Media Release
Shimoga, Apr 30: The YCS/YSM diocese of Shimoga organized a four-day village exposure camp from April 25 to 28, at St Francis Xavier Church, Kable. Thirty enthusiastic students took part in this experience of prayer, reflection, service, and leadership formation. The camp aimed to help youth live the YCS/YSM methodology of see, judge, act while encountering Christ in the realities of village life.
Day 1 – April 25: Orientation and foundation
The camp began at noon with registration, followed by lunch and an ice-breaking session to foster fraternity. Cells were formed to promote teamwork and responsibility.
In the first input session, Fr Franklin D’Souza introduced the participants to the core YCS/YSM methodology: See, judge, act and evaluate. He encouraged the youth to read the signs of the times and respond as disciples of Christ. The evening included a session on self-esteem, helping participants recognize their dignity as children of God. The day concluded with the Rosary, Eucharistic Adoration led by Fr Roman Pinto and an introductory session, ending with night prayer.
Day 2 – April 26: Prayer and labour of love
The day began with morning prayer and the Holy Eucharist led by Fr Franklin D'Souza, anchoring the camp in Christ. Fr Roman Pinto, parish priest of St Francis Xavier’s Church and dean of Vianney Deanery, unveiled the village exposure camp poster and officially inaugurated the camp. After breakfast, the students engaged in Shramadhana, voluntary manual work, collecting dry leaves and shifting them to the old church farm. This helped them experience the dignity of labour and solidarity with village communities.
In the afternoon, students made a walking pilgrimage to the mountain where a historical cross was erected by the late Fr Augustine of the then diocese of Chikmagaluru. There, Fr Roman Pinto animated Session II on Value-based Christo-centric Leadership, challenging the youth to lead with Gospel values. Group discussions and activities helped deepen the insights. The evening featured a reflective Taizé prayer led by Fr Franklin D'Souza, followed by evaluation and supper.
Day 3 – April 27: Dialogue and celebration
The third day opened with the Rosary, meditation, and Holy Eucharist celebrated by Fr Franklin D'Souza. Another round of Shramadhana followed. One batch collected dry cow dung near the back water area, loaded it, and shifted it to the old church farm. Another batch picked areca nut leaves and manured the sugar cane plants. This strengthened the spirit of service. Evaluation was done together with the famer families.
The afternoon featured a lively debate on "Which is better: city life or village life?" Action songs were also led, promoting critical thinking and creativity.
The highlight was the stage programme in the evening, where each cell showcased their talents through skits on the themes of children’s rights, addictions, and saving the environment. They also presented songs and awareness themes. The day ended with a joyful campfire, fostering bonds of friendship, and a closing prayer by Fr Franklin D’Souza.
Day 4 – April 28: Thanksgiving and missioning
The final day began with nature meditation, helping students see God in creation, led by Fr Franklin D'Souza. The camp culminated with a Thanksgiving Holy Eucharist celebrated by Msgr Stany D’Souza, delegate of the apostolic administrator, diocese of Shimoga. In his homily, Msgr Stany D'Souza urged the youth to be witnesses of Christ in their schools and villages by inculcating the Gospel values of peace, love, service, and forgiveness.
The evaluation and vote of thanks followed, where students expressed gratitude for the transformative experience. The camp concluded with a fellowship lunch.
Fruit of the camp
Over four days, the 30 participants grew in faith, leadership, and social concern. Through prayer, Shramadhana, sessions, and group life, they learnt to see reality with compassion, judge with the light of the Gospel, and act with commitment.
The parish community of St Francis Xavier Church, Kable, was thanked especially Fr Roman Pinto for his collaboration, and the youth of the parish. The animators Sr Ophilia SCCG, Stephen Lobo, Supriya V, Lenny D'Sa, ICYM diocesan president, and the villagers were also thanked for making the camp a grace-filled experience.