Diocesan News

Feb 25, 2025 : The Indian Catholic Youth Movement (ICYM) Mangalore Diocese in association with St. Joseph Vaz Silver Jubilee Committee Mudipu and ICYM Mangalore South Deanery successfully organized EMMAUS 2025, a 12-hour spiritual gathering for youth, at the St. Joseph Vaz Shrine, Mudipu.

The event, held from 6:30 P.M. on Feb 22 to 6:30 A.M. on Feb 23, saw over 350 youth and others participate in prayer, worship, reflection, and faith-centered activities.

Mr. Leo D'Souza, Animator of the ICYM Mudipu unit, welcomed the gathering, marking the commencement of the spiritual night.

The event began with "Walk with Mary" – a procession symbolizing faith and trust. Youth participants recited the rosary as they processed from Mudipu Junction to the St. Joseph Vaz Shrine. The procession concluded with the St. Joseph Vaz Novena, led by Rev. Fr. Santhosh Menezes, Assistant Parish Priest.

After refreshments, Joyson Emmanuel, President of the Puttur Deanery, introduced the resource person, Very Rev. Fr. Cyprian Pinto, Vicar-var of St. Joseph Vaz Mangalore South Deanery & Parish Priest of Permannur. Fr. Cyprian Pinto delivered an enlightening talk on faith in Christ, overcoming challenges, and shared his personal experiences of faith. Riana D'Cunha, Lady Vice President, expressed gratitude to Fr. Cyprian Pinto for his valuable insights.

Following dinner, Fr. Ashwin Lohith Cardoza, Director of ICYM Mangalore Diocese, introduced Br. Rony Ammembal and his team. They conducted Divine Jam – a session of worship through rhythm and soul-stirring music, uplifting the youth and the faithful gathered.

Prithesh Lobo, President of the Vittal Deanery, introduced Rev. Fr. Cyril Lobo, who led the youth in adoration. A special adoration session allowed both priests and youth to pray for each other, with many participating in confession. Fr. Ashwin expressed gratitude to Rev. Fr. Cyril Lobo, Br. Rony Ammembal, and his team. Rev. Fr. Assisi Rebello, Parish Priest of Mudipu, shared insights on the history of the shrine.

The youth were divided into 15 groups for interactive activities. Another session of praise and worship followed, led by Br. Rony Ammembal and his team. Participants shared personal testimonies, inspiring others with their experiences of faith. A short tea break was provided.

Later, the "Path of Mercy" session encouraged the youth to reflect on their weaknesses. Participants wrote their shortcomings on paper and symbolically surrendered them to God through a campfire. Winston Joel Sequeira President of the ICYM Mangalore Diocese conducted the Novena of St. Gonsalo Garcia, Patron of ICYM.

DEXCO members led action songs, and three short movies related to faith were screened. Rev. Fr. Ashwin Lohith Cardoza conducted a group activity based on the movies, encouraging discussions and reflections on faith.

The event concluded with the celebration of the Holy Eucharist, presided over by Rev. Fr. Santhosh Menezes, along with co-celebrants Rev. Fr. Denzil Lobo, Rev. Fr. Assisi Rebello, and Rev. Fr. Ashwin Lohith Cardoza.

Winston Joel Sequeira proposed the vote of thanks, extending special gratitude to Rev. Fr. Assisi Rebello, Rev. Fr. Santhosh Menezes, and the Parish Pastoral Committee for their support. The ICYM Mudipu unit and South Deanery Council youth were acknowledged for their dedication and contributions.

Special appreciation was extended to the event's main sponsors, the Sodality of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Catholic Centre Mangalore, and other donors.

The event saw the presence of Diocesan Council members and over 350 youth and others, actively engaging in a night filled with prayer, worship, reflection, and faith-centered activities. EMMAUS 2025 proved to be an unforgettable and spiritually enriching experience for all participants.