National level

XIth UP ICYM Regional Convention
Place: St. Mary’s School Bijanor
Date: October 5th to 8th 2010
Theme: Transformed by Faith- Transforming the World
Participants: UP Region Eleven Dioceses; Agra, Jaipur, Meerut, Gorakpur, Alahabad, Ajmir, Bareli, Bijanor, Zhansi, Luknow and Varanasi

Oct. 5, Bijanor (UP Region): XIth ICYM UP Regional convention began at Bijanor. 370 young people from 11Dioceses of UP Region were present. Most Rev. John Vadakkel Bishop of Bijanor, together with Most Rev. Oswald J. Lewis; Chairman of UP Regional Youth Commission and Bishop of Jaipur, Fr Franklin Phillip the National Youth Director of ICYM, Fr. Ashok Masih RYD of UP Region Offered the inaugural Holy Eucharist. In his Homily he narrated the incident of Zachaeus and connected it to youth life. Invited youth to commit their lives to the Lord in turn they can become change makers in the society.

After the Holy Eucharist the Official Inaugural function was held in the St. Mary’s School auditorium. Most Rev. John Vadakkel Bishop of Bijanor, Most Rev. Oswald J. Lewis; Chairman of UP Regional Youth Commission, Fr Franklin Phillip D’Souza the National Youth Director of ICYM, Fr. Ashok Masih RYD of UP Region, Sr. Benigna RYLA, Fr. Jose Alukal- Parish Priest , Fr. Gince K - DYD, Sr. Arpita- Superior, Mr. Alvin Regional Youth President were the dignitaries.

After the prayer dance, there was a solemn procession with flags by the 11 diocesan ICYM Youth presidents. Lucknow Youth Delegates performed and thought the theme song. After the lighting of the lamp by dignitaries, Fr. Gince K, Bijanor DYD officially welcomed the dignitaries; floral bouquet was offered to the guests.

Classical dance was presented by St. Mary’s School. Most Rev. John Vadakkel in his blessing message invited youth to reflect the theme of the convention and adopt change in life. In turn he invited them to contribute positively to the personal growth as well as in the family and in Society. Then the deaf and dumb children of Ashadeep presented heart touching two presentation of present scenario of the young people in the world.

Key note address was delivered by Executive Secretary CBCI Office for Youth as well as ICYM National Youth Director Fr Franklin Phillip D’Souza. In his vibrant speech he asked youth to take up the challenges of modern society in a positive way. He admonished the youth that you have that power which is given by Lord Jesus himself. Remove the inferiority complex from you and take up the challenge like Mother Theresa, Nelson Mandela, Mahatma Gandhi, Anna Hazare, Rise and Shine in the society. You have energy and power generate it before you go away from this world. He conducted a short prayer for the Young people.

In his presidential address UP ICYM Chairman Bishop Most Rev. Oswald F. Lewis Bishop of Jaipur made known the importance of the convention. He narrated a beautiful story and concluded that “Set the Man Right; then World will be Alright”. The Convention theme itself helps us to set us right. We should become light as well as salt of the world. Witness Jesus and world/people will recognize you. If our faith is strong we are able to do impossible things. Build up your leadership upon the Lord Jesus’ teaching. He also congratulated all the directors and lady animators. He specially appreciated the hard work of Fr. Ashok Masih RYD and Sr. Benigna RYLA.

Vote of thanks proposed by RYP Mr. Alvin