Media Release
Beltangady, Sep 16: The YCS St James Deanery, Beltangady, in association with the YCS Beltangady Unit, organised the YCS deanery convention and stay camp – Enkindle 2K26 on September 13 and 14 at Holy Redeemer Church, Beltangady.
The two-day programme brought together YCS students of classes XI and XII from nearly 12 parishes across the deanery for an experience of faith, learning, fellowship and celebration.
The programme was organised under the guidance of Fr Anil Avild Lobo, deanery YCS director. Deanery animators Santhosh D'Souza and Daina D'Souza, along with student executives led by deanery president Rollen Sequeira and deanery secretary Deon D'Souza, played an active role. Beltangady animators James, Preetha and Sr Molly also extended their support.
The formal inauguration was held on September 13, with Fr Walter D'Mello, vicar forane and parish priest of Holy Redeemer Church, inaugurating the programme. He encouraged the students to learn, dream big and pursue their goals while remaining rooted in faith and values.
Fr Clifford, principal of Holy Redeemer English Medium School, unveiled the camp trophy and urged the students to make wise choices, focus on what is good and build their lives with values and integrity.
The inauguration was attended by Sr Jecintha Baretto, superior of Ursuline Convent, Beltangady; Walter Monis, vice president; Gilbert Pinto, secretary; and Thomas Pinto, coordinator of Belthangady PPC, among others.
The first day featured the YCS deanery convention coordinated by the diocesan YCS team. Action songs, games and interactive activities engaged the students, while Fr Anil Avild Lobo conducted a practical session on YCS methodology, including group activities and simulated cell meetings. The session helped students understand the YCS 'See, Judge and Act' approach.
Professional trainer and counsellor Clement Mascarenhas conducted a session on civil services and competitive examinations, encouraging students to explore opportunities in public service and contribute to the nation.
Holy Mass was celebrated by Fr Anil, with Fr Clifford delivering the homily. Later, Fr Rupesh Tauro, director of the Worldwide Papal Prayer Network in the diocese of Mangalore, conducted a session on marriage as a sacrament, highlighting the importance of love, commitment, faithfulness and responsibility in Christian marriage.
Water games and other recreational activities organised by the deanery animators provided opportunities for relaxation, teamwork and fellowship.
A significant spiritual moment of the Stay Camp was Eucharistic Adoration led by Fr Anil on the theme 'Surrender'. Students were invited to write privately on chits something they wished to surrender to Jesus, including a bad habit, fear, anxiety, personal struggle or difficult decision. The chits were placed in a box and symbolically offered to Jesus as Fr Anil prayed over the students.
The evening also featured the celebration of the Feast of the Nativity of Mother Mary, bringing together priests, YCS directors, religious sisters, animators, students, donors and benefactors from across the deanery. The novena prayer was led by Fr Anil, while Fr Paul Sebastian D’Souza proclaimed the reading and delivered the homily and reflection.
Fr Anil blessed the festal Novem, prepared using blessed Kanshyo rice brought from the parishes of the deanery. The tradition symbolised the unity and togetherness of the deanery, with its many parishes coming together as one family.
The celebration continued with games and prizes, followed by a traditional meal served on banana leaves, shared by priests, sisters, animators, students, donors and benefactors.
The stay camp continued late into the night with a campfire organised by Fr Larry Pinto, deanery ICYM director, along with the youth of ICYM Madanthyar. The campfire, symbolising light, transformation and new beginnings, was lit by the deanery council team together with the director. The secret chits offered during Adoration were also placed in the fire and burnt, symbolising the students' decision to let go of their struggles and begin afresh.
The second day began with Holy Mass, with Fr Clifford as the main celebrant, Fr Anil delivering the homily and Fr Rupesh Tauro concelebrating.
Jia Menezes conducted an interactive session on YOUCAT, the Youth Catechism of the Catholic Church, engaging students through group activities and discussions. This was followed by the YCS bible quiz conducted by Avinash and James Barboza, encouraging students to deepen their knowledge of YCS and Sacred Scripture.
An awareness session on drug and substance abuse was conducted by Lydia Lobo of Mangaluru. She highlighted the dangers of substance abuse and peer pressure and encouraged students to make responsible choices and have the courage to say no to drugs.
The programme concluded with the valedictory ceremony, during which Fr Anil thanked the priests, sisters, animators, student leaders, resource persons, volunteers, sponsors, donors and benefactors for their support.
Sponsors and benefactors were honoured, while members of the previous year's executive team and animators were recognised for their dedicated service to YCS.
The two-day YCS deanery convention and stay camp – Enkindle 2K26 concluded with a celebration of faith, unity, friendship and renewal, inspiring the young participants to grow in faith, make responsible choices and move forward with renewed hope and purpose.