YUVAFERENCE: Udupi Diocese youth presidents’ meet held on Oct 8

Udupi: “YUVAFERENCE”, a Udupi Diocese level youth presidents’ meet was organised by the Indian Catholic Youth Movement (ICYM), Udupi Diocese Council on Monday, October 8. The ICYM unit of Stella Maris Church, Kalmady hosted the day-long conference at the Church hall. 

 

The programme commenced at 9.30 AM with the arrival of the Bishop of Udupi Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. Gerald Isaac Lobo. The inauguration was done in a unique way wherein the all the ICYM unit presidents stuck words of values to a tree symbolising the unity. Thereafter, the guests Bishop Gerald Lobo, Director of ICYM Udupi Diocese Fr. Edwin D’Souza, Parish Priest Of Stella Maris Church Fr. Alban D’Souza, Diocese President Of ICYM Dion D’Souza, ICYM Kalmady Animator Sandeep Andrade, Kalmady Unit President Melwyn Carvalho, Kalmady Unit Secretary Jeeza Mendonca, Sanjay Andrade, Shoba Mendonca and Francis Fernandes, watered the tree to symbolise the strength and support.

 

The first session of the day was conducted by the Bishop wherein he enlightened the youth on the topic ‘self esteem.’ In his interactive sessions, the Bishop discussed how a person with high self esteem becomes very successful. He also stressed on the topics of positive thinking, self motivation character and why the youth needs to develop the art of listening. 

 

The presidents’ formal meeting began after a short break for refreshments. The meeting was chaired by ICYM Udupi Diocese President Dion D’Souza, in the presence of the council members, animator, Lesley Aroza and the guest for the meeting Derick Mascarenhas, who is also the ICYM Diocese former president.

 

Fr. Edwin D’Souza, Director of ICYM Udupi Diocese presided over the meeting. The unit presidents presented reports of various programmes organised by their units and the next year’s plan for the upliftment of the youth. Many appreciable programmes were planned and implemented in the various units of the Udupi Diocese for the betterment of the youth and their involvement in social activities. Director Fr. Edwin expressed his happiness over the appreciation of the youth from Udupi at national level. The meeting was concluded after a short message from Derick Mascarenhas and the Director. 

 

The second meeting, namely the ICYM Diocese action plan, began at 2 PM after lunch. The “SPECS” (spiritual formation, personality development, education excellence, cultural enrichment, socio-political involvement) agenda and the “Christian Leadership” motive of the ICYM for the year was presented before the presidents.

 

Thereafter, the action plan of the ICYM was discussed and finalized. The meeting concluded with a speech from Dion D’Souza. He said, ” Presidentship is a skill of responsibility and commitment towards the task.” He also said that to lead the society in the future is to lead the youth now. The President urged the youth to unite at the Diocese level, work for the betterment of the society, involve in political activities and always aim towards serving India at their best. He appreciated the presidents for their hardwork and concluded his speech by seeking their support towards all future projects of the youth movement. 

 

The youth animatior of the Diocese Lesly Aroza, then addressed the youth leaders. He expressed his happiness over the work of the youth and placed his thoughts about strengthening the youth to work towards the requirements for the development of the Diocese. 

 

The final session of the day was held by Fr Chetan, PRO of the Diocese. He presented the infrastructural and financial details of the Udupi Diocese in the presence of the Bishop. The youth were made aware of all the work undertaken by the Diocese for the betterment of its people. 

 

The programme concluded at 5 PM with a message from Fr Alban D’Souza and a prayer and blessing from the Bishop. 

  

Spokesperson of ICYM Karnataka region, Oniel Andrade and vice president of ICYM Udupi Diocese Sandra Reberio compered the day-long event. Lavina D’Mello of ICYM Kalmady was the emcee for the inaugural ceremony. President of the host unit Melwyn Carvalho welcomed the gathering and the secretary Jeeza Mendonca delivered the vote of thanks.

 

Director of SAMPADA, Fr Reginald Pinto and President of the Udupi Diocese Women’s association Janet Barboza were also present.