By Adolf Washington
Daijiworld Media Network - Bangalore
Bangalore, Dec 16: The Archdiocesan Youth commission under the aegis of ICYM (Indian Catholic Youth Movement) celebrated Christmas carols called Gloria at St Francis Xavier’s cathedral here recently.
Archbishop Bernard Moras addressing the large gathering of youth said “God has blessed you with talent, there are among you good singers, dancers, and experts in various fields. You have come together to celebrate Christ’s love by spreading the spirit of cheer among each other. Whatever you do, do it for the greater glory of God. In this spirit of cheer, reach out to those young people who are lost and lonely. Youth reaching out to Youth is a beautiful way of strengthening the pillars of the Church
Father Divya Paul, Youth Director led the gathering through prayer said "Youth are a force to reckon blessed with enormous talent and gifts. Gloria is to share the Christmas message of love and joy through our youth".
Father Paul honoured the Archbishop in the year of Priests as the Bishop symbolizes the head of the Priests and felicitated the donors and appreciated their gesture.
Father Amarnath Dinesh Roy, Joint Secretary to Youth commission in the Archdiocese in his welcome address said "Christmas is a time of Joy and celebration, this evening we shall celebrate Christmas with our youth. Father Amarnath also thanked the Archbishop for patronizing the youth and supporting all their endavours and appreciated the presence of priests as a sign of encouragement to the Youth.
The evening began with Christmas carols from the Holy Ghost church choir which set the tone for the evening. Later, the prize winners of various cultural events from different parishes across Bangalore performed dance and Biblical choreography. Noted Kannada Film Drummer Deva enthralled the audience by playing different instruments.
Archbishop Moras launched the new ICYM Bangalore website, icymbangalore.com and gave prizes and trophies to the Youth. ICYM had organized sports and cultural competitions to the youth called Reach-out. St Francis Xavier’s Cathedral won the overall championship, Infant Jesus Shrine won the cultural and Holy Family church, Rammurthynagar won the sports championship. The ICYM office bearers for the Archdiocese of Bangalore are Rolland-President, Vallerian-VicePresident, Alphonsa-Secretary, Joseph Joint-Secretary, Meera-treasurer, Stanly, Boy Representative, Sarah Preethi, Girl Representative, Deepak, Sports Secretary and Melisa, Cultural Secretary.