Udupi/M’Belle: Bishop Gerald Lobo inaugurates ’Yuva Samagam-2015’

By Eugene DSouza, Moodubelle
Bellevision Media Network

Udupi/M’Belle, 26 Jul 2015: Most Rev. Dr. Gerald Isaac Lobo, Bishop of Udupi Diocese inaugurated ‘Yuva Samagam-2015’ organized by the ICYM Moodubelle Unit on Sunday, 26 July 2015 at 9 am in St. Lawrence Church Hall, Moodubelle. Nearly 150 ICYM members from 7 parishes of Udupi Deanery-Udupi, Moodubelle, Kuntalnagar, Perampalli, Udyavar, Kalmady and Katapadi participated in the daylong youth get-together.

 

The inaugural function was presided over by Bishop Gerald Lobo. Dr. Norbert Lobo, Head of the Economics Department, St. Aloysius College, Mangalore, originally from Moodubelle and was the past president of ICYM was the chief guest. Other dignitaries on the dais included Rev. Fr. Clement Mascarenhas-Parish Priest of Moodubelle, Rev. Fr. Victor Fernandes-Co-pastor, Rev. Fr. Edwin D’Souza-Director of Youth Commission, Rev. Fr. Royson Fernandes-Present Director of ICYM Udupi Deanery, Rev. Fr. Reginald Pinto-Director of Women’s Commission, Walter D’Souza-Animator of ICYM Udupi Diocese, Wilfred Lewis-Animator of Udupi Deanery, Vincent Fernandes and Mrs. Rovita Fernandes-Animators of ICYM Moodubelle Unit,  Joseph Martis-President of Youth Commission of Moodubelle, Alphonse K. Alva and Mrs. Latha D’Mello-President and Secretary of Parish Pastoral Council, Idving Soares-President of ICYM Udupi Deanery, Miss Felina D’Souza-Secretary of ICYM Moodubelle Unit and Udupi Deanery, Nevil D’Souza-President of ICYM Unit Moodubelle and Alwyn Danti-Resource person of the day.

 

 

The programme began with prayer song by the members of ICYM Unit Moodubelle. Thereafter, Nevil D’Souza welcomed the guests and ICYM members. The Yuva Samagam-2015 was formally inaugurated by Bishop Gerlad Lobo by lighting the lamp along with other dignitaries on the dais.

 

Dr. Norbert Lobo, the chief guest of the function was honoured by the Bishop for his achievements in the field of education. Prior to his felicitation, Dr. Norbert Lobo was introduced by Miss Eva Martis.

 

In his address, Dr. Norbert Lobo said that ICYM has been very close to his heart as the organization had helped him to grow as a leader and achiever. He emphasized on love and commitment for any cause as it would help in building and nurturing institutions and organizations. However, he lamented that  nowadays one hears mostly opinions and suggestions and not serious commitment. He made an appeal to the youth to make best use of their membership in ICYM to develop their personality and promote their talents and leadership qualities. He pointed out that youth in modern times are facing many challenges which were absent while he was young.  In spite of the challenges youth should make right choices.

 

In his presidential message, Bishop Gerald Lobo complimented the ICYM of Udupi Deanery and Moodubelle for organizing Yuva Samagam 2015. He highlighted the way the Pastoral Plan for the youth of the diocese was drafted with definite aims and objectives. He said that every parish should have the ICYM Unit and every youth between the age of 18 and 28 should become its member. The Bishop further said that at least ten percent of the youth in a parish should emerge as leaders not only within the church compound but in society and political sphere. He urged the youth to enter government service and make their presence felt. The Bishop expressed sadness on the fact that in spite of many Catholic students securing distinction marks in SSLC, there are hardly few students who make a mark in competitive examinations. The Bishop made an appeal to the youth to avail government facilities especially scholarships allotted for minorities. He emphasized on preserving and promoting Konkani language and culture and said that ICYM should organize competitions in those aspects which highlight the Konkani culture and traditions. Finally, by exhibiting two plants, one that was dry and dull and the other which was live with flowers and leaves, Bishop Gerald Lobo tried to drive the point that with strong roots and nourishment in Christian faith and the teachings of Christ, one can bloom and flourish. 

Miss Hazel Martis who was elected as the President of Karnataka YCS was felicitated by the Bishop. She was introduced by Lloyd Rebello.

 

Rev. Fr. Edwin D’Souza in his brief address pointed out the positive results that one can achieve by being the member of ICYM. He gave the example of Dr. Norbert Lob who was also his teacher. He said that it was through ICYM and because of his hard work and determination that  Dr. Norbert Lobo could achieve an eminent place in the field of education and leadership. He said that Dr. Norbert Lobo should serve as an inspiration to the modern youth as they can learn quite a lot from his achievements.

