Report and pics by Fr Victor Vijay Lobo
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (SP)

Mangalore, Jul 15: The annual general body meeting and a training programme for the new office-bearers of Young Christian Students (YCS) was held at Shanthi Kiran, Bajjodi, Mangalore on Sunday July 13.

The programme started with the Holy Eucharist.  Fr Victor Vijay Lobo, director, canara Communication Centre, celebrated over the eucharist and inaugurated the programme by lighting a lamp.  Soon after the Eucharist, Francis D'Cunha Mulki and Arun Fernades, Siddakatte conducted the training programme for the YCS unit office-bearers on their roles and leadership responsibilities in the unit.  Fr Ronald D'Souza, director YCS/YSM, briefed about the Annual diocesan programmes and encouraged the participants to take up leadership at the unit, varado and diocesan levels.

In the afternoon, election of the new office-bearers for the Central Council of Mangalore Region was conducted.  Ronald D'Silva Kulshekar conducted the proceedings. A new central council was elected for the year 2008-2009.  The following members were elected to the central council for the year 2008-2009.

President - Darel Jeevan D'Souza, Vamanjoor, Vice-president - Nishit L. Lobo, Ferar, Vice-president (L) - Sharol Coelho, Permannur. Secretary - Kavitha Pinto, Shakthi Nagar, Treasurer - Vikas Naveen Barboza, Nirkan, Reporter - Herald Pinto, Katipalla.

Yuvatare Representatives: 1. Wilson Lasrado Vittal 2. Sandesh Lobo Gurpur 3. Savitha D'Souza Kinnigoli  4. Jeevan Santhumayor   Neerude 5. Calton Pais Niddodi.

R.T.S: 1. Kevin Nelson Vas Kulsher  2. Murel Crasta Shaktinagar

D.T.S: 1. Ashwin D'Souza Manela 2. Calvin D'Souza Vorkady.

The valedictoryu cum handing-over ceremony of the office-bearers was held in the evening.  Msgr Denis Moras Prabhu, Vicar General of Mangalore diocese presided over the function. Francis D'Cunha was the chief guest.

Francis D'Cunha, 'Sandesha Best Teacher' awardee, was felicitated by Msgr Denis Moras Prabhu on the occasion.  Francis D'Cunha thanked the movement (YCS/YSM) for supporting his all-round growth.

The outgoing central council handed over the charge to the newly-elected council, by handing over lighted candles to symbolize transfer of powers.

Msgr Denis Moras Prabhu, who presided over the concluding programme, thanked the outgoing office-bearers and wished well for the newly-elected council.  He urged the youth to join other service organizations once they complete YCS and continue to serve the society by assuming leadership.

Fr Ronald Prakash D'Souza, Director YCS/YSM Mangalore Diocese, Anoop Loyd Lobo, former president, Benedicta, former secretary and all the old and new central council members were present on the dais.

Anoop Lobo, former YCS president welcomed the gathering. Benedicta D’Souza, secretary presented the report of the activities of 2007-2008.  Newly-elected president Darel D'Souza Vamanjoor expressed his views and thanked the gathering.

Fr Ronald Prakash D'Souza proposed vote of thanks. Cassendra Rosario, Vamanjoor compered the programme.  The programme ended with the singing of YCS anthem.