Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru
Mangaluru, Jul 7: The Indian Catholic Youth Movement (ICYM) Mangalore diocese held its annual general body meeting at Rosario Cathedral Hall. Vijoy Ashwin Cardoza from Moodbidri was elected as the new president for the year 2025–26.
The day’s events commenced with the annual general body meeting, conducted by the diocesan executive committee, central council members, and all deanery and unit representatives.
The meeting began with a prayer by Dr Joyston D’Souza, joint secretary, followed by a blessing from the designated director, Fr Praveen D’Souza. The outgoing president, Winston Joel Sequeira, welcomed the gathering.
Ashlin Avita D’Souza, secretary, presented the previous year's general body meeting report, while Reena Anjali Crasta, treasurer, detailed the annual financials. The meeting concluded with a vote of thanks by Ashlin Avita D’Souza and the release of the Amcho Yuvak 2024–25 magazine by committee members.
Following this, a solemn Holy Eucharistic Celebration was held, led by the main celebrant Dr Ozmond Roshan D’Souza, assistant parish priest of Bendur, with co-celebrants Fr Ashwin Lohith Cardoza and Fr Praveen D’Souza.
Under the supervision of Fr Vijay Victor Lobo, election officer, and the Mangalore diocesan election commission, with assistance from seminary brothers, elections were conducted for the 2025–26 office bearers.
Contesting candidates:
• President: Ashton D’Souza (Neermarga), Christon Menezes (Derebail), Vijoy Ashwin Cardoza (Moodbidri)
• Secretary: Maria D’Silva (Surathkal), Noel Jude Santhumayor (Vamanjoor)
• Joint secretary: Reena Reshal Monteiro (Bajal), Floyd Vincent Pinto (Neerude)
• Treasurer: Shawn Saldanha (Kateel), Supreeth Fernandes (Arva)
• Social Cause Secretary: Anson Monteiro (Maril), Muriel Mascarenhas (Bendur)
The newly elected ICYM diocesan office bearers are:
• President: Vijoy Ashwin Cardoza (Moodbidri)
• General secretary: Maria D’Silva (Surathkal)
• Vice president: Melroy Prem D’Souza (Allipade)
• Lady vice president (unanimously elected): Ashinta Monteiro (Kasargod)
• Joint secretary: Floyd Vincent Pinto (Neerude)
• Treasurer: Supreeth Fernandes (Arva)
• Social cause secretary: Muriel Mascarenhas (Bendur)
Other committee members include:
• Regional vice president: Jaison D’Souza (Fajir)
• Regional representative (Female): Clarin Ashwitha D’Souza
• MIJARC Asia coordinator: Viola Reshma Lewis
• Immediate past president: Winston Joel Sequeira (Hospet)
The valedictory ceremony began with a prayer by council members, followed by the presentation of the annual report 2024–25 by Ashlin Avita D’Souza. former DEXCO members Jaison Crasta, Vishma D’Cunha, Brendan Cutinha, Carol D’Souza, Shiny D’Souza, and Arvin Moras, who were recently married, were felicitated. Dr Steevan Pinto, former president of ICYM Mangalore diocese from Permude, addressed the gathering on leadership and skill development.
The event also honoured Fr Vijay Victor Lobo for his 10 years of service as election commissioner, past central council and dexco members, Elvin Prashanth D’Cunha – editor of Amcho Yuvak, on behalf of the editorial committee, Avit Premson Lobo – Red Drop coordinator, on behalf of the Red Drop Committee, Fr Valerian D’Souza – parish priest, Rosario Cathedral, and Fr Ashwin Lohith Cardoza – for his contributions during 2021–22 and 2022–23 and continued service.
The new committee took the oath of office, followed by an address by Fr Ashwin Lohith Cardoza, who reflected on his six-year journey with ICYM.
The official handing-over ceremony was held, and the ICYM 2025–26 journey was symbolically inaugurated by lighting the lamp.
The event concluded with the ICYM theme song. The entire day’s programme was compered by Jaison Pereira (Shirthady), former diocesan and regional president, and was marked by unity, gratitude, and a spirit of renewal.