Media Release

Mangaluru, Sep 17: The Indian Catholic Youth Movement (ICYM), Mangaluru Diocese, organised a three-day residential village experiential camp, ‘Back 2 Roots’, at St Paul Church, Delanthabettu, from September 12 to 14.

The camp brought together 55 participants and focused on leadership, spirituality, environmental awareness, community interaction and experiential learning. ICYM Mangaluru diocese president Christon Menezes welcomed the participants, while ICYM diocese director Fr Praveen D'Souza explained the purpose of the camp and urged the youth to nurture leadership qualities guided by discipline, dedication and divinity.

Fr Richard D'Souza, director of St John Paul II Deanery and ICYM Delanthabettu Unit director, encouraged the participants to remain active and make the most of the learning opportunities throughout the camp.

The opening day featured ice-breaking and group activities, followed by a candlelight Rosary procession to the Grotto of Mother Mary.

The second day began with an inaugural programme attended by parishioners, followed by morning prayer and Sunday Holy Mass concelebrated by Fr Richard D'Souza, Fr Praveen D'Souza and Fr Paul Sequeira. Fr Peter Sequeira, founder of Delanthabettu Church, was felicitated for his service and contribution to the parish community.

An interactive session on environmental conservation, wildlife and snakes was conducted by environmentalist Xavier Kiran Pinto, popularly known as Snake Kiran Mangalore. The participants also attended a practical session on beekeeping conducted by Ashwin Sequeira of Borimar.

The youth later took part in a forest visit and trekking experience, with Fr Richard D'Souza leading a Rosary on the hilltop. The day concluded with a rain dance, dinner and a campfire featuring participants' experiences, learnings and cultural activities.

The final day began with meditation and Holy Mass celebrated amid the greenery of the mountains. As part of the experiential learning programme, participants visited homes in the village belonging to Christian and other faith communities. They interacted with families, learned about their agricultural lifestyles and traditional farming practices, and visited local rivers and agricultural sites.

The valedictory programme was attended by Fr Praveen D'Souza, parish council vice president Bona Vencher Francis D'Souza, secretary Veena D'Souza, ICYM Delanthabettu president Prema D'Souza, secretary Calvon D'Souza and Ayog Sanchalak Rajesh D'Souza. Christon Menezes presided over the programme.

Participants shared their feedback and described the camp as an enriching experience, particularly recalling the forest trek and mountain Mass as memorable moments. They also expressed gratitude to the Delanthabettu parish youth for their hospitality.

Fr Praveen D'Souza appreciated the participants for their discipline and active involvement and commended the parishioners and Delanthabettu youth for their teamwork. Tokens of gratitude were presented to guests, volunteers and cooks for their service.

ICYM Mangaluru diocese central council secretary Renita Cardoza proposed the vote of thanks. The three-day camp concluded with participants returning with cherished memories and a renewed spirit of leadership.