Media Release
Kasargod, Oct 27: Around 400 young people gathered at Our Lady of Dolours Church campus, Bela, for the four-day Diocesan Youth Conference (DYC) 2026, held from October 17 to 20. The conference was organised by the ICYM Central Council, Mangalore diocese, in collaboration with ICYM Kasargod deanery and ICYM Bela unit.
Held under the theme ‘Gen Z – Trendsetters with Christ's Mission’, DYC 2026 aimed to inspire young people to strengthen their faith, develop leadership qualities and contribute to society through service.
The inaugural day of the conference on October 17 began with registration, a drone shoot and a grand procession from the church to the venue, accompanied by Chende music. The procession was attended by Fr Harold Mascarenhas, parish priest of Bela and vicar forane of Kasargod deanery; Fr Praveen D’Souza, director of ICYM Mangalore diocese; Fr Ruban Nischith Lobo, assistant priest of Bela; Fr Rocky Fernandes, principal of St Mary’s College, Bela; Cyril Crasta, vice president of the Bela Parish Pastoral Council; Jyothi D’Souza, secretary of the Parish Pastoral Council; and Lancy D’Souza, Parish Commission coordinator.
The gathering also included Christon Menezes, president of ICYM Mangalore diocese; Renita Maria Cardoza, secretary of ICYM Mangalore diocese; Gladson D’Souza, president of ICYM Kasargod deanery; Linda D’Souza, secretary of ICYM Kasargod deanery; Jackson D’Souza, president of ICYM Bela unit; Belita Lobo, secretary of ICYM Bela unit; and DEXCO members.
The DYC flag was hoisted by Anil Lobo, chairman of MCC Bank, followed by the welcome address delivered by Christon Menezes.
Chief guest Anil Lobo, in his address, said, “ICYM was the main stage that gave me the platform to stand before you today.” He encouraged the youth to recognise and make use of their talents, actively participate in ICYM and the Church, and grow into responsible leaders guided by faith, hard work and a spirit of service to society.
The presidential address was delivered by Fr Harold Mascarenhas, parish priest of Bela church and vicar forane of Kasargod deanery. Expressing his happiness at seeing a large gathering of young people at Bela, he urged the participants to make the most of the conference. “In these four days you will learn something new, take something valuable from here and make use of it in your life and in the Church,” he told them, wishing everyone a fruitful and blessed DYC.
The day's programme also featured a Rosary and candlelight procession, conference instructions by Fr Praveen D’Souza, cultural performances by Kasargod deanery and a DJ programme by DJ Nikhil. Jeethan D’Costa, Social Cause secretary of ICYM Mangalore diocese, compered the programme.
The second day, October 18, began with a Zumba session led by Dr Pearl D’Souza, Josvita D’Souza, lady vice president and liturgy head of ICYM Mangalore diocese, and Bavil D’Souza, treasurer of ICYM Mangalore diocese.
The day also featured the inaugural Holy Eucharist, celebrated with the blessings of Bishop Emeritus Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza. A procession with representatives carrying the flags of 12 deaneries preceded the stage programme, which began with a welcome dance presented by ICYM Bela unit.
The stage programme was attended by bishop emeritus Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza; Fr Harold Mascarenhas, who presided over the event; chief guest Stany Bela, writer, film and television director, and cultural custodian; Fr Rocky Mascarenhas; Fr Ruban Nischith Lobo; Cyril Crasta; Jyothi D’Souza; Lancy D’Souza, Parish Ayog Sanchalak; Sr Jyothi and Joel Kollangana, animators of ICYM Kasaragod deanery; Christon Menezes; Renita Maria Cardoza; Gladson D’Souza; Linda D’Souza; Jackson D’Souza; Belita Lobo; and DEXCO members.
Addressing the gathering, Bishop Emeritus Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza urged young people to play an active role in the Christian community, describing them as its 'hands and legs'. Chief guest Stany Bela encouraged participants to dream big, uphold their faith and values, and become trendsetters who work towards building a better society. Local parish leaders were felicitated, and Gladson D’Souza proposed the vote of thanks.
A panel discussion on 'Youth in the Present Political Scenario' was moderated by Fr Rupesh Madtha, PRO of Mangalore diocese and editor of Raknno. The discussion featured Joylus Taccode of the BJP, Merill Rego of the Congress and Vinod Bela of the Communist Party as panellists.
