Media Release
Shivamogga, Dec 23: The Shimoga Diocese Youth DEXCO Elections for the 2026 term were successfully conducted on November 22 and 23, at Sannidhi, Shivamogga. These pivotal elections established the new leadership for both the Indian Catholic Youth Movement (ICYM) and the Young Catholic Students/Young Students Movement (YCS/YSM), in addition to nominating members for other youth movements, thereby influencing the trajectory of youth leadership within the Diocese.
ICYM office-bearers 2026:
The elections for ICYM were overseen by Supriya Verghees, National ICYM secretary, and Fr Franklin D'Souza, who ensured a smooth and transparent election process. The newly elected ICYM leadership for 2025 is as follows:
Director: Fr Franklin D’Souza
Animator: Sr Ophilia
1. President: Lenny D'Sa, Our Lady of Perpetual Succour Church, Malur
2. Vice President: Victor, Mary Immaculate Church, Newtown Bhadravati
3. Secretary: Nikitha Sofia, Infant Jesus Church, Sharavathinagara
4. Joint Secretary: Sheethal Britto, Good Shepherd Church, Gopala
4. Treasurer: Samuel Fernandes, Christ the King Church, Jogfalls
5. Liturgy Secretary: Beena, Infant Jesus Church, Sharavatinagara
6. Boy Representative: Suhas Martin, Sacred Heart Cathedral, Shivamogga
7. Girl Representative: Susanna, Sacred Heart Cathedral, Shivamogga
8. Media Secretary: Vivian, St. Francis Xavier's Church, Channagiri
These newly elected leaders are poised to propel the ICYM movement forward, injecting renewed vigor, strategic foresight, and unwavering commitment to the service of the Diocese's youth.
YCS/YSM office bearers 2026:
The YCS/YSM elections were conducted under the leadership of Jesvita D'Souza, regional president. Her expertise ensured the election process was fair and efficient. The newly elected leaders for YCS/YSM 2026 are:
Director: Fr Franklin D’Souza
Animator: Sr Veronica Santhumayor
1. President: Rexin Pinto, Christ the King Church, Jogfalls
2. Vice President: Josephin Saldhna, Infant Jesus Church, Sharavatinagara.
3. Secretary: Abhilesh, Infant JesusChurch, Sharavatinagara.
4. Boy Representative: Melvin Immanuel D'Cunha, Sacred Heart Cathedral, Shivamogga
6. Media Secretary: Melvin Rebello, Sacred Heart Cathedral, Shivamogga
These newly elected leaders contribute fresh enthusiasm, creativity, and commitment to strengthen the YCS/YSM movement and inspire the youth of the Diocese to grow spiritually and socially.
Youth Commission Diocese of Shimoga
1. Director: Fr Franklin D’Souza
2. ICYM President: Lenny D'Sa
3. YCS/YSM President: Rexin Pinto
4. YU4C: Murphy
5. AICUF: Jesvita D'Souza and Melvin D'Cunha
6. Mijarc: Anthony Vijay
7. PMI: Stephen Lobo, Supriya Varghese and Jesvita D'Souza
8. You Cat: Sannidhi
9. Communio: Stephen Lobo and Lenny D'Sa
10. ABIDE: Gagan Raj
The newly elected leadership of ICYM and YCS/YSM is poised to play a pivotal role in nurturing the spiritual and developmental progress of the youth within the Shimoga Diocese. Their leadership is anticipated to make substantial contributions to the efficacy and progression of the diocesan youth movement. We offer our commendations and extend our best wishes for a successful tenure.