Media Release
Mangaluru, Mar 30: The Indian Catholic Youth Movement, diocese of Mangalore organised "Gracious Night," a night vigil, seeking God's grace for all the youth of Mangalore Diocese at Infant Jesus Church, Modankap from March 26, 6 PM to March 27, 6 AM. It was organised for the youth to spend time with the Lord. Jaison Crasta, president ICYM welcomed the facilitators and the gathering.
Gracious Night began with an action song led by Fr Stephen Lobo OCD and that set a start to the event. Br Prakash D’Souza from Bandra was instrumental in conducting praise and worship. He and his team enlivened the youth and the faithful gathered by sharing their faith experience and testimonies. The youngsters were privileged to have Br Prakash for the night Vigil. He aided the youth to have a better perspective towards life through his motivational words of kindness, hope and trust. He led the youth in prayerfully adoring the Lord. During the adoration priests laid their hands and prayed for each youngster. One of his team members, Alwyn, gave a testimony about God’s wondrous works in his life. He also spoke briefly regarding his interest in serving God and his people. Fr Ashwin thanked Br Prakash and his team for guiding the youth during the night vigil and a memento was handed over to Br Prakash and his team by Jaison Lawrence Crasta, President ICYM.
The next session on the Word of God was facilitated by Fr Clifford Fernandes, parish priest of Cordel. He encouraged the youth through his words of wisdom. His knowledge of scriptures was very practical and applicable to the life of the youth. As he concluded his preaching on the Word of God, Jaison Crasta, thanked him and a memento was handed over to him by Blairil Vishma Dcunha, the General Secretary.
Taize prayer was guided by Br Rony Ammebal. The ambience set up for prayer was not only a sight for the sore eyes but also for the weary soul. This prayer uplifted everyone in unison with God. The special emphasis of this way of praying is to focus on the cross of our Lord Jesus, to renew our spirits and to rejuvenate oneself to practice this season of Lent in an effective manner. The aura created by this prayer gave rise to a strong feeling of listening to God's voice in day to day life. Thereafter, dinner was served.
Once again, the youth glorified God through praise and worship, which was led by Fr Stephan Lobo OCD. He delivered meaningful talk based on reconciliation. He reminded to live a life that holds no grudges and to forgive gratuitously. His spiritual talk consisted of reflections on the Word of God. Several activities were organised to delve deeper into God’s Word. Later, the youth were divided into 15 groups for bible activities. These activities helped the youth to gain knowledge of scripture. It was conducted by Fr Ashwin Cardoza, Fr Denzil Lobo assisted by Jaison Crasta. It was then followed by a short tea break. Fr Stephan OCD gave a testimony based on his life experiences with God which was very inspiring for the youth. Some youth shared their experiences of Gracious night- A gathering that helped to build a relationship with God.
DEXCO and the council members were introduced to the gathering. Fr Ashwin expressed his gratitude to Fr Stephen Lobo OCD and a memento was presented to him by Rakesh Rego, Joint-Secreatry. He also thanked Br Rony Ammembal and team and a memento was given to him by Terrence Levy Crasta, regional vice-president and to the team by Elsita Trincy Cardoza, PRO. Fr Ashwin also thanked ICYM Modankap unit for their cooperation and support, and a memento was presented by Jaison Crasta to Avin Joseph Lobo, the president of ICYM Modankap and Melisha D’Sa, the secretary.
This spiritual event came to a conclusion with the celebration of the Holy Eucharist presided over by Fr Stephan Lobo OCD, concelebrated by Fr Ashwin, Fr Denzil. Fr Ashwin Cardoza proposed the vote of thanks to all gathered there. He specially thanked Fr Valerian S D’Souza, parish priest Modankap and Fr Trishan Dsouza, assistant parish priest and animator Sunil Lewis for all the support rendered towards this spiritual event. ICYM Modankap unit were appreciated for their unceasing support throughout this event. Diocesan executive committee and Council members were present and more than 500 youth actively took part in the Night Vigil. The youth of the diocese had an unforgettable and a memorable night spent with the Lord in prayer, worship, reflection and fun.