Mangalore Diocese News

By Sharvin Dsouza

Mangaluru, July 1 : The Indian Catholic Youth Movement (ICYM), Diocese of Mangalore, successfully hosted a dynamic and inspiring leadership training program titled PYSTAR 2025 – "Igniting the Leader in You" on Sunday, June 29, 2025, at Lourdes Central School, Bejai.

Inaugural Ceremony

The day commenced with a heartfelt prayer service led by Dr. Joyston Dsouza ,Joint Secretary ICYM Mangalore Diocese and team. Mr. Winston Joel Sequeira, President of ICYM Mangalore Diocese, extended a warm welcome to the gathering. The program was then officially inaugurated, followed by an insightful address by Rev. Fr. Johnson Sequeira Principal Lourdes Central School, Bejai who motivated the youth by highlighting the inspiring life of St. Carlo Acutis as a role model for leadership and holiness.

The stage program concluded with a vote of thanks by Ms. Ashlin Avita D'Souza, Secretary of ICYM Mangalore Diocese. The inaugural session was compered by Avit Premson Lobo, the Red Drop Coordinator. Distinguished guests included Rev. Fr. Ashwin Lohith Cardoza, Director of ICYM Mangalore Diocese; Rev. Fr. Norman Mathayas, Assistant Parish Priest of Bejai Church; and Rev. Fr. Praveen D'Souza, the newly designated Director of ICYM Mangalore Diocese.

Leadership Training Sessions

Leadership training sessions were conducted by esteemed resource persons for various office bearers:

• Presidents: Rev. Fr. Stany Pinto
• Treasurers: Mr. Anil Rupesh D'Souza
• Secretaries, PROs, and Amcho Yuvak Representatives: Mr. Vincent Mascarenhas
• YouCat Session: Rev. Fr. Vijay Machado
• Red Drop Representatives: Mr. Brendon Cutinha

Holy Eucharist Celebration

A solemn Holy Eucharistic celebration was held with Rev. Fr. Praveen D'Souza, the newly designated Director of ICYM Mangalore Diocese, as the main celebrant, concelebrated by Rev. Fr. Ashwin Lohith Cardoza.

Afternoon Activities and Valedictory Ceremony

After lunch, an engaging ice-breaking session, activities and action song was led by Jaison D'Souza, Regional Representative and Nihan Siqueira, Vice President ICYM Mangalore Diocese . The valedictory ceremony began with a prayer led by the Central Council members, followed by a welcome address from Mr. Winston Joel Sequeira.

As part of the 2025th Jubilee of the birth of Jesus Christ celebrations, ICYM Mangalore Diocese inaugurated two prestigious awards:

• St. Gonzalo Garcia Award for the Best Unit
• St. Carlo Acutis Award for the Best Deanery

These awards were unveiled by the dignitaries on the dais.

Special Felicitations and Logo Launches

The DEXCO members and guests honored Rev. Fr. Ashwin Lohith Cardoza on the occasion of his 10th Ordination Anniversary and for his outstanding service to ICYM.

The Red Drop Website Logo and the Amcho Yuvak E-Magazine Logo were officially launched by Most Rev. Dr. Peter Paul Saldanha, Bishop of Mangalore and Chairman of the Youth Commission. The concepts behind the logos were presented by Avit Premson Lobo and Elvin Prashanth D'Cunha Editor of Amso Yuvak Mangalore Diocese, respectively.

A significant moment in regional youth collaboration was marked by the ceremonial handover of the KRYC Cross to the Kasargod Deanery.

Most Rev. Dr. Peter Paul Saldanha addressed the youth with an encouraging message, emphasizing the importance of being socially responsible, courageous in faith, and committed to building a just and moral society.

Closing Moments

Rev. Fr. Ashwin Lohith Cardoza expressed his gratitude by felicitating Winston Joel Sequeira and Ashlin Avita D'Souza for their unwavering dedication as on behalf of DEXCO and Council representatives. The final vote of thanks was once again delivered by Ashlin Avita D'Souza.

The event concluded gracefully, with Suzannha Ferrao Episcopal City Deanery President compered valedictory session.

The ICYM members are grateful to Fr. JB Saldanha, the Parish Priest of Bejai Church and Fr. Johnson Sequeira.