Report and pics from Fiola D’Souza Jerimeri
Daijiworld Media Network – Mumbai (RD)

Mumbai, Aug 30: 24th August was a great day for all the youths of Kurla Deanery as they joined together as one family to witness the youth day in the metro. The theme for the day was "youth of today, witnesses of Christ.’   

The youth day was begun with a procession from St Jude's church, Jerimeri to St Anthony's church, Sakinaka.  During the procession, the youths walked hand in hand along with cross carrying usher.  Throughout the procession, they held the prayers and singing hymns in decorum. This solemn motion set a good example to the people of other faiths who were watching them in the streets.

The Kurla Deanery comprises of twelve parishes, St Jude's - Jerimeri, St Antony's - Sakinaka, Holy Cross - Kamani, Our Lady Of Fatima - Vidyavihar, Infant Jesus - Panth Nagar, Holy Family - Pestom Sagar, Our Lady Of Vailankanni - Trombay, Our Lady Of Perpetual Succour - Chembur, St Joseph's - Kurla, St Antony’s - Mankhurd,  Christ the King - Shivaji Nagar and St Sebastian - Maroli.  Fr Sandeep Borges serves as the director of Kurla deanery youth, on whose efforts and guidance the Kurla deanery functions.

As the youths reached venue at St Antony’s church, Sakinaka, the youths of Sakinaka parish welcomed all of them including the priests and the guests with a chandan tikka on the forehead and pinning up the cross on each one of them in decorum. The atmosphere was absolutely full of excitement and the youths were waiting anxiously to see what was happening on the stage? Well, it all began with God's grace where the youths of Infant Jesus church, Panth Nagar led them to prayers and worshipping God with their professional rock bands (sponsored by Furtado family). Similarly, the youths of various parishes shouldered responsibilities of entertainment programmes. It was indeed awesome to see the youths participating in every event enthusiastically.

The presence of Fr John Baretto, president of Bombay diocese youth committee along with other office bearers added additional touches to the celebration. Fr Aldrin from OLPS, Fr Savio from Sakinaka and Fr Terrence from Our Lady of Fatima along with nuns also joined in the celebration and the youths were extremely delighted with their presence.

The couples Jaime and Lijia Da Fonseca gave their wonderful testimony as to how the Lord inspired them to proclaim the gospel when they worked with youths. Buddhists Ganesh and Bro Sameer who are now seminarians also shared their testimony how God touched their lives in surrendering to His will.

At the end of the celebration the youths had a dance session. As a token of love chocolates, pens, wrist bands and lantern (souvenir) which symbolizes the youth ‘light of the world’ was distributed to all the youths and guests. Thus, it served as a most joyful day, to cheer and celebrate for all youths of Kurla deanery. 

Jovila D'Souza and Shaun Harris (Kutti) compered the programme.