Mangalore, 21 September 2025,
The Commission for Women and the Commission for Youth of the Mangalore Diocese hosted the vibrant Blooms’ Jubilee 2025 at Cascia Church Hall, Mangalore. This grand gathering, held on a bright Sunday, became a true celebration of talent, leadership, and youth empowerment, bringing together visionaries, achievers and change-makers from across the diocese.
The inaugural programme opened with a soulful prayer rendered by the Cascia Choir Group, after which the dignitaries lit the traditional lamp, symbolising purity, wisdom and divine presence. The ceremony was graced by Ms Viola Reshma Lewis, Chief Guest of the day; Rev. Fr Melwyn Pinto SJ, Rector of St Aloysius Institutions and Spiritual Director of the Commission for Women; Rev. Fr Ashwin Cardoza, Director of the Regional Commission for Youth; Rev. Fr Naveen Pinto, Coordinator of All Commissions in the Diocese of Mangalore; together with the DEXCO members of YCS and ICYM.
The contributions of youth leaders were specially recognised, with Amica Frank, National Executive Committee Member of YCS & YSM India, and Venus Wilfred Lewis, Regional Treasurer of YCS, being honoured for their exemplary leadership at the national and regional levels. Other DEXCO members of YCS – Joslyn Rashmi Dsouza, Sweedal Angelica Dsouza, Aashna Jewel Dsouza, Jennen Crasta and Cristal Vinisha Lopez – as well as the ICYM DEXCO members Maria Dsilva, Ashintha Montheiro, Suzanna Ferrao and Muriel Mascarenhas, were lauded for their dedication and service.
A warm welcome was extended by Mrs Anita Frank, Secretary of the Commission for Women, followed by an inspiring address from the Chief Guest, Ms Viola Reshma Lewis, who encouraged young girls to bloom fearlessly like flowers, spreading fragrance in society through courage, resilience and determination. Rev. Fr Melwyn Pinto SJ, in his powerful message, underlined that the empowerment of girls is not a privilege but a right, deeply rooted in human dignity and equality. He reminded the gathering that when women are empowered, entire families and communities flourish. He urged the youth to overcome fear and self-doubt, stressing that leadership is not about authority but about service, compassion and courage in action. He challenged young people to dream beyond limitations, assuring them that with faith and perseverance, obstacles could be transformed into stepping stones of greatness. Rev. Fr Ashwin Cardoza, in his vote of thanks, expressed heartfelt gratitude to all dignitaries, guests and participants. The day was further sanctified with a Eucharistic Celebration celebrated by Rev. Fr Ashwin Cardoza, which enriched the event with spiritual depth and reminded all present of the values of faith, service and unity.
The programme also offered a series of educational and motivational sessions designed to inform and empower. Dr Wilma Meera Dsouza, Vice Principal of Fr Muller’s Homoeopathic Medical College and Head of the OBG Department, spoke on health and hygiene; Rev. Fr Naveen Pinto, Coordinator of all Commissions, shared insights on Canon Law; Advocate Ashwini Dsouza led an engaging session on cybercrime and social media awareness; and Dr Sr Severine Menezes presented an uplifting session titled You Are Precious, emphasising the importance of self-worth. Each of these sessions, introduced respectively by Mrs Mercy Menezes, Mrs Linet Castelino, Mrs Flany Dsouza and Mrs Usha Fernandes, provided valuable knowledge and encouragement to participants.
The valedictory ceremony brought the celebrations to a close on a note of pride and admiration as Ms Remona was honoured for her extraordinary achievement of completing 170 hours of dedicated Bharatanatyam dance, which earned her a place in the Golden Book of World Records. Her achievements were introduced with warmth and appreciation by Mrs Anita Lobo.
Throughout the day, the event was seamlessly guided by Mrs Jeshma Dsouza, who compered with grace, warmth and creativity, ensuring a lively and engaging atmosphere. Blooms’ Jubilee 2025 thus stood not merely as a programme, but as a movement that celebrated talent, nurtured leadership, and affirmed the dignity and empowerment of young women. It left an indelible impression of inspiration, hope and unity on all who were present at Cascia Church Hall on this memorable day
