By Anson Nazareth

Karwar, Jun 2: The Karnataka Regional Youth Commission (KRYC) bid farewell to Fr Lourd Raj and officially welcomed Fr Ashwin Cardoza as the new regional youth director during the 29th KRYC Council held at the Bishop’s House, Karwar.

The official handover ceremony was presided over by the chairman of the KRCBC Youth Commission, Dr Henry D'Souza, along with the deputy chairman, Dr Duming Dias. The event was attended by diocesan youth directors, movement coordinators, and leaders from ICYM, YCS/YSM, and the KRYC Regional Team.

Fr Ashwin Cardoza, ordained in 2015, has been actively involved in youth ministry since 2018. He served as assistant ICYM director in the diocese of Mangalore and was appointed diocesan youth director in 2019. In 2020, he was officially designated as the youth director of the diocese of Mangalore. He now steps into the role of regional youth director for Karnataka.

Fr Lourd Raj, who served as regional youth director for six years, was honoured by the chairman bishop and youth leaders for his dedicated and inspiring service. A farewell programme was organized by the regional leaders and youth directors to express their gratitude and offer their best wishes as he takes up his new role as parish priest and diocesan youth director in the diocese of Bellary.

Young leaders shared heartfelt experiences of working with Fr Lourd, appreciating him not only as a director but also as a friend and brother. A special song dedicated to him was composed by Royston Dias, ICYM president of the Karwar Diocese.

The regional team extended a warm welcome to Fr Ashwin and assured him of their full support in his new mission. The regional youth commission expresses its deep gratitude to Fr Lourd Raj and offers prayerful best wishes to Fr Ashwin Cardoza in his new journey.