Media Release
Mangaluru, Aug 7: The Karnataka Province of Apostolic Carmel organized a grand event, "Youth Fusion - Juvenium 2k23," for Catholic students from class X to PG, representing all AC Institutions of DK. The event took place on August 5 in the auditorium at Mother Mary Aloysia Centenary Block, St Agnes College (Autonomous) here.
The initiative for this mega event came to fruition during the Birth Bicentennial celebration of Venerable Mother Veronica, the Foundress of Apostolic Carmel, and was held in conjunction with the ongoing World Youth Day at Lisbon, Portugal.
The atmosphere in the St Agnes College auditorium was filled with excitement as the youth gathered for the event. The students of St Agnes P U College set the tone by entertaining the attendees with spirited action songs. Distinguished guests, including Sr Maria Shamita AC, Provincial Superior;Fr Anush D Cunha SJ, and Rosemary Thomas, the resource persons; Dr Sr Maria Roopa AC, the joint secretary of St Agnes Institutions; and Sr Melissa AC, the councillor for Formation and Youth, along with the heads of institutions, were warmly welcomed by the melodious tunes of the St Agnes CBSE School band.
Sr Reema D'Mello, the Master of Ceremonies, introduced the purpose of the gathering to the audience. A graceful dance performance by the dancers from St Agnes CBSE School invoked God's blessings upon the event. Sr Melissa extended a warm welcome to the dignitaries and the gathering. The inauguration of "Juvenium 2k23" was creatively carried out by the esteemed guests, along with two student representatives who illuminated the logo. The keynote address, urging the youth to become beacons of hope, was delivered by Sr. Maria Shamita AC, the Provincial Superior. A vote of thanks was proposed by Sr. Linet Maria AC.
The first resource person, Fr Anush D'Cunha SJ, was introduced to the audience by Sr Therese Teena AC. He emphasized the positive attitude of a committed Catholic person and the significance of witnessing Christ through family life, particularly in the context of the 'Year of Family' in Mangalore Diocese. This session was followed by refreshments, an entertaining dance performance by a group of students from Manipur studying at St Agnes PU College, and a few spot games conducted by Sr Janet Sequeira AC.
The second resource person, Rosemary Thomas from Hyderabad, was introduced by Sr Lenita AC. She initiated her session by discussing the significance of World Youth Day taking place in Lisbon, Portugal, and conveyed Pope Francis' message to the youth. Thomas further enlightened the audience about the various calls one can follow as a committed Catholic, with a particular emphasis on the call to priestly and religious life.
With its longstanding commitment to value-based education for over a century and a half, Apostolic Carmel's focus now lies in Youth Empowerment to foster a peaceful society. "Youth Fusion - Juvenium 2k23" achieved remarkable success in motivating young individuals through inspiring talks, action songs, and engaging interactions. The students expressed their heartfelt gratitude to the organizing team and the Province Commission for Youth for conceiving and executing this remarkable gathering. The event concluded on a joyous note as the youth danced with exuberance and shared a delicious meal, further strengthening their bond within the Apostolic Carmel family.