Media Release

Shivamogga, Aug 5: National Youth Sunday was celebrated with great enthusiasm on August 3rd, at Immaculate Church, Newtown, Bhadravati, diocese of Shimoga.

Diocesan youth director Fr Franklin D'Souza offered Holy Eucharist together with Fr Lancy Barthalomeo D'Souza, parish priest of Mary Immaculate Church, Newtown, Bhadravati. Youth president Anthony Vijay, carried the Karnataka Regional Youth Convention Cross together with the youth leaders in the procession.

Fr Franklin D'Souza in his homily explained all three readings with the Psalm of the 18th Sunday in ordinary time. He said, "Our priority should be to love God and Savior Jesus Christ. Our life is a precious gift from God. We should not misuse our God-given life. Love, kindness, and generosity should be inculcated in everyone."

Being the first Sunday of the month, at the end of Mass, Fr Franklin D'Souza prepared the faithful for confessions. All the children, youth, and elders did their confessions.

After breakfast, the official celebration of Youth Sunday was organized at the Church Hall. Victor compered the stage programme. Main guests were; Fr Lancy D'Souza, parish priest; Fr Franklin D'Souza, diocesan youth director; Sr Stella, youth animator; Wilson, secretary of parish council; Supriya Varghese, ICYM general secretary from New Delhi; Susanna, Carmel deanery youth president; Sannidhi, youth president from Sacred Heart Cathedral, Shivamogga; Lenny D'Sa, secretary of ICYM Shimoga diocese and Beena Farias, ICYM diocesan Liturgy in charge.

Vijay Antony, ICYM president of the Mary Immaculate Church, Newtown, Bhadravati officially welcomed the dignitaries. Then the dignitaries inaugurated the youth Sunday by lighting the lamp.

Fr Franklin D'Souza, Fr Lancy D'Souza, Supriya Varghese and Wilson spoke on the importance of Youth and their movement. Fr Franklin D'Souza spoke on how youth can take challenges of life positively. He cited the example of Remona Evette Pereira, who, by performing Bharatanatyam, an Indian Classical dance, for 170 hours with only 15 minutes break every 3 hours. Thus, she entered the Golden Book of World Records.

Supriya Varghese gave a motivational address to the youngsters. There were cultural performances by YCS students. Sannidhi, being the resource person, motivated the youth.

The programme provided a platform for the youth to come together, share their experiences, and strengthen their bonds. It was a celebration of their faith, energy, and commitment to making a positive impact in their communities.