ICYM Pentecost as well as Cross feast 2014 - A Pilgrimage and mission experience at Yuvagram from 26th April to May 4th, 2014 was organised by the CBCI Office for Youth – ICYM. Fr. Charles Menezes YCS/YSM National Chaplain and Fr. Franklin D’Souza ICYM National Director led the program. From the five regions 14 youth attended the program. On 26th April, the youth reached Yuva Gram at 5:30pm along with Rev. Fr. Charles Menezes, National Director of YCS/YSM and Mr. Praveen D’souza. Thereafter, everybody participated in the Way of the Cross and Holy Eucharist. Then, a small introduction about the program was given by Fr. Charles and then the youth were divided into 4 groups and each group was entrusted with their duties.
27th April 2014 – “INAUGRAL DAY”; the day started with the Morning Prayer at 6:30am led by Fr. Charles, followed by breakfast. At 9:00am, the program was officially inaugurated by Rev. Fr. Matthew PSDP, Parish Priest of Holy Family Church, Padrithana, in the presence of Fr. Charles and PSDP Sisters. During his speech he reminded that the youth are the strength of the church being the candle to spread the real light. Ms. Mary Jemcy, Gen. Secretary of ICYM welcomed all. Mr. James D’Souza ICYM National Treasurer gave a small introduction about the programme. Mr. Suresh Rao the ICYM National President gave vote of thanks. After the inauguration, Fr. Charles gave a session on YCS/YSM, which was continued also after the break. Evening all participated the way of the cross and holy Eucharist. After the dinner group dynamics were conducted.
From 28th to May 4th 6.30 to 8.00 am Prayer, meditation and Rosary also field work was organised. From 9am to 1pm various interactive sessions were conducted by Fr. Franklin D’Souza and Fr. Charles Menezes. Everyone shared their God experience which enriched one another. Every day afternoon participants helped the parish in Way of the Cross as well as in the Holy Eucharist. Village visit was organised to know the village reality of the people of Padrithana. Evaluation was conducted every day night. On May 4th at 10am His Excellency Most Rev. Abraham Virathukulangara, Archbishop of Nagpur offered festal Mass. Then there was way of the Cross. People attended in large numbers. At 1pm Fr. Jerome D’Souza Vicar General of Archdiocese of Nagpur offered Holy Mass. Fr. Franklin D’Souza thanked Fr. Mathew for all his love towards National Youth Mission. May 4th evening every one left back to their respective regions.
Reported by: Ms. Mary Jemcy, General; Secretary ICYM
Photographs by: Mr. Praveen D’Souza, Web Manager - ICYM