Fr Anil Ivan Fernandes
Mangaluru, Nov 8: Marking a monumental milestone in the 'Year of Children 2026,' the diocese of Mangalore successfully hosted its largest-ever children's convention, "NINAAD – Burgyalem Festh 2K26," on Sunday at the St Joseph Engineering College (SJEC) campus in Vamanjoor.
Shattering previous attendance estimates, the mega festival witnessed a spectacular and historic gathering of 6,500 children from 125 parishes across the diocese, uniting them in a profound celebration of faith, fellowship, and formation.
This historic event was jointly organised by the Diocesan Pastoral Commissions, including Family Life, Basic Ecclesial Communities, Youth (ICYM & YCS), Education, Bible Commission, Catechetics, Missionary Childhood, Social Communication, Vocation & Formation, and Proclamation & Evangelisation.
A record-breaking Eucharistic formation
The crowning highlight of the day-long convention was a remarkable, record-breaking human formation. Gathering on the massive SJEC open turf, 6,500 children perfectly synchronised to form a gigantic, living depiction of a Eucharistic Host, Chalice, and Cross. This awe-inspiring live demonstration vividly communicated the message that our younger generation is continually nourished and protected by the Eucharist, and deeply inspired by the Cross.
Captured via an aerial drone, the vibrant formation served as a powerful visual testament that our children are securely anchored to lead and firmly rooted in Christ.
Bishop’s pastoral message
Presiding over the massive gathering, Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, bishop of Mangalore, warmly welcomed the gathered children and then delivered a stirring pastoral message echoing the convention's official motto, "Our Children, Fruits of God's Kingdom".
Addressing the sea of young believers, the bishop proclaimed:
"You are the greatest treasure of our diocese and the true fruits of God's Kingdom. As you form the shape of the Eucharist and the Cross today, remember that your lives are continually nourished by His body and protected by His ultimate sacrifice. Stay deeply rooted in Christ, draw your strength from the Eucharist, and you will grow to be the light of the world, leading with love, courage, and unwavering faith. Children of the kingdom of God shall have no fear of anything. You are our family, and protecting you is the responsibility of all of us."
Advocating for human dignity and child protection
Staying true to the convention's pledge that "Children Safety is Our Priority", the event featured a highly impactful awareness session led by Fr Francis Assisi Almeida, Karnataka Regional secretary of the Education Commission and Syndicate Member of the Bangalore City University.
Fr Almeida provided vital insights into child protection, emphasizing the fundamental importance of human dignity. He equipped the children, along with the approximately 1,000 parish animators and volunteers from Vamanjoor parish, ICYM & YCS, and other parishes present, with practical legal advice on identifying, preventing, and combatting any form of harassment, ensuring that both the Church and society remain safe, nurturing environments for the young.
Inspirational testimonies: Growing in family, faith, responsibility, and resilience
A deeply moving segment of the convention was the faith-sharing session, expertly moderated by Manoj Fernandes. Centred on the theme of "Growing in Family, Faith, Responsibility, and Resilience," the session featured powerful testimonies from a diverse panel of resource persons:
• Michael D'Souza: The philanthropic visionary from Puttur, currently based in Mangaluru and Dubai, inspired the youth by sharing how his early childhood struggles gave him the challenge and drive to grow higher. Imparting valuable advice to the youth, he urged them, "Not to forget your parents, the mother language and the motherland, and live your childhood with responsibility to await a better future."
• Clement Pinto & Reshma Mary Rebello: Both teachers at St Philomena Aided High School and parents of five from Puttur, the couple spoke passionately about the importance of guiding children to grow with a deep sense of responsibility.
• Vijay & Lavina Shanthi D'Souza: Hailing from Bantwal and also parents of five, the entrepreneur and nursing officer highlighted the irreplaceable value of giving quality time to family.
• Esther Grace Fernandes: A PUC student at St Aloysius College from Bendur, Esther gave a heartfelt testimony on how her family played a foundational role in her personal growth and faith journey.
• Anson Clement Nazareth: The National Convenor of YCS/YSM India from Shirva shared his personal experience on how active involvement in Church activities helped shape his leadership and character.
A day of spiritual and cultural vibrancy
The day commenced with a majestic mega procession featuring 125 children beautifully dressed as the patron saints of their respective parishes. This was accompanied by magnificent tableaux presented by the 12 deaneries, depicting the 'History of Salvation' from Creation to Pentecost.
The spiritual atmosphere was further elevated during the solemn Thanksgiving Eucharistic Celebration, a special children's Mass celebrated by the bishop, where Msgr Maxim Noronha, vicar general and Dr Victor George Dsouza, chancellor, Fr Lawrence Mascarenhas, parish priest, Vamanjoor and many priests and religious joined in the celebration.
The liturgy was beautifully supported by a 100-voice children's choir. Adding to the cultural richness, a captivating prayer dance composed by Fr Abel Lobo was performed by children from different parishes.
Later in the day, the official Ninaad theme song, composed by Fr Ronald D'Souza and sung by children, was presented through a lively musical animation by the ICYM youngsters.
Vote of thanks
The overall programme was expertly compered by masters Prisha Menezes and Prinston Rodrigues, both from Vamanjoor. The landmark event concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks proposed by Fr Alwyn Richard D'Souza, convenor of Ninaad 2K26. He expressed profound gratitude to these diocesan leadership, the dedicated animators, medical teams, and safety personnel who ensured the seamless and secure execution of the massive gathering.
For those who missed the historic event, the full broadcast of Ninaad 2K26 is available to watch via the official diocese of Mangalore YouTube live stream: