Media Release

Mangaluru, Sep 22: The ICYM Episcopal City Deanery organized Illuminate 2K24 on September 22, at St Sebastian Centenary Auditorium, Bendur, starting at 8:30 AM. The event began with a prayer song led by the deanery executive members, setting a spiritual tone for the day.

Inaugural programme

The dignitaries present on the dais were:

• Fr Walter D’Souza – Parish priest of St Sebastian Church, Bendur, and president of the program
• Fr Ashwin Lohith Cardoza – Director of ICYM Central Council, Mangaluru Diocese
• Fr Lawrence Cutinha – Director of ICYM Episcopal City Deanery
• Vinod D’Souza and Patsy Britto – Vice president and secretary of Bendur Parish Pastoral Parishad
• Clarin D’Souza – ICYM diocesan regional representative and Episcopal City Deanery representative
• Suzannha Ferrao – President of ICYM Episcopal City Deanery
• Muriel Mascarenhas – Secretary of ICYM Episcopal City Deanery
• Sonali Rodrigues – Convenor of Illuminate 2K24 and vice president of ICYM Episcopal City Deanery

The event was officially inaugurated by lighting the lamp. Suzannha Ferrao welcomed the guests and the gathering, followed by Muriel Mascarenhas reading the annual report for 2023-2024. The outgoing executive members of 2023-2024 were felicitated for their service to the deanery, and the new executive members for 2024-2025 were introduced with badges and roses. A special felicitation was also held for Mishal Clerita Lobo, a former executive member, who recently got married.

Fr Walter D’Souza and Fr Ashwin Lohith Cardoza addressed the youth, encouraging their active participation and offering their best wishes for the event. The inaugural program concluded with a vote of thanks by Sonali Rodrigues.

The event was officially inaugurated by lighting the lamp. Suzannha Ferrao welcomed the guests and the gathering, followed by Muriel Mascarenhas reading the annual report for 2023-2024. The outgoing executive members of 2023-2024 were felicitated for their service to the deanery, and the new executive members for 2024-2025 were introduced with badges and roses. A special felicitation was also held for Mishal Clerita Lobo, a former executive member, who recently got married.

Fr Walter D’Souza and Fr Ashwin Lohith Cardoza addressed the youth, encouraging their active participation and offering their best wishes for the event. The inaugural program concluded with a vote of thanks by Sonali Rodrigues.

Sessions and activities

Following the formal inauguration, various engaging activities and ice-breaking sessions were conducted, energizing the youth. Several games were organized, fostering teamwork and interaction among the participants.

The first session of the day was conducted by Fr Arun Lobo, director of Shanthi Kiran Counseling Center and Friendship House De-addiction Centre, Talapady. He addressed the emotional challenges faced by youth, focusing on stress management. Fr Arun emphasized the importance of understanding stress, its consequences, and strategies to overcome it. The session was interactive, with the youth actively asking questions and clarifying doubts.

Fr Alwyn Richard D’Souza, director of the Family Life Service Center, conducted the second session on remote preparation for family life. He discussed the values essential for maintaining unity within families and the significance of preparing for a healthy family life. This session also saw an enthusiastic response from the audience, with many questions posed by the participants.

Special guests and flash mob

Fr Bonaventure Nazareth, vicar forane of Episcopal City Deanery and parish priest of Milagres Parish, visited during the event and extended his best wishes. The ICYM ECD executive members entertained the gathering with a lively flash mob, followed by more games and ice-breaking sessions, led by Jaison D’Souza (ICYM diocesan regional representative) and Lavisha D’Souza (former lady vice president, ICYM Central Council).

Eucharistic celebration

The day also included a Eucharistic celebration, with Fr Robin Santhumayor, assistant parish priest, as the main celebrant. The ECD executive members took responsibility for the liturgy and brought the offertory.

Talent show and valedictory

After lunch, the youth showcased their talents in a variety competition titled Sparkle on the theme Family that Prays Together, Stays Together. Units from various parishes in the deanery actively participated, presenting creative performances that highlighted family values.

The valedictory ceremony commenced at 4 PM, with dignitaries on the dais, including Fr Lawrence Cutinha, Renita and Alita (judges for Sparkle), Winston Sequeira (president, ICYM Central Council), Ashlin D’Souza (general secretary, ICYM Central Council), and other ICYM leaders. Prizes for the Melodies of Patriotism online singing competition, conducted on the occasion of Independence Day, were distributed.

The Sparkle variety competition winners were:

First Place: Bendur Parish
Runner-up: Kulur Parish

The trophy for the highest registration and participation in Illuminate 2K24 was awarded to Bendur Parish. The day ended with a group photo and a fun-filled baila session. A total of 120 youth participated in this enlightening and memorable event.