Udupi: To mark the golden jubilee of the Diocese, a three-day State-level Regional Convention of Young Students Movement (YCS/YSM) was inaugurated at the St Mary’s English School premises Kannarpadi here on October 18.
The Golden Jubilee Regional Convention inaugural mass was celebrated by the Bishop of Mangaluru Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza along with Msgr Baptist Menezes Vicar General of Udupi Diocese, Fr Fred Mascarenhas dean of Udupi deanery, Fr Charles Menezes International director of YCS, Fr Edwin D’Souza Youth Director of Udupi Diocese and other guest priests.
In his homily Msgr Baptist advised the youth to be role models and inspire others in the society. Youth should find hope in the Lord and encourage others to increase their faith in God. He also said that youth are the future of the country and for a bright future, youth should grow with integrity and courage.
Bishop Aloysius was felicitated by Msgr Baptist Menezes on the occasion. Addressing the youth Dr Aloysius said that the members of YCS and YSM should set their goal in life and work hard to achieve it. Youth should involve themselves in social activities along with their education. When they are involved in service, they will emerge as good leaders. Youth should work hard in nation building , he advised.
After the mass YCS – YSM flag was hoisted by Fr Fredrick Mascarenhas correspondent of St Mary’s English School and also dean of Udupi deanery followed by prayer service.
The stage programme began with an invocation, President of YCS/YSM Karnataka Region Hazel Martis Moodbelle welcomed the gathering. Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo inaugurated the convention in a unique way by switching on the lights of the Tree. In his inaugural speech Dr Gerald said that the three-day convention will enlighten the youth. To be successful in life, one should have a goal, to achieve his/her goal one should be disciplined. In order to be disciplined and successful, one has to build a strong character. If you have a desire you have to be disciplined in achieving it. If you need to achieve it you have to be dedicated and to be dedicated you need to have a certain dream.
Fr Charles Menezes Director IYCS, Veronica Cornelio chairperson of Karnataka Soaps and detergent Ltd, Fr Deepak Thomas KJ, National Youth Director New Delhi also spoke on the occasion.
Sr Tresilda President CRI Udupi Diocese, Fr Mari Joseph Karnataka Regional director, Fr Edwin D’Souza Diocese director, Priyanak S Noronha YCS president Udupi Diocese, National, State and diocese YCS office bearers were present on the dais.
More than 500 participants from various parts of Karnataka took part in the convention.
The delegates of the Regional Convention will be discussing on various issues pertaining to Education Policy, Environment, Swacch Bharat campaign and also on Communication – Social Mass Media and its impact on the youth in the society.
There will be special talks from experts along with panel discussions during the Convention. In addition, an inter-religious dialogue and a cultural programme will be held.
On October 20 at 09:15 am, a mass rally by the students will be held from from Udupi Church to St Mary’s CBSE School, Kannarpadi to create awareness among the students’ about their rights. Police Superintendent of Udupi district K Annamalai will flag off the students’ rally. Archbishop of Bengaluru Dr Bernard Moras will preside over the concluding programme. Urban Development Minister and district minister in-charge Vinaya Kumar Sorake will be the chief guest and MLA Pramod Madhwaraj will be the guest of honour. A memorandum on ‘Student Education System’ will be submitted to the Education Minister through the chief guests.