Media Release
Mangaluru, Jun 3: The Indian Catholic Youth Movement (ICYM) of the Mangalore diocese warmly welcomed Fr Praveen D’Souza as he officially took charge as the new director of ICYM and secretary of the youth commission of the diocese at the Shanthi Kiran Pastoral Institute on May 31.
The programme commenced with a prayer service by the council members. The welcome address was given by Winston Joel Sequeira, coordinator of the youth commission. Following this, Fr Praveen D'Souza took oath as the new director of ICYM and secretary of the youth commission of Mangalore diocese. He addressed the gathering of youth leaders, executive members, and representatives from various deaneries. Expressing his joy and gratitude on assuming the new responsibility, he stated that the youth have always been the strength of the Church and assured his wholehearted support towards all future programmes and initiatives of ICYM.
Fr Santhosh Rodrigues, director of Shanthi Kiran Pastoral Institute, Bajjodi, Fr Ashwin Lohith Cardoza, secretary of youth commission Karnataka region, Fr Praveen D'Souza, director of ICYM Mangalore diocese and secretary of youth commission Mangalore diocese, Winston Joel Sequeira, coordinator of youth commission of Mangalore diocese, Vijoy Ashwin Cardoza, president of ICYM Mangalore diocese, and Maria D'Silva, secretary of ICYM Mangalore diocese, were present on the dais.
Outgoing director Fr Ashwin Cardoza reflected on his memorable six-year journey with ICYM and expressed gratitude to the youth for their continuous support and cooperation throughout his tenure. He also extended his best wishes to Fr Praveen D’Souza for a fruitful and successful leadership.
Fr Santhosh Rodrigues, director of Shanthi Kiran Pastoral Institute, who also addressed the gathering, encouraged young people to remain actively involved in the mission and activities of the Church, and promised all support to the newly appointed director as well as the youth of the diocese. Vijoy Ashwin Cardoza, president of ICYM Mangalore diocese, delivered the vote of thanks.
Several priests, executive members of ICYM Mangalore diocese, presidents, secretaries, and youth leaders were present on the occasion to welcome the new director and pledge their support for the future initiatives of the movement.
The programme was compered by Ronald Chethan Amin, president of ICYM Kasargod deanery.