ICYM National Meet successfully concludes at DCC - Mulki, Mangalore
-Report By : National ICYM Office and Regional ICYM office
Mulki, Nov. 11 - 2009 : "Youth for nation building will be creative when they know the reality", said Archbishop Leo Cornelius, chairman of CBCI commission for youth, inaugurating the 3rd National extraordinary meeting of Indian Catholic Youth Movement at Divine Call Centre- Mulki, 30 kms from Mangalore on 5th Nov 2009. The "ICYM - National Youth Conference," on the topic, "Youth in Emerging India," was held from 5th to 8th November, 2009.
The meeting got off to a colorful start with flag hoisting and inaugural Mass. Over 500 youth and directors from 13 regions, 140 dioceses participated in the meeting.
The Archbishop Archbishop Leo Cornelius said "Being part of local church, the youth must broaden their horizon to be part of universal church. It is not their normal duties that we accomplish day to day is enough but something more than ordinary must be done. Youth must sacrifice for greater cause. It is a challenge to make sacrifices, to give time for the betterment of the whole movement.
The prelate also added that "Relationship with God makes us grow stronger and makes a difference as Christian youth..."
The prelate commended the ICYM and said "a lot of developments have taken place through ICYM and have become members of many International movements.
Bishop Vincent Samuel said "There is hope and anxiety of people around us and all over the world. It is up to the youth to take up the mission and establish the kingdom of God and to bring peace and harmony.
Bishop Oswald Lewis, Bishop of Jaipur and chairman for youth in UP Region, said quoting from John Powell's Book Through the seasons of Year, "when God creates Human being, God also creates a song to sing , a message to deliver and an act of love to perform".
The prelate from Jaipur said "God has a plan for each and every one of us and gives us a song to sing and a message to deliver." He urged the youth "not to shirk their responsibility instead should deliver".
Rev. Sister Jyoti, Superior General of Bethany congregation in her keynote address said "Life is a series of choices, when you are at crossroad, take the road less travelled, make a difference for the church and the motherland and as youth you all have the power to change".
Mr Ivan D'Souza, former ICYM President of Mangalore Diocese and a lawyer fondly remembered his days as Diocesan Youth President and owed his achievements to the ICYM as a nursery that has nurtured him to scale new heights.
The students from Aloysius College, Mangalore staged a skit. A palm impression campaign on the handkerchiefs and signature campaign was undertaken to be displayed at next CBCI plenary meeting.
Father Alwyn D'Souza, National Director for ICYM in his welcome address said "Our presence here is to prepare an agenda for the next CBCI Bishops plenary commission to be held next year February-March. CBCI has chosen the theme "Youth for peace and Harmony".
Father Alwyn also added "we need to evolve a roadmap for the youth of India, as Christian youth we got to make an impact on the bulging youth population."