Pics: Rohan Pereira, Vamanjoor
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (GA)

Mangalore, Jul 14: The Annual General Body meeting and the training programme for the new unit office-bearers of Young Christian Students (YCS) was held at Shanthikiran Bajjodi, Mangalore on July 12.

Fr Francis Rodrigues, the editor of Raknno Weekly inaugurated the programme by lighting the lamp. In his inaugural address, he wished well and appreciated the young YCS leaders. He gave a call to transform the modern society by changing ones attitude. Encouraging young leaders, he asked them to work hard for YCS units and bloom their leadership qualities.

Diocesan president Darel D’Souza, Vamanjoor welcomed the gathering. Diocesan secretary Kavitha Pinto Shakthinagar, compered the programme. Diocesan YCS/YSM director Fr Ronald Prakash D’Souza proposed the vote of thanks.

Soon after the inaugural programme, Arun Fernandes Siddakatte, Francis D’Cunha Mulky, Rohan Pereira, Vamanjoor conducted the leadership training programme for the unit office-bearers on their roles and responsibilities at the unit-level. Young students were enthusiastic to clarify their roles and duties in their respective units.

This year Mangalore diocese is celebrating Diocesan Convention of the Faithful. On this occasion YCS has taken the issues on peace, harmony and sustainable environmental concerns to create awareness in the minds of the YCS members. It has released prayer for peace, to be prayed in all over Mangalore diocese during the YCS meetings. The Director briefed about the annual diocesan programmes and encouraged the participants to take up leadership at the unit, varado (deanery) and diocesan level.

Thereafter the Eucharistic celebration was celebrated by YCS/YSM director Fr Ronald. P D’Souza, In the Homily he inspired and motivated the young leaders to take up the mission of Christ.

In the afternoon, there was the election for new central council members for the year 2009-2010. Ronald D’Silva, the representative animator of YCS for Mangalore diocese Pastoral Council was the chief election commissioner for the election. The following members were elected as the new Central council.

Central Council 2009-2010:

President   :Jeevan Lobo, Bondel
Vice-president  :Viyon Robin Veigas, Vittal
Lady Vice-president :Lavita Vaz, Ferar
Secretary   :Sharal Barboza, Shaktinagar
Joint Secretary  : Prakash D’souza, Kelarai
Treasurer   : Ivan D’Souza, Sullia
Reporter   : Priyanka D’Souza, Bela
R T S   : Kevin Vas, Kulshekar & Jovita D’Souza, Ashoknagar
D T S   : Fiona Rodrigues, Moodbidri - Alangar
Yuvatare Rep  : Rosline Lasrado, Neermarga
National Exco  : Mural Crasta, Shaktinagar
Regional President  : Darel D’souza, Vamanjoor

The valedictory and handing over ceremony of the office-bearers was held at 3 pm. Fr Vincent Monteiro, director of Pastoral institute, former Asian YCS director, coordinator of diocesan convention of faithful presided over the function. Mural Crasta, diocesan representative to Karnataka region and National Exco of YCS India, who represented the programme of Asian Session and Council (ASC), shared her experience of the visit to Malaysia (Kuching).

The outgoing central council handed over the charge to the newly-elected council by handing over lighted candle to symbolize the transfer of power. Darel D’Souza, the out-going president expressed his gratitude towards YCS/YSM for the opportunity that he got in YCS programmes, which helped him to grow in his capacities and talents. He thanked everybody for the cooperation and support from his team members and also from the units. The director Fr Ronald D’Souza felicitated all the council members for their selfless service and leadership. Fr Vincent Monteiro honoured the leaders. The new president Jeevan D’Souza expressed his sentiments of gratitude for electing him president of the diocese. Fr Vincent Monteiro in his presidential address thanked the outgoing office-bearers and wished well for the newly-elected council. “YCS is the stage for the students to bloom their talents and discover ones hidden potentials. YCS can show the way to lead a good life through its methodology “see-judge-act” and thus by changing ones attitude, build a new society” he said.

Kavitha Pinto, secretary, presented the annual report, Fr Ronald thanked everybody for the success of the programme and Ashwin D’Souza, Manela compeered the programme.