Media Release
Mangaluru, Oct 19: A spirit of joy, faith and togetherness marked AURIX 2026 – New Generation, New Spark, a youth gathering organised by YUVA AYOG in collaboration with YCS and ICYM Bondel at St Lawrence Church and Shrine, Bondel.
The event brought together around 80 young people for a day of prayer, learning, fellowship and fun, providing them with an opportunity to strengthen their faith, develop leadership skills and build lasting friendships.
The programme commenced at 8:30 am with a prayer song by Minola and team, followed by lively action songs and group activities led by Viola Lewis. The activities created an enthusiastic atmosphere and encouraged the youth to interact, participate and work together. Fr. Basil Vaz, parish priest and rector of Bondel, inaugurated the programme and delivered the presidential address. Anand delivered the welcome address.
The gathering was attended by Fr Lawrence Cutinha, assistant parish priest of Bondel and ICYM City deanery director; Fr Peter Gonsalves, principal of St Lawrence English Medium School; John D’Silva, vice president of the Parish Pastoral Council; and Alwyn Saldanha, secretary of the Parish Pastoral Council. Other dignitaries included Zeena Cornelio, ICYM animator; Santhosh Misquith and Steevan Noronha, YCS animators; Lereina Reemal Pashan, YUVA AYOG coordinator; Glanvia Jane Pinto, president of YCS; and Melissa Monteiro, president of ICYM.
A special prize was awarded to Jayston Dominic D’Souza for winning the competition to name the youth event. The inaugural programme concluded with the vote of thanks proposed by Glanvia Jane Pinto, President of YCS.
An engaging youth session was conducted by Fr Joyson SJ and Viola Lewis, featuring interactive activities that promoted teamwork, communication, leadership and mutual understanding. Holy Mass was celebrated at 12:15 p.m., offering the participants an opportunity to come together in prayer and renew their faith, followed by lunch.
The afternoon session, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., was filled with games and group activities led by Viola Lewis. The programme concluded with prize distribution, recognising the winners and celebrating the participants’ enthusiasm and involvement.
AURIX 2026 was more than a youth gathering; it was a celebration of faith, friendship and unity. The event reflected the commitment of YUVA AYOG, YCS and ICYM Bondel to nurturing young people in their spiritual growth, leadership and community involvement.
The gathering concluded on a joyful note, leaving the participants with cherished memories and renewed enthusiasm to contribute positively to parish life.