Pics: Joshwa D'Souza
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (JD)

Mangaluru, Dec 10: "The 10th National Youth Convention (NYC) will be held for the first time in Karnataka region at St Joseph Engineering College (SJEC), Vamanjoor here from January 18 to 22, 2017," informed Fr Ronald D'Souza, the director of ICYM Mangaluru diocese.

Addressing media persons in the city on Saturday December 10, he said, "The Indian Catholic Youth Movement (ICYM) of Mangaluru diocese is celebrating its 70th year of existence. During this joyful occasion we have got an opportunity to host the 10th National Youth Convention at St Joseph Engineering College."

The National Youth Convention is organised once in 3 years with the aim of uniting Catholic youth leaders, youth directors and animators from all over the 171 dioceses of India. The 10th NYC at Mangaluru will deliberate on the theme: 'Touched by Jesus; Walking His Way'. The NYC will mainly focus on concepts like youth empowerment, socio-political leadership, media advocacy, awareness to preserve environment and contribution to the national integrity through workshops, panel discussions, motivational talks, cultural exchange etc. About 3,500 youth of India will participate in this convention Fr Ronald said, adding that the convention will conclude with a peace march rally on January 22 in which about 10,000 youth are expected to take part.

"Prior to the convention, the youth will stay in families of host region dioceses, that is, dioceses of Karnataka region as part of cultural exchange programmes from January 14 to 17. This will help the youth of various dioceses of India to learn about our lifestyle, culture and history," he said.

ICYM Mangaluru diocese president Jackson Eric briefed about the NYC Cross. "The NYC Cross is a symbolic representation of Christ’s love for humanity and the NYC Cross journey started from the 3rd NYC, which was held at Ernakulam (Kerala) in 1995. It is an opportunity for the young people of the particular dioceses of the region to host NYC and spend time in prayer with it."

"In Karnataka region the 10th NYC Cross journey commenced in the archdiocese of Bengaluru on April 3 this year and thereafter continued through Mandya, Mysuru, Chikkamangaluru, Ballari, Kalaburagi, Belagavi, Karwar, Shivamogga, Bhadravati, Puttur, Beltangady and Udupi dioceses, travelling a distance of 2,000 km.

"On Sunday December 11, the NYC Cross will be received by Mangaluru diocese, the host of the 10th National Youth Convention, at 3 pm in Rosario Cathedral Church. The NYC Cross will be taken to all the 12 deaneries of Mangaluru and finally be brought to the NYC venue, that is, St Joseph Engineering College on January 18," Eric said.

PRO of ICYM Mangauru diocese council Joel Concesso, former diocese president Alwyn D'Souza and convener of NYC media committee and publicity partner Elias Fernandes and others were present.