Feb 25 : “My good friend, God be with you. I am going to heaven. A hearty hug to Fr. Sebastian Gonsalves on my behalf.” - Saint Gonsalo Garcia to a friend on the day of his martyrdom.
The celebration of St. Gonsalo Garcia's feast day on February 7, 2024, organized by the ICYM Central Council Mangalore, Diocese, was a significant event that brought together members of the ICYM Mangalore Diocese to honor their patron saint. The celebration took place at Olivet House, Jeppu, Mangalore. On February 11, a large gathering of Diocesan youth celebrated the feast during the Mass at DIAFERENCE.
On that day, members of the ICYM Mangalore Diocese Youth took part in an online Holy Rosary gathering organized by the Karnataka regional ICYM to pray for the release of Fr. Dominic, the Regional Youth Director of Lakno Diocese. This initiative helped the youth to show solidarity with Fr. Dominic. Along with Mr. Mithesh Dsouza, the Diocesan President, ICYM Karnataka Regional President Sanjay Dsouza was present to celebrate the feast.
As a culmination of the festivities, sweets were distributed to all attendees, symbolizing the joy and camaraderie shared during the occasion. This gesture served as a token of gratitude and camaraderie among the community members present, reinforcing the spirit of unity and solidarity in honoring their patron saint, St. Gonsalo Garcia.