Pics: Tini, Pinky Studio
News: Fr Franklin D'Souza, YCS/YSM Chaplain, Karnataka
Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi (VD/SB)
New Delhi, Jun 18: The 14th International Young Christian Students (IYCS) World Council was inaugurated here on Thursday June 16. As many as 120 Young Christian Student (YCS) delegates from all over the world participated in the ten-day IYCS Global Formataion Session and 14th World Council with the theme 'Crisis and Conflicts in the World Students Offering Hope'.
The session began with the celebration of the Eucharist at the Sacred Heart Cathedral, here by Archbishop of Delhi Vincent Concessao. Archbishop of Bhopal and Catholic Bishops' Conference of India (CBCI) Youth Commission chairman Leo Cornelio, Bishop from Nigeria Hypolite Adigwie, IYCS International Chaplain Fr Paul Tiga zangre, YCS Asian Chaplain Fr James Molekunnel Chacho, National Chaplain YCS/Young Students Movement of India Fr Charles Menezes and CBCI secretary Fr ALwyn M J D’Souza were the main dignitaries among twenty other concelebrants.
In his homily, archbishop Concessao stressed on the crisis and conflicts in the world. He listed various problems faced by the people in the world. Connecting it to the Lord’s prayer, he said, “We have a merciful Father, who is loving and forgiving. We have to fight against all types of evils that are coming on the way. We have to be the creators of hope like Jesus, keeping in mind the values of the Gospel."
In commemoration of the 14th World Council, archbishop also planted a sapling at the cathedral premises along with the dignitaries and delegates.
The official inauguration took place at St Michael’s High School, Karol Bhag. President and deputy speaker of Lok Sabha Francis Sardinia was the chief guest of the inaugural session. IYCS general secretary Eduardo Koutsava and IYCS programme co-ordinator Locille Alcala were among the guests.
After the lighting of the lamp, YCS/YSM Indian president Joyce John and archbishop Leo Cornelio welcomed the dignitaries and delegates.
In his message, Sardinia stressed on the importance of right decision among the youth. Corruption has creeped into each and every aspect of our society, he said and added that it is our duty to fight against the evil. Living by the values taught by Jesus, thereby defeating evil with goodness and improving relations with love, he said.
Koutsava explained the role and importance of the council.
In his presidential address, archbishop said that “The see – judge -act methodology is very apt for today. Recognizing one’s brother is the need of the hour. Let us begin with hope and hope never fails,” he stressed.