Bellary: Seventh ICYM Youth Convention Gets Grand Beginning
Report and Pics: Nelson
Daijiworld Media Network – Bellary (SP)
Bellary, Aug 7: A grand procession that was taken from Prathibhalaya Hall in the town to St Anthony’s Hall at 9 am on Friday August 6 marked the beginning of the seventh youth convention of Indian Catholic Youth Movement (ICYM). The procession was led by Bangalore Archbishop, Bernard Moras, Bellary Bishop Henry D’Souza, Belgaum Bishop Peter Machado, Karwar Bishop Derek Fernandes, ICYM regional youth director, Fr Franklin D’Souza, youth director – Bellary, Fr Marie Joseph and regional youth lady animator, Sr Margaret, as Robin Odampally, members of REXCO, youth directors hailing from various dioceses and youth delegates marched in a colourful procession with flags in their hands.
Archbishop Bernard Moras hoisted the flag at the venue of the convention, St Anthony’s Hall. To mark the beginning of the event, all the Bishops, along with Fr Franklin, Fr Marie Joseph and Sr Margaret, released the doves into the air, symbolizing peace and harmony. Archbishop Bernard Moras was the main celebrant at the inaugural Eucharist held in the hall thereafter. In his homily, Bishop Henry advised the youth to carry on with conviction and achieve something in their lives.
In his keynote address, Fr Ronald Cardoza called upon the youth to transform themselves into agents of transformation, not only within themselves, but also for the society as a whole. He urged them to take up more active role in the society, where they have various challenges. “We should be youth of peace, and live the values of Christ, who is our life. You should also be the people of service, and should always have immense faith within yourselves that you can and will be able to achieve your goals,” he said.
In response thereof, Merlyn Menezes, noted that Catholics are motivated by the life of Christ, and led by the ideals of love and service. “We have before us, lot of opportunities in the church and the society, and we should respond to them with a positive frame of mind. Our slogan should be, ‘I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me’. You should pose the question, ‘if not me, who else? If not now, when?’ Life is a challenge, and we should accept it,” she added.
The formal inaugural was held at 12 pm. Archbishop Bernard Moras presided over the function. Beshops Peter Machado and Derek Fernandes, local MLA and KMF president, Somashekhar Reddy, Bellary mayor, Noorjan Allabakshi, PRO and KRPPC secretary, Fr Faustne Lobo, participated as chief guests. Regional youth lady animator, Sr Margaret, national YCS/YSM chaplain, Fr Charles Menezes, and regional executive members were also present at the dais.
The programme began with the rendering of the prayer, followed by the welcome dance. Bellary youth director, Fr Marie Joseph, welcomed the dignitaries and delegates.Fr Franklin highlighted the importance of the day and the purpose of the seventh regional youth convention, the theme of which is ‘live the word liberate the world’. Somashekhar Reddy, in his message, appreciated the services being rendered by the Catholic community to the society, and called upon the youth to live in peace and harmony, without getting divided on the lines of caste, creed and religion. “The youngsters are our future strength. The youth should get guidance from the elders and priests so that their lives move on the right direction,” he advised.
Bishop Peter Machado extended best wishes for this historical event, and appreciated the youth for the immense interest taken by them in organizing and participating in the programme.