Pics: Stanley Bantwal
Mangaluru, Jan.22, 2017: The First ever National Catholic Youth Peace rally was held in heart of the city. J.R Lobo, MLA Mangaluru South Constituency, Ivan D’Souza, MLC & Chief Whip of Legislative Council Govt of Karnataka released the pigeons and declared the peace rally open. Most Rev. Bernard Moras, Archbishop of Bengaluru Flagged off the Rally which started off from Rosario Cathedral and concluded at St Aloysius college grounds.
Justice Kurian Joseph hon’ble Judge, Supreme Court of India Chief guest of the Concluding ceremony of X National youth convention. in his valedictory note he enlighted the youths on the constitutional rights that every citizen of India has and said “First I was born as Indian, then I was born as a Catholic Christian. So all Christians are first Indians then We are Christians. We not only have the Constitutional rights but also have the Duty to follow the Constitution. He called upon the youth to wake up and participate in nation building, and to establish the kingdom of God on earth. He admonished the youth to be responsible citizens and also to be a Change.
In his Presidential address Archbishop Bernard Moras said ‘we have fundamental right to profess our faith and no one can take it away from us’. He gave a call to the youths to be United and fight for Justice by upholding Christian Values.
Bishop of Mangalore Diocese Most Rev Aloysius Paul D’Souza advised the youth to follow the way of Jesus. he said “Bear the torch of the Christ, in your own region and let it shine not only the light but by your life with the good Values”.
Mr J R Lobo congratulated the Youngsters for the disciplined rally. He reminded the youths especially the men to take active part in church as well as civil activities. He gave a call to the church leaders to establish centres to give high quality training to train youths of our community.
Mr Oscar Fernandes Member of Rajya Sabha welcomed the delegates to Mangaluru which is popularly Known as Rome of the east. “There is no difference in serving God and Serving the nation it goes in hand in hand. Youths should make use of all the opportunities they get in their life to serve the humanity” he said.
Mr Ivan D’Souza thanked the ICYM for molding his personality to be a leader today. He advised the youngsters to join the civil service more and more.
During the concluding Holy Eucharist H. E. Oswald Cardinal Gracious is his homily called upon the youths to follow Jesus. “Each one of us can have personal relationship with Jesus. Each one of us can meet Jesus. Following the teachings of Christ will help you to walk his way. Transform the society and bring a change by following Jesus’ he Said.
Fr Ronald Veigas, Presented the final Statement of National youth Convention.
CBCI Youth Council President and Bishop of Bellari Henry D’Souza, Bishop of Udupi Gerald Isaac Lobo, Bishop of Belthangady Lawrence Mukkzhy, Bishop of Karwar Derick Feranandes, Bishop of Belgaum Peter Machado , Bishop of Marthandum Vincent Paulos,Msgr Denis Moras Prabhu, Vicar General of Mangaluru Diocese. Fr Deepak Thomas ICYM National Director, Fr Mari Joseph, Karnataka Regional Youth director, Fr Ronald Prakash D’Souza, Mangalore Diocese Youth director, ICYM National Executive and others were present.
