Leadership through Service: V. Rev. Fr Austin Peter Peres at The Golden Jubilee of Youth Movement Surathkal

Mangaluru: December 17, 2023: SACRED HEART YUVAK SANGH SURATHKAL, presently affiliated with the Indian Catholic Youth Movement (ICYM) SURATHKAL, celebrated its Golden Jubilee on Sunday, December 17, 2023, at Sacred Heart Church premises in Surathkal. The milestone event unfolded in a grand manner, marking five decades of vibrant and dedicated service by ICYM Surathkal. The celebration began with the Thanksgiving Eucharist, presided over by V. Rev. Fr. Victor George Dsouza, Chancellor of the Diocese of Mangalore, along with the con celebrants, V. Rev. Fr. Austin Peter Peres, Parish Priest, and Fr. Richard Dsouza.

The formal program began with the grand escort of the guests from the church office to the main stage through a colourful procession with the soothing tunes of the Holy Family School band. The celebration began with the blessings of the V. Rev. Dr. Peter Paul Saldanha, Bishop of the Diocese of Mangalore, through a video message played on the screen.

1. Rev. Fr. Maxim L. Noronha (Vicar General, Mangalore Diocese), in his chief guest address, said, ‘The main purpose of ICYM is the faith formation of the youth through the church teachings given to us in the form of YOUCAT. Youth can ask questions about faith and get answers through YOUCAT’.

Mr. Anil Lobo (Chairman, MCC Bank) said in his speech that ICYM provides a platform for Catholic leadership in the church and society, which motivated the parents to encourage the youth to join ICYM.

Mr. Alwyn Noronha (Retired Executive Vice President Project) spoke about youth and career guidance in the past and present opportunities and challenges and motivated the youth to get into civil services as much as possible.

1. Rev. Fr. Austin Peter Peres (Parish Priest/Vicar forane Surathkal vicariate) said in his presidential address that ‘LEADERSHIP THROUGH SERVICE is very important. quoting the encyclical of Pope Francis’s Cristus Vivid, God loves the youth, and youth must serve the church through their leadership qualities. Through the SACRED HEART OF JESUS, our patron, we have witnessed miracles in our parish in the last 2 years’.

President, V. Rev. Fr. Austin Peter Peres (Parish Priest / Vicar forane Surathkal vicariate), Chief Guests V. Rev. Fr. Maxim L. Noronha (Vicar General – Mangalore Diocese), Rev. Fr. Ashwin Cardoza (Director – ICYM Central Council), Rev. Fr. Sylvester Dcosta (Director – ICYM Surathkal Deanery), Rev. Fr. Richard Dsouza (Asst. Director – ICYM Surathkal Unit), Mr. Anil Lobo (Chairman, MCC Bank), Mr. Alwyn Noronha (Retired Executive Vice President Project), Mr Mithesh Dsouza (President of ICYM mangaluru),Ms Lavita Dsouza (president of ICYM Mother Teresa Deanery Surathkal), Mr Norbert Misquith (coordinator of PP commissions) , Mr Russel Roche (Vice president PPC), Mrs Asha Pinto (secretary of PPC),Mr Sandeep D’Souza (Convenor of the Youth Commission) ,Ms Teena Rebello (animator of ICYM),Mr Joyvin D’Souza( president of ICYM),Ms Maria D’Silva (secretary of ICYM) were present on the dias.
Ms Maria Dsilva read the report on the 50 years of ICYM Surathkal. Mr Raymond Roche, Founder President of Sacred Heart Yuvak Sangh/ICYM Surathkal, and the founder member, Mr Henry Dsilva, who has given his contributions in the field of Konkani movie productions, were honoured by the guests. The presidents and secretaries of the past 50 years of ICYM were also honoured with a shawl and momento for their services to the youth movement, ICYM. A special issue of the Golden Jubilee celebration on ‘VALCHI ZAR’ was unveiled. A teaser of the ICYM documentary by Kevin Misquith was released by V. Rev. Fr. Maxim L. Noronha (Vicar General, Mangalore Diocese). The sponsors, co-sponsors, donors, and well-wishers were honoured. Mr Sanjay Orwin Dsouza, President of ICYM Karnataka Region, the secretary, Ms. Wilma Lobo, and joint secretary, Ms. Anisha Fernandes of ICYM Central Council Mangalore, were honoured. The presence of Rev. Fr. Santhosh Lobo, Parish Priest Katipalla church, and Rev. Fr. Sunil Dsouza, Parish priest of Thokur, was recognised by honouring them at the celebration. Mr Joyvin Dsouza welcomed the guests and the gathering. Ms
Ms Diana Dsouza proposed the vote of thanks. Mrs Tina Dsa compered the formal program.

The formal program was followed by a cultural extravaganza. The program began with the Golden Jubilee song, composed by Mr Kevin Misquith and sung by 50 members of ICYM, including alumni members. The cultural extravaganza consists of dances by ICYM members, parish children, Mando by Surathkal Church Choir and alumni’s, jokes by Mr Ivan Periera, Mr Austin Rodrigues, and team, and a musical concert by STRUMMERS Mangalore.

The artists and singers were felicitated. Mr Ashwin Dcosta, lead actor of the Konkani movie Osmitay, was honoured on this occasion. The gala celebration was concluded with Baila dance led by STRUMMERS that stole the show.

Everyone was served delicious vegetarian and non-vegetarian food.

Mr Anish Dsouza hosted the cultural event, and Ms. Maria Dsilva proposed the vote of thanks.

The Golden Jubilee convenor, Mr Peter Paul Dsouza, took the lead in organising Golden Jubilee celebrations.