 

Miss Sara D’Souza proposed the vote of thanks. The entire inaugural programme was anchored by Miss Ancida D’Souza.

 

Following the inaugural programme, Alwyn Danti, the resource person of the day was introduced by Miss Roshal D’Mello.  Alwyn Danti  conducted the morning session  on the theme of ‘The Purpose and Aim of Life’ with special reference to the youth.

 

 

At 12 noon, the ICYM members participated in the holy Mass offered by Rev. Fr. Fred Mascarenhas as the chief celebrant along with Rev. Fr. Clement Mascarenhas and Rev. Fr. Reginald Pinto. In his homily, Rev. Fr. Reginald Pinto stressed on the role and responsibilities of the youth.

 

The second session of the Yuva Samagam 2015 was conducted after the lunch. This session included group activities such as singing, dancing and other various tasks. This session was conducted by Norbert Misquith, resource person for the Mangalore and Udupi Dioceses along with members of the ICYM Central Committee-Rubecca, Oliver, Avil and Joyson.

 

The valedictory function was held at 4 pm that was presided by Rev. Fr. Fred Mascarenahs, Dean of Udupi Varado. Rev. Fr. Alban D’Souza-Parish Priest of Kalmady and ICYM Director of Udupi Varado for the last three years was the chief guest.  Rev. Fr. Clement Mascarenhas, Rev. Fr. Royson Fernandes and other dignitaries were on the dais.

 

Rev. Fr. Royson Fernandes, present Director of ICYM Udupi Varado expressed happiness at the successful conclusion of the Yuva Samagam 2015.

 

Rev. Fr. Alban D’Souza was honoured by Rev. Fr. Fred Mascarenhas for his valuable service as the Director of ICYM Udupi Varado for the last three years.

 

Rev. Fr. Alban D’Souza narrated the circumstances that led him to take up the responsibility as the Director of ICYM and his positive experience for the last three years and wished well to the new director and ICYM.

 

 

Rev. Fr. Clement Mascarenhas handed over mementos to the members of the ICYM Central Committee for helping in conducting the second session of the Yuva Samagam 2015. The immediate past president and secretary of ICYM Udupi Varado, Don D’Souza and Miss Samantha Alva.

 

Seven talented ICYM members in academics, sports and culture from different parishes were also honoured. These meritorious members are: Miss Elvira Jenisha Machado of Katapadi who scored 94 percent marks in Second PUC Science and presently studying Computer Engineering in Bantakal Engineering College; Miss Vionna Jeshal Gomes of Perampalli who got 93 percent marks in BCA and presently seeking admission to MCA at MIT, Manipal; Miss Teena Frezil Mendonca of Kuntalnagar who had participated in the Karnataka State level volleyball competition and presently studies in PPC College Udupi; Miss Suzan Meelinda D’Souza of Kuntalnagar also participated in the Karnataka State level volleyball competition and continues her studies in BCom in Madhav Pai Memorial College, Udupi; Miss Deena Anitha Quadras of Kalmady who has been participating and winning prizes in elocution competitions conducted by the Catholic Sabha and presently studying for MCom in Women’s College, Ajjarakadu Udupi; Miss Ancilla Maria Saldanha of Udupi who scored 92 percent at Second Year PUC Science. She had participated four times at the national level Badminton tournament and presently pursues BSc studies in MGM College, Udupi; and Ashmitha Rebello of Udyavar who has been participating in volleyball, table tennis and athletics competition and has participated at state level competitions. She was also captain of Mangalore University Table Tennis team. Presently she is preparing to seek admission for MBA course.

 

Present presidents of ICYM from seven parishes were given gifts as token of appreciation for their leadership and team efforts in getting as many ICYM members to attend the Yuva Samagam 2015.

 

In his message, Rev. Fr. Clement Mascarenhas congratulated Nevil D’Souza, president of Moodubelle Unit of ICYM and all the members for successfully organizing the programme Yuva Samagam 2015 and appreciated the overwhelming participation from different parishes.

 

In his presidential address, Rev. Fr. Fred Mascarenhas complimented all those who were behind planning and organizing the Yuva Samagam 2015. He highlighted the positive aspects of the programme. In a lighter note, Fr. Fred pointed out that all the seven members who were honoured for their talents and achievements are girls and not a single boy figured in the list of honours. He asked the boys not to lag behind, but to make efforts to develop their talents in the best way possible. At the same time Fr. Fred said that it is not enough to have good physical health, but to have good spiritual and moral health rooted in the teachings of Jesus Christ. He made an appeal to the youth to maintain Christian identity and be an inspiration to others by their behaviour and actions.

 

Idving Soares-President of ICYM Udupi Deanery welcomed the guests, Miss Felina D’Souza, Secretary of ICYM Unit Moodubelle and Udupi Varado proposed the vote of thanks and Onil Kalmady anchored the valedictory programme.