The Diocese of Shimoga celebrated National Youth Sunday- 2024
Shivamogga, August 12, 2024: The Diocese of Shimoga celebrated National Youth Sunday on August 11th at St. Anthony’s Shrine, Karehalli, Bhadravati, Shivamogga. On this occasion, a program was organized at the Carmel Deanary in the Diocese of Shimoga, under the guidance of Rev. Fr Franklin D’Souza, Diocesan Youth Director; Rev. Fr Christu Raj SDB, Carmel Deanery Youth Director; and Rev. Fr Santhosh Almeida, Parish Priest of St. Anthony Shrine, Karehalli.
The program began with the Holy Eucharist at 9 a.m., led by Most Rev. Dr Francis Serrao SJ, Bishop of the Diocese of Shimoga. Rev. Fr Franklin D’Souza, Diocesan Youth Director, welcomed Bishop Francis Serrao SJ on behalf of the youth.
The bishop preached, “Jesus is the bread of life.” We, the people of God, follow the teachings of the Lord Jesus and inculcate the values of the gospel. He gave examples from Luke 16:19–31 and Luke 22:37–40. We are people who seek heaven by looking at God. He specially prayed for the youth as the CCBI Youth Commission invited the Indian Catholic Church to celebrate National Youth Sunday.
End of the Holy Eucharist Parish Priest Rev. Fr Christu Raj SDB, Carmel Deanery Youth Director, thanked Bishop for inaugurating National Youth Sunday with the Holy Eucharist and praying for the youth.
The bishop felicitated young Ms. Benita from St. Anthony’s Church, Karehalli, as she secured the 8th rank in MBA. He also honoured child Benita for mentioning all the 73 books of the Holy Bible. Parish Priest Fr Santhosh Almeida thanked the bishop.
Bishop Francis Serrao, SJ, celebrates his birthday on August 15th. The youth wished the bishop, and Fr Franklin D’Souza led a special prayer for the bishop and for the diocese.
After the Holy Eucharist, Carmel Deanery Youth President, Mr. Vijay Antony, led the Holy Cross in the procession to the programme hall. A cross was erected in the hall. Every youth tied the white tape, symbolising peace and blessings for each one of them.
Mr. Anthony Nikhil, Fr Christu Raj SDB, and the team led the animation.
The stage program began at 11 a.m. The chief guests of this programme were Rev. Fr Franklin D’Souza, Youth Director of the Diocese of Shimoga; Rev. Fr Christu Raj SDB, Youth Director of Carmel Deanery; Rev. Fr. Santosh Almeida, Parish Priest St. Anthony Shrine; Karehalli; Sr. Jayanti, Carmel Deanery Lady Animator; Karehalli; Ms. Priya Maria D’Souza, ICYM Diocesan Youth President; Ms. Jesvita D’Souza, YCS/YSM Regional President; Mr. Vijay Antony, Carmel Deanery Youth President; and Ms. Smitha, ICYM President of Karehalli.
Fr Franklin D’Souza spoke on “Qualities of a Leader.” He said that a leader should be a role model like the Lord Jesus. He explained each alphabet of the letter leader, saying that he was loving, encouraging, able, disciplined, enthusiastic, and reliable. He invited young leaders to defeat negativity and go ahead with a positive mindset.
Fr Christu Raj SDB spoke on “How to Build Youth Groups in the Parishes.” He explained its advantages and why youth need to be organised in our parishes, deaneries, and dioceses.
Fr Santhosh Almeida spoke on “Advantages and Disadvantages of Social Networks.” He systematically explained in the language of the youth about social media. He said we shouldn’t be used, but we should integrate social media into youth life.
Diocesan Youth President Ms. Priya Maria D’Souza spoke on “the importance of youth gatherings and their advantages.”. She congratulated the youth for gathering in large numbers to celebrate National Youth Sunday.
At 12 p.m., resource person Madam Bridgit Varghese from Shivamogga shared her experiences and offered suggestions on how to utilize the available facilities in the Minority Department and plan for future career guidance. Then Mr. Bertin Edward Mendonsa from Bangalore spoke on opportunities for the youth in the IT field.
After lunch at 2 p.m., ICYM President Ms. Maria Priya D’Souza and YCS/YSM Regional President Ms. Jesvita D’Souza and her team led the animation. Fr Christu Raj SDB led the games for the youth, and Fr Franklin D’Souza distributed the prizes for the winners.
Then the youth shared their testimonies and experiences on how the ICYM and YCS/YSM youth movements have helped them to be more active and vibrant by defeating fear complexes and overcoming stage fear in their lives. It was an eye-opening and motivating session.
The day concluded with a soulful adoration led by Rev. Fr Franklin D’Souza, Youth Director of Shimoga Diocese. He spoke on the theme of Isaiah 40:31 and invited Youth to love the Lord Jesus Christ and follow his path truthfully and willfully. He led the youth into repentance, and he led the healing session by praying for the youth.
Carmel Deanery Vice President, Ms. Lenny Desa, compered the program. Carmel Deanery Program Coordinator, Mr. Gagan Raj, proposed a vote of thanks.
Carmel Deanery Executive Committee members, Mr. Rohan D’Souza, Ms. Aishwarya, Mr. Ronald D’Souza, and Mr. Amith Lobo, together with the team, worked tirelessly for the success of the convention.
100 youth leaders from 15 parishes took part in the celebration of National Youth Sunday.
YOUTH COMMISSION
DIOCESE OF SHIMOGA
