from May 13 to 15 at Our Lady of Remedies Church, Kirem.

The camp began by invoking God’s blessings and was Inaugurated by YCS/YSM national chaplain Fr Chethan Machado accompanied by national president Jeswita Quadras; national treasurer Jeris Joseph, deanery YCS director Fr Rupesh Tauro, vice president of Kirem parish parishad Burton Sequeira and other dignitaries.

Ashvia Anna Lasrado, diocesan YCS president welcomed the gathering. The dignitaries addressed the students and wished for the success of the camp. Deona Dsouza, Yuvatare editor, rendered the vote of thanks. Jean Lobo, diocesan secretary compered the programme.

The first session was conducted by Kiran Pinto (snake Kiran) where he spoke about various types of snakes, venomous and non-venomous, first aid during a snake bite and so on. In the evening there was a panel discussion conducted by Jeeth Roche, Franklin and Reeshal. They spoke on plants, water and horticulture. The students had many queries on the topic. Meldrida Bolkunje moderated the session.

On the second day the students took part in work exposure. In groups they participated in different types of manual work like cleaning vegetable garden, flower garden and so on. They also took initiative to keep water in the bowls for the birds. A session was conducted by Laveena about Biodiversity and its significance. The most interesting part of the camp was Rosary with nature. All the students along with a few parishioners came together outdoor and prayed as one family for the nature.

On Day 3, students were taken to a few houses where the delegates visited cattle, wells, vegetable gardens, fields, learned few village games, and also had interaction with some elders who shared their experience in agriculture. Delegates were asked to prepare charts on their experience during the exposure.

During the valedictory programme, Fr Mervin, SVD, was the chief guest. Megan Rose welcomed the gathering. Two students shared their experience of the camp on behalf of all the students. The students were given participation certificates. Prajwal Sequeira, diocesan animator rendered the vote of thanks. Joshua Dsouza compeered the programme.

Fr Rupesh Madtha, diocesan director had organised this camp for nearly 100 students representatives. Fr Victor Demello, parish priest and Fr Mathew Vas, vicar vara, had guided and given whole hearted support for the programme. On all the three days of camp, the students had prayer, Holy Mass, and adoration. They were served delicious food and snacks. Mervin Vas, diocesan coordinator and the central council kept the camp lively and active through his wonderful action songs and amazing games and camp fire. Einstein n Samuel helped in music. Br Kevin and Br Avinash, Suhani, Edel, Nijil, Sunitha, Rita and many others helped in other arrangements. The camp indeed helped the students to reflect about the nature and realize its immediate need for conservation.