Pics: Edgar Cardoza
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (EC)

Udupi, Oct 19: Karnataka’s first ever state-level YCS/YSM convention, organized by the Karnataka Regional YCS Movement, began at St Mary’s English Medium School, Kannarpady here on the evening of Sunday October 18.

The three-day convention commenced with a mass with Dr Aloysius D’Souza, bishop, diocese of Mangaluru, being the main celebrant and 17 priests as concelebrants.

Delivering the homily, Msgr Baptist Menezes, vicar general, diocese of Udupi, asked the youth gathered to shine as light and be salt to the world just as Lord Jesus.

Bishop Aloysius asked the youth to be actual performers rather than a mere applauding crowd. "Today's system of education is misleading the youngsters as it asks them to be selfish. This is where YCS/YSM act as the guiding light," he said.

He asked the youth to make use of this convention and gather all knowledge possible which would be useful for them in their coming days. He also asked them to be more socially-oriented when they return home at the end of the convention.

Fr Fredrick Mascarenhas, correspondent, St Mary’s Institutions, Udupi hoisted the YCS/YSM flag, after which students led an inter-religious prayer.

Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, bishop, diocese of Udupi presided over and inaugurated the convention. In his address, he welcomed the gathering to the diocese of Udupi and lauded the organizers on hosting such an event in Udupi. "What you are today is because of God’s blessings. But what you are tomorrow will be your gift to God," he said, blessing everyone.

Msgr Baptist Menezes, diocese of Udupi, Fr Charles D’Souza, director, International Young Christian Students, France, Fr Deepak Thomas, KJ, director, National Youth Council, Delhi, Fr Fred Mascarenhas, vicar var, Udupi deanery and correspondent, St Mary’s Institutions, Udupi, Sr Leena Tauro, Mangaluru, Sr Trasilda, president, CRI, diocese of Udupi, Veronica Cornelio, president, KSDL, Karnataka and Hazel D’Souza, president, regional YCS council along with other elected YCS/YSM representatives were present on the dais.

Fr Charles was honoured for being elected as the director, International Young Christian Students, France. Acknowledging the honour, he said the theme of the convention 'Students education in the modern era' was planned three years back. "We see youngsters giving up soon these days; we must try to change this mentality. This is what we try to do in our movement. We must build a new society. For this, we need to change ourselves, only then can we change the society. Thus it serves our methodology 'see, judge and act'." He also said the purpose of the rally that is to be held on the valedictory day is to create awareness on students' rights. "The whole of the next day we are going to hold discussions on them (rights)," he added.

Veronica Cornelio congratulated the organizers and said it was a rare opportunity for Udupi to host such a programme. "Today’s youth lack values in their life. There is also a vast difference in inculcating values when compared to our ancestors. This is because of rapid modernization. I wish that this programme becomes a sources of guidance to the gathered youth in overcoming this problem," she said.

Hazel Martis, president, regional YCS council, welcomed the dignitaries and the gathering while Pearl Lopez, secretary, regional YCS council proposed the vote of thanks. Elson D’Souza, Lavita D’Souza and Rencita D’Souza of Udupi and Melroy D’Souza of Mangaluru compered the entire programme.