Indian Catholic Youth Movement Mangalore Diocese in collaboration with Federation of Konkani Catholic Association hosted “ You Connect ” in view of gathering the migrated catholic youths of Mangalore Diocese in Bangalore on Sunday, 23rd June 2019 at St. Joseph’s Indian High School Campus (Picardo Hall). The programme aimed at to know, to understand, to care, to connect with each other and to support the youth to connect with FKCA.

The programme commenced with a prayer song. Jaison Leroy Periera – Diocesan Youth President, ICYM Mangalore Diocese welcomed the guests and the gathering. V. Rev. Msgr. Maxim Lawrence Noronha - Vicar General, Mangalore Diocese presided and inaugurated the programme by lighting the lamp along with the Chief Guest Rev. Fr Jerome Stanislaus Dsouza SJ - Provincial, Karnataka Jesuit Province, Rev. Fr Leo Pereira SJ – Rector, St. Joseph’s Indian Institutions, Rev. Fr Faustine Lobo – Coordinator, Commission KRPPC; PRO – KRCBC and Spiritual Director - FKCA, Rev. Fr Lourdu Raj – Director, Karnataka Regional Youth Commission, Ms. Seema Buthello – Actress, Yuvaspoorthi Rev. Fr. Ronald Prakash Dsouza – Director and Rev. Fr Ashwin Lohith Cardoza – Designated Director, ICYM Mangalore Diocese, Edward Dsouza – Chairman and Lawrence Saldanha – Secretary, FKCA, Jaison Leroy Periera – Diocesan Youth President, ICYM Mangalore Diocese.

During the occasion, Edward Dsouza – Chairman, FKCA addressed the gathering and thanked ICYM Mangalore Diocese for hosting the programme in collaboration with FKCA. He briefed out about the history of FKCA, How FKCA can help in career development and to revive Konkani culture.

Rev. Fr Leo Pereira SJ congratulated and thanked ICYM and FKCA for hosting the programme at St. Joseph’s Indian High School Campus (Picardo Hall).

Chief Guest Rev. Fr Jerome Stanislaus Dsouza delivered his message by saying Youth Age is a Golden Age, How energy of youths gives life to the society as well in the community and How important is channelizing the energy of youths.

Rev. Fr Lourdu Raj in his address said Unity is the greatest strength of any voluntary organization which says to be united and grow towards successful life.

Ms. Seema Buthello shared her life experience and insisted the youths to stay united and stay connected to each other.

V. Rev. Msgr. Maxim Lawrence Noronha congratulated ICYM and FKCA for organizing the programme and addressed the gathering about the participation of youth for the Year of Youth in Mangalore Diocese as well spoke about SYNOD – 2018 and applauded the efforts of ICYM. At the end he said we are lucky to have a growing community in Bangalore.

Most Rev. Dr Peter Paul Saldanha – Bishop of Diocese of Mangalore congratulated and wished all the best to ICYM and FKCA for hosting You connect in Bangalore through a recorded video message which was played during the occasion. Yuvaspoorthi Rev. Fr Ronald Prakash Dsouza rendered the vote of thanks and Rayan Miranda Neermarga compered the inaugural programme.

Rev. Fr Faustine Lobo in his keynote address said the main intention of You connect was to gather the youths but similarly even to show the problems faced by Konkani Catholic Youths in Bangalore.

The youths were enthralled with the ice breaker session followed by a panel discussion on the theme “ Youth and Challenges ” by Rev. Fr Faustine Lobo as Moderator, Jovita Dsouza, Charles Gomes and Victor Edward Dsouza were the panelists for the discussion.

During the occasion, Most Rev. Dr. Bernard Moras – Archbishop Emeritus, Bangalore celebrated the Holy Eucharistic celebration. Archbishop Emeritus in his sermon spoke about christus vivit and also said youth are the pillars of society so all the youths need to stay united and connected to glorify the almighty, to make our community strong and to work for the church.

Most Rev. Dr. Peter Machado – Archbishop of Bangalore had paid a visit to the programme. In his address he congratulated and wished luck to ICYM and FKCA for hosting You connect in Bangalore with an intention to gather and to connect with the migrated youths of Mangalore Diocese.

After the post lunch session, the youths took part in group discussion / activities, the youth groups interacted with FKCA Chairman and gave their feedback on how FKCA can work towards youth development. Many youths shared their life experiences. The local organizers were honoured with a memento and the programme concluded with a mass baila. A total of 270 youths participated in the programme. It was a memorable day and a day to cherish.