Report: Meena Serrao Barboza, Photography : Godwin, Alrick Dsilva
Mangaluru, Sep 1: The Indian Catholic Youth Movement-ICYM in association with the Young Catholic Students-YCS, Bondel, organized Yuva Sangam 2K25 on Sunday, August 31, at St Lawrence English Medium School Auditorium. The event commenced with the 7 am Holy Mass, celebrated by Fr Ronson Pinto as the main celebrant, and concelebrated by Fr Lawrence Cutinha and Fr Peter Gonsalves. The liturgy and offertory were meaningfully led by the ICYM and YCS members.
The formal programme began at 9 am with the lighting of the lamp. Anson Rego, president of ICYM, delivered the welcome address.
Dignitaries present on the dais included: Fr Andrew Leo D’Souza, parish priest, Fr Ronson Pinto, guest priest, Hemacharya (Stephen Mascarenhas), resource person and Konkani writer, Dr Roshan Fernandes, professor and head, Department of Cyber Security at NMAM Institute of Technology, John D'Silva, vice president,PPC; Santhosh Misquith, PPC secretary & YCS animator, Anson Rego, ICYM president, Rakshith, YCS president, Zeena Cornelio, ICYM animator, Fr Peter Gonsalves, YCS director, Fr Lawrence Cutinha, ICYM director.
Each dignitary was warmly welcomed with a rose, and the resource persons were honoured with a shawl, rose, and memento as a token of love and gratitude. Ms Liza Pinto, ICYM Lady vice president, introduced the resource persons.
Hemacharya (Stephen Fernandes) delivered an impactful session on drug awareness for youth, stressing the dangers of substance abuse and motivating the participants to choose a healthy, value-based lifestyle.
Dr Roshan Fernandes presented a thought-provoking talk on Social Media and Cyber Crimes, providing practical tips on safe digital practices, responsible online behavior, and encouraging the youth to be responsible citizens of India and faithful followers of Christ.
Fr Ronson Pinto, in his address, reflected on Youth and their Role in the Church and Society. He inspired the young people to responsibly use their talents, grow in faith, and be instruments of positive change.
Fr Andrew Leo D’Souza, the parish priest, urged the youth to be actively involved in the mission of the Church, to wisely utilize their time in parish activities, and to find true joy in service and faith rather than excessive use of social media.
The programme was compered by Alvern Menezes, YCS. A lively dance performance by ICYM and YCS members added color and joy to the event, followed by fun-filled games conducted by Zeena Cornelio, ICYM animator. Rakshith, YCS president proposed a vote of thanks.
The event concluded with a thanksgiving hymn, after which lunch was served to all the participants and guests, bringing the day to a warm and joyous close.