Media Release
Udupi, Oct 1: The Indian Catholic Youth Movement (ICYM), Udupi Diocese, successfully convened its annual Diocesan Youth Convention, 'Yuva Dabazo 2.0,' on September 28, at the Milagres Tri-Centenary Hall in Kallianpur. This significant event brought together Catholic youth from units across the diocese for a day of spiritual formation, fellowship, and healthy competition.
The day commenced with the formal registration of unit delegates, followed by the celebration of the Holy Eucharist. Fr Roshan Monteiro, OCD, presided over the liturgy and delivered an insightful sermon, providing spiritual guidance tailored for the youthful congregation.
Following the Mass, the official proceedings began with the hoisting of the ICYM Flag and the recitation of the ICYM Anthem, a ceremony led by Fr Roshan Monteiro, OCD, alongside the Diocesan Youth Director, Fr Steven Fernandes, and ICYM DEXCO President Nithin Baretto, joined by other esteemed clergy and youth leaders. Fr Steven Fernandes subsequently provided the participating youth with a detailed outline of the day's programme and logistics.
The convention featured a comprehensive roster of competitive events designed to showcase the diverse talents and intellectual capabilities of the participants. The unit-level competitions included "Udupi’s Got Talent," a platform for talent exhibition; "Brain Blitz," an intellectual contest for quick-minded individuals; "Best Manager," a competition assessing managerial and leadership skills; "BiblicArt," a mixed-media art segment illustrating biblical parables; and "Piligrima," a model competition centered on the theme "Pilgrims of Hope." The afternoon schedule was marked by the highly anticipated, deanery-wise "Battle of Bands" competition. The five ICYM deaneries—Kundapur, Karkala, Udupi, Kallianpur, and Shirva—participated, delivering performances that were noted for their profound enthusiasm, artistic interpretation, musical talent, and compelling dramatic narratives, culminating in a powerful expression of youthful creativity and zeal.
The convention concluded with a formal valedictory programme, skilfully anchored by the Master of Ceremony, Clarilda. The programme was presided over by Msgr Ferdinand Gonsalves, vicar general of the diocese of Udupi and Rector of Milagres Cathedral.
The ceremony was graced by the presence of Inesh Miranda, former ICYM Udupi diocese president (2021-22), as the chief guest, alongside Fr Steven Fernandes, Nithin Baretto, and diocesan ICYM secretary Joyce Geenal Fernandes.
The proceedings began with Baretto's welcoming address, followed by the due felicitation of all financial sponsors whose support was instrumental to the successful execution of the convention. The chief guest, Miranda, then addressed the gathering.
The programme included a 'Hunja Draw' (Lucky Draw) and the formal felicitation of deanery directors Fr Rajesh Prasanna (Udupi Deanery) and Fr Roy Lobo (Kundapur Deanery). Following this, Msgr Ferdinand Gonsalves was specially honored for his steadfast support of the diocesan youth and for granting permission to host the youth convention at Kallianpur. In his subsequent address, Msgr Gonsalves commended the youth for their energy and commitment, highlighting the importance of the Church’s investment in youth ministry and reaffirming the diocese's commitment to supporting the ICYM’s future endeavors.
Joyce Geenal Fernandes delivered the vote of thanks, acknowledging the collaborative effort of the ICYM and YCS Milagres units, as well as the YCS DEXCO volunteers for their invaluable assistance throughout the day.
The final segment of the valedictory session involved the announcement of the competition results by Fr Steven Fernandes. The Kemmann unit emerged as the overall champions, with the Shirva Unit securing the runners-up title. The winners of the online competition, "Prompt & Generate," which required a depiction of the convention day, were also acknowledged. In the Short Film Competition, films released on the Youth Commission YouTube channel on September 15, the film "UNDO" by ICYM Kallianpur Deanery was awarded the first prize, and "Theeln Polethana" by ICYM Udupi Deanery secured the second prize. The third prize was jointly shared by Shirva, Karkala, and Kundapur Deanery. Shirva Deanery received a special prize for the highest views, totalling 32,461, for their short film Sopann Tujhe Mujhe. The deanery-wise "Battle of Bands" saw the ICYM Kallianpur Deanery take the first prize, followed by ICYM Udupi Deanery in second place, and ICYM Karkala Deanery in third.
In his concluding remarks, the diocesan youth director encouraged the youth to continue utilizing their talents and extended his profound gratitude to the parish priests, deanery directors, animators, and all those who supported the event, making 'Yuva Dabazo 2.0' a great success.
The convention formally concluded with the singing of the diocesan ICYM Anthem.