Media Release
Udupi, Oct 9: TheIndian Catholic Youth Movement of Diocese of Udupi organised a one-day youth convention "EMERGE 2022" on Sunday October 9 at St Mary's English Medium School at Kannapad.
Stage programme was organised by ICYM Central Council. The president of the programme Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, bishop of diocese of Udupi inagurated the convention. In his message, he said that the youth should love Christ and inculcate His values in their lives. He quoted Holy Father Francis message saying that they should love the Eucharist and lead a truthful life by following God's commandments.
Fr Charles Menezes, parish priest of Mother of Sorrows Church and dean of Udupi Deanery, Fr Franklin D'Souza, parish priest of Our Lady of Assumption Church, Hiriyur, Chitradurga District, Diocese of Shimoga and also former national youth director of ICYM and Fr Johnson Sequeira, principal of St Mary's English Medium School, Kannapady Udupi were the chief guests.
Fr Charles Menezes delivered the first talk on 'Inter religious marriages and its challenges'. He enlightened youth upon present conversion bill and how it affects the faith and values of life. He asked them to be strong in faith and build a family based on faith rather than reasoning.
Fr Franklin D'Souza enlightened the youth on the topic, 'Role of the youth in the Church and in the society'. He said, "We should go beyond borders to understand the gift of life given by God." He cited various instances and motivated the youth.
Fr Franklin D'Souza concelebrated Holy Eucharist with Fr Harry D'Souza and Fr Steven Fernandes. In his homily, Fr Franklin D'Souza asked young people to witness Jesus in their lives.
After the lunch, a cultural programme was organised. Bishop Gerald Isaac Lobo was the Chief guest. Five deanery youths exhibited their talents. Prizes were distributed to the winners.
Fr Steven Fernandes, secretary for the Youth Commission together with ICYM Diocese of Udupi Mr. Inesh Miranda and ICYM council members organised the program. After the COVID this was the first mega program conducted for the Diocesan Youth.
From five deaneries, 500 young people gathered for the convention.