Nov 5 : The 6th National Youth Conference of the Indian Catholic Youth Movement (ICYM) was held from October 21st to 25th, 2024 at Trinity College within the Diocese of Jalandhar, Punjab.
The conference brought together 653 youth leaders from 132 dioceses across India to discuss the theme "The Role of Youth in the Synodal Church," with a particular focus on the virtue of hope.
Rev. Fr. Ashwin Lohith Cardoza - Director of Youth Commission, Winston Joel Sequeira -President of ICYM, Nihan Sequeira- Vice President, Avit Premson Lobo - Red Drop Representative, Praveen D cunha - Immediate Past President of Vittal Deanery, Darryl Miranda - Secretary of North Deanery, Ranil Dsouza - Member of Fajir Unit, Joel Austine Dsouza - Treasurer City Deanery, Briston Mario Rodrigues - Coordinator YCS/YSM Karnataka Region were the nine members representing ICYM Mangalore Diocese.
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
The conference highlighted the significance of optimism, drawing inspiration from the biblical verse, "Those who trust in the Lord will persevere and not grow weary" (Isaiah 40:31). The event commenced on October 21st with a Holy Mass officiated by Bishop Agnelo Gracias, who serves as the Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Jalandhar.
On October 22nd at 7 am, Bishop Ignatius D'Souza conducted the Holy Eucharist. At 9 am, Bishop Ignatius D'Souza, Chairman of the CCBI Commission for Youth and Bishop of Diocese Bareilly, delivered the keynote address. During the plenary session, Rev. Dr. Stephen Alathara, Deputy Secretary General of the CCBI, elaborated on the conference's theme, encouraging deeper reflection on the role of youth in shaping a synodal Church.
On October 23rd, at 7 am, Bishop Ivan Pereira, Bishop of Jammu and Kashmir, led the Holy Eucharist. At 9 am, Fr Cedric Prakash SJ, a human rights activist, led the plenary session.
On October 24th, Bishop Deepak, Auxiliary Bishop of Archdiocese of Delhi, celebrated the Holy Eucharist. In his homily, he emphasized the importance of peace and how to achieve it. During the plenary session, ICYM Alumni shared their experiences.
ICYM - National YOUTH CONFERENCE 2024, Workshops:
1. Faith and Innovation, by Fr. Varghese C.
2. Living the Faith, by Fr. Jacob M.
3. Resilience, by Ms. Shirley Coutinho
4. Social Media Superheroes, by Fr. Renold
5. Kindness Cascaded, by Fr. Kanauj Roy
6. Revolutionaries, by Mr. Jimmy and Ms. Shilpa Ekka
7. Social Media, by Ms. Jenny Joy
8. Guardians of the Galaxy, by Fr. Ballarmin
9. Roman Empire, by Mr. Geo Bobby
10. Building Authentic Relationships, by Fr. Charles Menezes
11. Work-Life Balance, by Mr. Percival and Mr. Alison
12. The Relief Ministry - Discernment, by Fr. John M.
13. Is Faith Education Relevant - Catechism Today? by Fr. Vijay Machado
14. Exploring Intimacy, by Fr. Peter Hans
The participants were divided into 22 study groups, each focusing on various subtopics related to the main theme. The study sessions were moderated by several esteemed religious leaders and lay leaders, including Raj Bagh, Supriya Varghese, Fr. Chetan Machado, Fr Dominic Pinto, Sr. Althiya Raj, Fr Nilu Murmu, Fr Edwin Anand, Fr Amos Nazary, Sr. Lidiwn Fernandes, Fr. Vijay Machado, Fr Roshan Bamin, Fr Augustus Ekka, Fr John Minz, Fr Franklin D'Souza, Fr Cyril Pariong, Shirely Coutinnho, Jimmy Pdang, Sr Wansuk Lyngdoh, Sagar Gabbeta, Shilpa Ekka, Fr. Joji Thambi, Percival Holt, Adv. Antony Judy, Fr Maria Anthony, Fr Lourde Raj, Fr Crispin Tamang Alison Pereira and Saurav Praveen.
On October 22nd, a Rosary Procession was held. On October 23rd, a Taize prayer was led by Fr. Chetan Machado, the CCBI Youth Commission Executive Secretary. On October 24th, at 6:00 p.m., Fr. Franklin D'Souza, Diocesan Youth Director of the Diocese of Shimoga, led the thanksgiving adoration.
Morning prayers were led daily at 6:30 a.m. by the regions.
The conference concluded on October 25th, with the final statement presented by Supriya Varghese, ICYM National General Secretary. Additionally, the conference featured an exhibition with stalls from CCBI's 14 regions, showcasing the distinct culture and traditions of each area. Evenings were marked by vibrant cultural performances, highlighting the diversity of the Church across India.
