Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru
Mangaluru, Jul 6: The Indian Catholic Youth Movement (ICYM), Mangalore diocese, elected Christon Josua Menezes of Derebail as its new president for 2026–27 during its 79th annual general body meeting, held at Rosario Cathedral Hall on Sunday July 5.
The day began with the annual general body meeting, attended by members of the Diocesan Executive Committee, Central Council, and representatives from all deaneries and parish units.
The proceedings commenced with an opening prayer led by vice president Melroy Prem D'Souza, followed by a YOUCAT session conducted by lady vice president Ashintha Monteiro. Outgoing president Vijoy Ashwin Cardoza welcomed the gathering.
Secretary Maria D'Silva presented the minutes of the previous annual general body meeting, while Treasurer Supreeth Fernandes presented the annual financial report. Fr Praveen D'Souza addressed the gathering on diocesan initiatives, changes to the election procedure, and the programmes and activities of Yuva Seva Trust.
The meeting was followed by a solemn Eucharistic celebration with Fr Pradeep, assistant parish priest of Rosario Cathedral, as the main celebrant. Fr Ashwin Lohith Cardoza and Fr Praveen D'Souza were the concelebrants.
The election to the ICYM Mangalore Diocese Executive Committee for 2026–27 was conducted under the supervision of Fr Vijay Victor Lobo, election officer, and the Mangalore Diocesan Election Commission, with assistance from seminary brothers.
The elections witnessed contests for the posts of president, vice president and secretary. Avit Premson Lobo (Mogarnad) and Christon Josua Menezes (Derebail) contested for president, while Listan Gavin Pinto (Kulur) and Rayan Marshal Noronha (Paldane) contested for vice president. Renita Maria Cardoza (Nirkan) and Floyd Vincent Pinto (Neerude) were in the fray for the post of secretary.
The newly elected Executive Committee for 2026–27 comprises:
President: Christon Josua Menezes (Derebail)
Vice president: Rayan Marshal Noronha (Paldane)
Lady vice president: Josvita D'Souza (Gurpur) – unanimously elected
Secretary: Renita Maria Cardoza (Nirkan)
Joint secretary: Sonali D'Souza (Bendur) – unanimously elected
Treasurer: Bavil Robin Fernandes (Badyar) – unanimously elected
Social cause secretary: Prem Jeethan Pinto (Allipade) – unanimously elected
Public relations officer: Joylin Cordero (Sampige) – nominated member
The valedictory ceremony began with a welcome address by outgoing president Vijoy Ashwin Cardoza. The annual report for 2025–26 was presented by outgoing secretary Maria D'Silva. Former Diocesan Executive Committee members who had recently entered into matrimony were felicitated during the programme.
The occasion also honoured Msgr Maxim Noronha, vicar general; entrepreneur Denis D'Silva; former Central Council and Diocesan Executive Committee members; and Fr Praveen D'Souza, director of ICYM Mangalore diocese.
Addressing the gathering, Msgr Maxim Noronha congratulated the newly elected office-bearers and appreciated all the candidates who contested the elections. He encouraged the youth to work for the growth of the Konkani Catholic community through service within and beyond the church.
Chief guest Denis D'Silva spoke on strengthening ICYM as a recognised youth organisation and urged young people to remain connected to the church while contributing to society.
Fr Praveen D'Souza appreciated the dedication and commitment of the outgoing Executive Committee throughout the year and wished the newly elected team success in carrying out their responsibilities.
Outgoing president Vijoy Ashwin Cardoza thanked the youth, the Diocesan Executive Committee and the Central Council members for their support and cooperation during his tenure. Outgoing secretary Maria D'Silva reflected on her experience and expressed gratitude to the Executive Committee and council members for their support throughout the year.
The vote of thanks was proposed by Maria D'Silva.
The newly elected Executive Committee took the oath of office, administered by Fr Praveen D'Souza. This was followed by the official handing-over ceremony, during which the new office-bearers formally assumed their responsibilities. The ICYM Mangalore diocese's journey for 2026–27 was symbolically inaugurated with the lighting of the lamp.
In his address, newly elected president Christon Josua Menezes thanked the members for the confidence reposed in him and assured them of his commitment to serving the organisation during the coming year.
The programme concluded with the ICYM theme song. The valedictory ceremony was compered by Joel Lancy Crasta (Kollangana), former Diocesan Amcho Yuvak Representative, bringing the event to a close on a note of gratitude, commitment and renewed purpose for the year 2026–27.