Media Release
Udupi, Sep 22: The Catholic youth of the Diocese of Udupi gathered at St Lawrence Church Hall, Moodubelle, on Sunday, September 20, for Yuva Dabazo 2026, the diocesan youth convention organized by ICYM Udupi Diocese.
Held under the theme “Called to Love, Sent to Serve,” the convention brought together youth from across the diocese for a day of faith, fellowship, creativity, competitions and cultural celebrations.
The programme began with a Holy Mass celebrated by Bishop of Udupi Diocese Most Rev. Dr Leslie Clifford D'Souza. Rev. Fr George Thomas D'Souza, Parish Priest of St Lawrence Church, Moodubelle; Rev. Fr Steven Fernandes, Youth Director of the Diocese; and Rev. Fr Milton Fernandes concelebrated the Mass.
In his homily, Bishop Leslie encouraged the youth to recognize their role in the present life of the Church and the diocese, emphasizing their active participation in building the faith community.
Following the Mass, Bishop Leslie, along with V. Rev. Fr Stephen D'Souza, Chancellor of the Diocese of Udupi; Rev. Fr Steven Fernandes; and ICYM Udupi Diocese President Alson Mathias, hoisted the ICYM flag as the diocesan ICYM anthem was played. Bishop Leslie then formally inaugurated Yuva Dabazo 2026 by unveiling the convention title.
Addressing the youth, Bishop Leslie highlighted the message “Called to Love, Sent to Serve” and encouraged them to live with love and serve the Church and society responsibly.
Bishop Leslie was felicitated for his support and encouragement to the youth of the diocese. Rev. Fr George Thomas D'Souza was also honoured for extending the facilities and support required to host the convention at Moodubelle.
Five on-stage competitions — Spotlight, Eco Mosaic, The Faith Vault, Pitch Battle and Just a Minute — provided participants with opportunities to showcase their creativity, knowledge, communication skills and teamwork.
Two online competitions were also held ahead of the convention — Same Same but Different, a unit-level advertisement recreation challenge, and Film Rush, a diocesan-level short-film competition.
Short films representing the five deaneries were released on the Youth Commission Udupi Diocese YouTube channel on September 8.
The afternoon session featured a performance by First Gear Band, followed by Rhythm and Roots, a diocesan-level inter-deanery competition. Four deaneries presented a combination of live music, drama, dance, mime and human formations.
During the valedictory programme, presided over by Rev. Fr Stephen Rodrigues, Assistant Parish Priest of St Lawrence Church, Moodubelle, former Regional Treasurer and former Coordinator of the Youth Commission, Diocese of Udupi, Brayan Alphonso was the chief guest.
CA Pritesh Burton D'Sa, Vice President of the Parish Pastoral Council, St Lawrence Church, Moodubelle, and Administrator of St Lawrence English Medium School; Rev. Fr Steven Fernandes; Alson Mathias; Denson Mascarenhas, Vice President; Clinton Suares, Cultural Secretary; and Loy Winston Fernandes, ICYM Moodubelle President, were among those present.
The programme included recognition of representatives from all 50 ICYM units of the Diocese of Udupi for their contribution to the convention.
Brayan Alphonso, who was felicitated during the programme, encouraged the youth to develop an entrepreneurial mindset and aspire to become job creators. Deanery Directors were also honoured for their service to the youth movement.
The sponsors were felicitated by Youth Director Rev. Fr Steven Fernandes for their financial support.
In the unit-level competitions, ICYM Shirva secured first place in Eco Mosaic and Spotlight, while ICYM Udupi won Just a Minute, ICYM Hirgan won The Faith Vault and ICYM Udyavar won Pitch Battle.
ICYM Shirva Unit emerged as the overall champion, while ICYM Udupi Unit secured the runners-up position.
In the Film Rush short-film competition, ‘Hanv Pathki’ by ICYM Kallianpur Deanery secured the first prize and also recorded the highest number of YouTube views. ‘Sukoon Gelli Sheli’ by ICYM Karkala Deanery won the second prize.
Individual awards went to Dinal Castelino of Ajekar for Best Actor and Jenisha Menezes of Ajekar for Best Actress for Sukoon Gelli Sheli. Jeston Dias of Barkur won Best Screenwriter and Best Director for Hanv Pathki.
The other participating films — Gupith Saath by ICYM Udupi Deanery, Then I Will by ICYM Kundapur Deanery and Akreche Uthar by ICYM Shirva Deanery — were also recognized for their creative efforts.
In Rhythm and Roots, ICYM Kallianpur Deanery secured first place, followed by ICYM Udupi Deanery in second place and ICYM Kundapur Deanery in third place.
The First Gear Band returned to the stage after the award ceremony for a special performance, expressing gratitude to ICYM Udupi Diocese for its encouragement and support since the band's formation two years ago.
ICYM President Alson Mathias proposed the vote of thanks.
The convention concluded with a celebration of faith, talent and fellowship, with the participating youth encouraged to continue their active involvement in the Church and the ICYM movement.