Media Release
Udupi, Dec 4: Blast, a residential event was organised by ICYM Udupi diocese central council with a motive to prepare the year plan for the Year of Youth 2019 declared by the bishop of Udupi diocese.
The event commenced on November 30 at St Joseph Church, Belman with around 55 delegates of ICYM(Indian Catholic Youth Movement) and YCS(Young Catholic Students) from various units of Udupi diocese.
The vicar general of the diocese of Udupi Msgr Baptist Menezes inaugurated the programme. In his message, he shared his life experiences with the youth and also mentioned ways in which the youth should think for a better future.
The first day ended with a taize prayer session, group dynamics by Fr Kiran Nazareth and a briefing by the director of the youth commission Fr Edwin D'Souza.
The arrival of the ICYM national president Percival Holt on the Day 2 was the limelight of the event. The day 2 comprised of various sessions and group discussions.
Percival Holt shared his thoughts and experiences with ICYM and YCS Leaders of Udupi diocese and helped them draft action plan for the ‘Year of Youth 2019’ based on Synod outcome. He also took a session on key matters and recommendations from the Synod, pertaining to the youth of South India.
Fr Anil D’sa, national YCS coordinator and Sr Lidwin Fernandes, ICYM national lady animator and Norbert Lobo were the resource persons for various sessions on that day. The delegates had a good trekking experience to a hill nearby to Belman that evening. Fr Reginald Pinto address the youth at the site visit.
The final day was focused on preparing the roadmap for the Youth Year 2019. A couple of meetings and presentations by the Youth were held. The diocese animator for ICYM, Lesley Aroza and YCS, Melwyn Castelino were present during the meeting.
Thereafter the event concluded at the Bishop's House Udupi. Dion D'Souza, president of ICYM Udupi diocese welcomed the gathering. The ‘Blast’ programme coordinator and Youth advisor, former president of ICYM diocese of Udupi Derick Mascarenhas presented the report to the bishop. The bishop addressed the Youth in his valedictory message and also viewed the architectural plan of the pastoral centre to be constructed. The youth visited the construction site and also had a trip to the beach and the Stella Maris Church.