Youth Ministry News

Davanagere, February 23, 2025: Youth Commission of Diocese of Shimoga 'Yuvamitra', organized enlivening program for the ICYM and YCS/YSM leaders at Don Bosco, Davangere on February 22 and 23, 2025.

The program commenced on February 22, 2025, at 3:00 p.m., with the participants' arrival. Fr. Franklin D'Souza, Diocesan Youth Director, and Sr. Tresa Lidya BS, Lady Animator, served as resource persons. At 4:303p.m., Fr. Franklin D'Souza and Fr. Regi SDB, superior of the Don Bosco community, addressed the gathering. Fr. Regi SDB then presented a lecture on the Don Bosco community's longstanding child shelter services in Davangere, educating youth leaders on the Juvenile Justice Act (JJA), the roles of the Child Welfare Committee (CWC) and Juvenile Justice Board (JJB), the Child Safety Net (CSN), and Education to Cultivate Organically (ECO).

At 5:30 p.m., Fr. Franklin D'Souza facilitated a session titled "Revealing Oneself to Jesus." Participants documented both positive and negative attributes, sealing them for private reflection. The subsequent sharing proved highly inspirational. At 6:30 p.m., Fr. D'Souza conducted a session on self-esteem, incorporating an assessment to gauge participants' levels. He concluded by addressing strategies for overcoming self-esteem challenges in leadership roles.

Following dinner at 9:00 p.m., Fr. Franklin D'Souza led the inner healing adoration. Sealed envelopes were submitted during the adoration. After a brief preparation for confession, participants made their confessions. Fr. Regi SDB assisted participants in the confessional.

On February 23rd, at 7:00 a.m., Fr. Franklin D'Souza led a meditation session focused on the relational approach of Jesus.

At 8:15 a.m., participants joined parishioners for the Rosary, followed at 8:30 a.m., by the celebration of Holy Eucharist for the Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time, presided over by Fr. Franklin D'Souza. His homily focused on divine mercy and love, drawing from the day's readings. The service concluded with a special Eucharistic adoration for the well-being of His Holiness, Pope Francis, and healing prayers led by Fr. D'Souza.

Following breakfast, participants convened at 10:45 a.m., in the hall. Sr. Tresa Lidiya BS conducted a session on personality development. At 12:00 p.m., Fr. Franklin D'Souza facilitated a leadership and accountability activity, emphasizing a "win-as-much-as-you-can" approach and the importance of a win-win paradigm for inclusive leadership. At 1:00 p.m., participants evaluated the program, reporting that it fostered inner strength and aided in rediscovering their identities as Christian leaders. Fr. Franklin D'Souza concluded with a prayer, followed by a vote of thanks from YCS/YSM President Alwyn.

In attendance were: Mr. Suhas Martin (ICYM DEXCO President), Ms. Sowmya (Vice President), Ms. Lenny D'Sa (Secretary), Ms. Sneha M (Girl Representative), and Ms. Beena Farias (Liturgy Incharge), along with Alwyn (YCS/YSM DTS President) and Priya M (Secretary).

The program concluded with lunch at 1:45 p.m.