Mangalore Diocese News

CT News

Mangaluru, Feb 7 : Saints are always close to our hearts. These were common men and women who took birth in this world and lived their lives with the sole mission to witness the Lord and his works of love. They are people who made their dwelling in Christ and in whom Christ dwells.

St. Gonsalo Garcia is the patron saint of the ICYM movement. He was a lay brother of the Franciscan order, from Portuguese territory Bassein in early India. He died a Christian Martyr in Japan in the 16th Century. In memory of St Gonsalo Garcia’s martyrdom, ICYM celebrates the patron's day on 7th February throughout India. The Indian Catholic Youth Movement of the Diocese of Mangalore celebrated Patron's day on 6th February by taking part in the Novena seeking the intercession of St Gonsalo Garcia. The members of ICYM central council took part in the novena at the ICYM Office, Olivet House, Jeppu at 4.00pm. All the members took part in Novena faithfully and sought blessings, grace and good health for every youth in India.

A museum visit was also scheduled at the later part of this day. Rev. Fr Ashwin Lohith Cardoza, the Director, along with the President Jaison Crasta, General Secretary Vishma D'Cunha and other executive committee members and council members visited the Jeppu seminary Museum at 4.30pm. Rev. Dr Ronald Serrao, Rector of St.Joseph Seminary, Jeppu gave a warm welcome to all the members gathered and briefly explained about various articles displayed in the Museum. He also gave us in-depth information on various portraits displayed, such as Rublev's Icon of the Holy Spirit drawn in the year 1410 A.D., Blessed Devashahayam Pillai, the first Indian Martyr etc. He also enlightened them about various liturgical instruments used at Holy Eucharistic Celebration, the Bibles of different languages and the statues of various saints and Altars used in some Christian Communities preserved and collected at the Museum.

The General Secretary Vishma D'Cunha proposed a vote of thanks to everyone gathered on this occasion.