As part of the community outreach activities, participants were divided into six groups and engaged in concrete work at Kayyar Church, beach cleaning, grass cutting and ward visits.
The evening programme featured Gospel music, performances by First Gear Band, a Gen Z concert and Eucharistic adoration led by Fr Anil Kiran Fernandes. Former ICYM leaders were also felicitated during the programme.
The third day began with Holy Mass, followed by a jamming session and animation activities led by DEXCO members. Fr Anil Ivan Fernandes, director of Canara Communication Centre, conducted a session on 'AI and the Future of Human Intelligence'. Prof Robin Joseph Serrao organised a quiz competition, while Fr Ashwin Lohith Cardoza, Karnataka Regional secretary for the Youth Commission, conveyed his greetings to the participants.
A key highlight of the day was the interactive session 'Faith Meets the Voice of Youth' with Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, bishop of Mangalore diocese, moderated by Christon Menezes. The bishop encouraged the youth to remain rooted in Christ, ask questions with courage and become active voices of faith in society.
Fr Franklin Philip D’Souza, director of ICYM Shivamogga diocese and retreat director, led a session titled 'What is ICYM'. He explained the role of young people in ICYM and the Church and guided them through a retreat, encouraging them to practise their faith actively in the Church and society.
Winston D’Souza, coordinator of the Youth Commission, Mangalore diocese, coordinated outdoor water games for the participants.
The day's programme also included the Veneration of the Holy Cross led by Josvita D’Souza, cultural performances by participant groups and DEXCO members, and a marriage-outfit fashion show presented by Melange Fashion Boutique and Grooms Department, Kasaragod. Former DEXCO and Council members were felicitated during the event.
The evening featured water-drum performances by Sparks, a DJ programme and a campfire. During a sharing session led by Christon Menezes, participants wrote down their worries on paper and symbolically cast them into the fire. Rishal D’Souza, MIJARC coordinator of ICYM Mangalore diocese, compered the day's programme.
The final day, October 20, began with Holy Mass, breakfast and animation. Dr Francisca Tej, founder and managing director of Wizdom Ed, and co-founder Guru Tej conducted a workshop on soft skills and career development. Ajin Joseph, a full-time missionary, youth minister, singer and songwriter, led a session on pro-life awareness.
A group reel competition themed 'Came as Strangers, going as a Family' encouraged fellowship among participants. After a special Onam Sadya lunch, group-sharing sessions were held, followed by presentations on various ICYM initiatives. Royston D’Souza introduced Red Drop, Jeethan D’Costa presented Beautiful Lens, Vijoy Cardoza spoke about Yuva Seva Trust, and Joylin Cordero presented reporting and Gonzalo Awards.
The valedictory programme was attended by Msgr Maxim L Noronha, vicar general of Mangalore diocese; Fr Harold Mascarenhas, parish priest of Bela and vicar forane of Kasargod deanery; Fr Rocky Fernandes, principal of St Mary’s College, Bela; Fr Vishal Monis, director of ICYM Kasargod deanery; Fr Ruban Nischith Lobo, assistant priest of Bela; Cyril Crasta, vice president of the Parish Pastoral Council; Jyothi D’Souza, secretary of the Parish Pastoral Council; and Lancy D’Souza, Parish Ayog Sanchalak.
ICYM office-bearers present included Christon Menezes and Renita Maria Cardoza of ICYM Mangalore diocese; Gladson D’Souza and Linda D’Souza of ICYM Kasargod deanery; and Jackson D’Souza and Ms. Belita Lobo of ICYM Bela unit.
Christon Menezes delivered the welcome address, while Fr Vishal Monis appreciated the efforts of the youth and organisers. ICYM Kasargod Deanery and ICYM Bela unit were felicitated by the diocese in recognition of their work. Mementos were presented to well-wishers and sponsors in appreciation of their support. Addressing the gathering, Msgr Maxim L Noronha urged the youth, saying, “Do not forget Jesus, keep Jesus as your first priority.”
Prizes were distributed for the best promotional video, highest views and three lucky registration winners. Renita Maria Cardoza proposed the vote of thanks, while Rachel D’Souza, secretary of Beltangady deanery, compered the programme.
The conference concluded with the ICYM theme song, the lowering of the DYC flag and a final DJ programme.
DYC 2026 brought together faith formation, leadership development, community service, cultural exchange and fellowship, encouraging young people to live their Christian values, serve their communities and become true trendsetters with Christ.