Ex-Governor Margaret Alva Inaugurates Golden Jubilee celebration of ICYM Udyavar
Udupi: Indian Catholic Youth Movement St Francis Xavier’s Church Udyavar, organised the inauguration of Golden Jubilee celebration at Church Ground Udupi.
The mega event marked with a solemn Eucharistic celebration presided over by Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo Bishop of Udupi Diocese.
Golden jubilee celebrations of ICYM Udyavar was inaugurated by Margaret Alva, Ex-Governor Uttarakhand by lighting the lamp.
In her message, Margaret Alva said, “It is very important to give more opportunities to the youth in all communities. The present belongs to youths. What they do today will move our society forward. All the past and present office bearers and members have worked hard. They are working to serve the people of our community. Today wherever I see, all our educated youth are moving abroad. I request all the parents to teach their children to stay in their native place and work for the betterment of the country. We have a great history, which we have to teach our children. We train many students but we never tell them to stay in their native and serve people. We only teach them to move abroad. We are the only one in the country whose population has decreased after independence. We are being outnumbered,” she said.
Dr Gerald Issac Lobo, Bishop Diocese of Udupi who presided over the programme said, “Pope Francis believes that Youngsters have many talents and strength, he has advised the youth to use their age in a good way. Always dream freely, your dreams should reach the sky, make good decisions in your life. Don’t fear to take risks, open your doors for good opportunities. Youth are the future. They are the real Church. Pope Francis also gave a call to the parents not to rule over the youth, He says ‘don’t try to tie them. Rather try to move with them. If you go with them you will understand them. If parents stand with the youth in their walks of life they will be able to open the eyes of the youth to the life,” he said.
All the Presidents, Secretaries and Directors who have rendered their service in the past 50 years were honoured on the occasion. Fr Henry Fernandes, founder-director was also honoured on the occasion. 50 programs will be held by ICYM Udyavar to mark the Golden Jubilee celebrations.
Fr Stany B Lobo, Chancellor and Parish Priest Udyavar; Fr Valerian Mendonca, Parish Priest Udupi; Niivedith Alva, KPCC spokesperson; Fr Henry Fernandes, founder-director; Vinay Kumar Sorake, Ex MLA Kaup; Lalji R Mendon, MLA Kaup; Jaison Periera, President Karnataka regional ICYM council; Melwin Noronha, Vice president Parish pastoral committee; Steevan Colaco, program convener; Royal Castelino, President ICYM; Priyanka D’Souza, Secretary were present on the occasion.
Michael D’Souza welcomed the gathering, Dora Aroza delivered the vote of thanks. Jane D’Souza and Elson Andrade compered the program.
As part of the entertainment program, “Bevaris” play written by Johnny Mariabhoomi and directed by Ganesh Rao Yellur and acted by present and former ICYM members was staged on the occasion.
