Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (HB/EP)
Udupi, Jan 16: St Francis Xavier church, Udyavar here has a history of 150 years. The Indian Catholic Youth Movement (ICYM) in the parish is completing 50 years. The organization has decided to celebrate it as a historic event. The celebrations will be inaugurated in the church premises on Sunday, January 19 at 5.15 pm. A Mass will be offered as a preparation in the leadership of Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, bishop of the diocese, at 4 pm.
Programme convener Steven Colaco speaking in Udupi press club said that Margaret Alva, former union minister and former governor will inaugurate the golden anniversary and fifty programmes that evening. “Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo will preside over the programme. Kaup MLA Lalaji R Mendon, former minister Vinay Kumar Sorake, diocese chancellor Fr Stany B Lobo, Udupi diocese chief priest Fr Valerian Mendonca, Fr Henry Fernandes, ICYM Karnataka deanery president Jason Pereira, honorary president Norbert Crasto, coastal authority former president Nivedita Alva, assistant parish priests and those who served in the parish will be honoured in the event.
It will be followed by cultural programme including Konkani comedy drama ‘Bevaris’ by ICYM former and current members. The drama is written by Johny Maria Bhoomi. Well known Ganesh Rao Elloor is directing the drama,” said Steven. Diocese chancellor Stany B Lobo, golden jubilee chief secretary Dora Aroza, Ronald Desan, Merwin D’ Almeida, vice president Jerald Pereira, Prem Menezes, Pravin Pinto and others were present.
About ICYM
CYA in the parish was started by Fr Henry Fernandes, who was assistant parish priest in 1971 by bringing young boys and girls together. As the time passed by, the name changed as ICYM. The organization grew with the slogan leadership with service. Late Joy Pereira has served as its founder president. New working committees were formed every year for the last 49 years in the leadership of new president. Several young boys and girls have led the movement and showed their leadership qualities to the society. They have provided monetary help to poor sick people and scholarships to students. They have held several health camps, youth conference, shramadanas, sports tournaments, in the parish and villages.
Several young people who served in ICYM have become priests. All the youth have served with common goal without differences of rich or poor. They have held at least one programme in a month which showed them the path of leadership. They have shown their leadership in their zone, diocese and national level.
The golden jubilee celebrations committee is formed in the leadership of diocese chief priest Fr Stany B Lobo. Those who served in ICYM since its inception, young and old alike are selected for the committee and subcommittee. Former president of ICYM and current secretary of pastoral council Michael D’ Souza is elected president and Dora Aroza is elected chief secretary of the committee. Successful entrepreneur Norbert Crasto who had held successful programmes as the president of centenary celebrations is elected honorary president of golden jubilee celebrations. Fr Stany B Lobo is elected spiritual director. Fifty programmes are planned in the golden jubilee celebrations. Steven Colaco is elected their convener. Sub committees are formed along with primary committee. Several people will get an opportunity to show their leadership and talent.