Media Release

Mangaluru, Jul 20: The official cross of Regional Youth Convention, that was handed over to the diocese here, on Friday July 19 started its journey to the parishes in the city from Bishop’s House, Kodialbail.

The journey began with great enthusiasm to reach every youth in the diocese on the occasion of the Year of Youth, as well as to pray for the success of Regional Youth Convention (RYC - 2019) to be held in the diocese of Bellary in October.

Indian Catholic Youth Movement, Central Council, Mangaluru diocese under the guidance of the Bishop of Mangaluru diocese, Bishop Dr Peter Paul Saldanha and under the mentorship of Yuvaspoorthi Fr Ronald Prakash D'Souza - director, ICYM Mangaluru diocese flagged off the journey of Synod Cross.

Bishop Dr Peter Paul Saldanha blessed the Synod Cross as the journey began. In his homily, the bishop expressed the significance of the cross to the Christian faith and why the youth should always be oriented toward the cross whenever they face any problems.

Yuvaspoorthi, Fr Ronald Prakash D'Souza led the prayer service along with Leon Loyd Saldanha - diocesan youth president.

The Synod Cross was taken in procession with a fleet of cars to the church of St John the Baptist Church, Permude in the vicinity of Pezar deanery. Fr Edwin Correa - parish priest received the cross on behalf of the youth of the deanery and Permude unit and led the gathering to the church.

The parish priest led the prayer service. Yuvaspoorthi Fr Ronald Prakash D'Souza, director – ICYM Mangaluru diocese, Sr Jessy Rita – lady animator, Karnataka Regional Youth Commission, Leon Loyd Saldanha, Bendore - diocesan youth president, Veena Shalet Vas, Shaktinagar – diocesan general secretary, ICYM Mangaluru diocese, the members of Central Council - ICYM Mangaluru diocese and many youth from Pezar deanery as well as from the diocese were present during the occasion.