Media Release

Mangaluru, Dec 20: Sacred Heart Yuvak Sangh Suratkal presently affiliated to Indian Catholic Youth Movement (ICYM) Suratkal, celebrated its Golden Jubilee on December 17, at Sacred Heart Church premises. The milestone event unfolded in a grand manner, marking five decades of vibrant and dedicated service by ICYM Suratkal. The celebration began with the thanks giving eucharist presided over by Fr Victor George D’Souza, chancellor of diocese of Mangalore along with the con celebrants Fr Austin Peter Peres, parish priest and Fr Richard D’Souza.

The formal programme began with the grand escort of the guests from the church office to the main stage through a colourful procession with the soothing tunes of Holy Family School band. The celebration began with the blessings of the Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, bishop of diocese of Mangalore through a video message played on the screen.

Fr Maxim L Noronha (vicar general – Mangalore diocese) in his chief guest address said, “The main purpose of ICYM is faith formation of the youth through the church teachings given to us in the form of YOUCAT. Youth can ask questions about faith and get answers through YOUCAT.”

Anil Lobo (chairman, MCC Bank) in his speech said ICYM provides platform for catholic leadership in the church and society, motivated the parents to encourage the youth to join ICYM.

Alwyn Noronha (retired executive vice president project) spoke about youth and career guidance in the past and present opportunities and challenges and motivated the youth to get into civil services as much as possible.

Fr Austin Peter Peres (parish priest vicar forane Suratkal vicariate) in his presidential address said, “Leadership through service is very important, quoting the encyclical of Pope Francis’s Cristus Vivid said God loves the youth and youth must serve the church through their leadership qualities. Through the sacred heart of Jesus our patron we have witnessed miracles in our parish in last two years.”

The president, Fr Austin Peter Peres (parish priest, Vicar forane Suratkal vicariate), chief guests Fr Maxim L Noronha (vicar general – Mangalore diocese), Fr Ashwin Cardoza (director – ICYM central council), Fr Sylvester D’Costa (director – ICYM Suratkal deanery), Fr Richard D’Souza (assistant director – ICYM Suratkal unit), Anil Lobo (chairman, MCC Bank), Alwyn Noronha (retired executive vice president project), Mithesh D’Souza (President of ICYM Mangaluru), Lavita D’Souza (president of ICYM Mother Teresa deanery Suratkal), Norbert Misquith (coordinator of PP commissions), Russel Roche (vice president PPC), Asha Pinto (secretary of PPC), Sandeep D’Souza (convenor of the youth commission), Teena Rebello (animator of ICYM), Joyvin D'Souza (president of ICYM), and Maria D'Silva (secretary of ICYM) were present on the dais.

Maria D’Silva read the report of 50 years of ICYM Suratkal. Raymond Roche, founder president of Sacred Heart Yuvak Sangh, ICYM Suratkal and the founder member Henry D’Silva who has given his contributions in the field of Konkani movie productions were honoured by the guests. The presidents and secretaries of past 50 years of ICYM were also honoured with a shawl and memento for their services to youth movement, ICYM. A special issue of golden jubilee celebration on Valchizar was unveiled. A teaser of ICYM documentary by Kevin Misquith was released by Fr Maxim L Noronha (vicar general – Mangalore diocese). The sponsors, co-sponsors, donors and well-wishers were honoured. Sanjay Orwin D’Souza, president ICYM Karnataka Region, the secretary Wilma Lobo and joint secretary Anisha Fernandes of ICYM central council Mangaluru were honoured. The presence of Fr Santhosh Lobo parish priest Katipalla church and Fr Sunil D’Souza parish priest of Thokur was recognized by honouring them at the celebration. Joyvin D’Souza welcomed the guests and gathering. Diana D’Souza proposed the vote of thanks. Tina D’Sa compered the formal programme.

The formal programme was followed by cultural extravaganza. The programme began with the golden jubilee song composed by Kevin Misquith and sung by 50 members of ICYM including alumni members. The cultural extravaganza consists of dances by ICYM members, parish children, Mando by Suratkal church choir and alumni’s, jokes by Ivan Periera, Austin Rodrigues and team, musical concert by Strummers Mangaluru.

The artists and singers were felicitated. Ashwin D’Costa, lead actor of Konkani movie ‘Osmitay’ was honoured on this occasion. The gala celebration was concluded with Baila dance lead by strummers that stole the show.

All the people were served with delicious veg and non veg food. Anish D’Souza hosted the cultural event, Maria D’Silva proposed the vote of thanks.

The golden jubilee convenor Peter Paul D’Souza took the lead in organising golden jubilee celebrations.