Media Release

Mangaluru, Jul 7: Bishop Dr Peter Paul Saldanha released a new handbook for YCS (Young Catholic Students) in the diocese, here. The short release ceremony took place at Bishop's House at 3.00 pm on Tuesday July 6. The vicar general Msgr Maxim Noronha graced the event with his esteemed presence.

The Konkani book 'Ami Bhavadthi' meaning 'We the Faithfull' is a textbook for Sunday YCS meetings all over the diocese. The previous handbook was old to be used. The new book is authored by Francis D'Cunha Mulki with the help of a working committee and also a scrutiny committee of 10 members each. It is published by YCS/YSM Mangaluru. The detailed work took almost a year to complete. The book consists of the constitution of YCS/YSM and 16 practical lessons through which faith, conscience, values, social awareness and patriotism is formed in teenagers. The English translation of the same is in progress.

The diocesan director Rupesh Madtha, committee member Richard Alvares Kulshekar, diocesan president Suraj Noronha Siddakatte, general secretary Carol Santhumayor Bejai, diocesan animator Prajwal Sequeira Derebail, diocesan coordinator Mervin Vas Ferar were present.

The YCS members gather mainly on Sundays in their respective parishes guided by animators and parish priests. YCS Mangaluru has 120 units in the 12 deaneries along with 45 YSM units in the diocese totalling 165 units consisting of around 3,500 teenagers guided by 200 animators. This is a part of the international YCS movement which also has a membership in UNESCO. Due to Covid-19, the YCS/YSM activities were held up for a year and now they are taking a shape of enthusiastic comeback online and offline as the lockdown is lifted gradually.