Udupi: Three days Karnataka Regional YCS/YSM Convention inaugurated at St. Mary’s English Medium School, Kannarpady, Udupi with the theme of Students’ Educational in Modern Era on Sunday, 18th October, 2015 which was organized by KRCBC – Youth Commission and hosted by Diocese of Udupi.

Prior to the inauguration, Most Rev Dr. Aloysius Paul D’Souza, Bishop of Mangalore Diocese was warmly accorded welcome at the entrance of the gate and proceeded towards the convention site with melodious brass band of YCS/YSM Shankerpura unit. The Eucharistic mass concelebrated by Bishop Dr. Aloysius Paul D’Souza with 17 priests including Msgr. Baptist Menezes Vicar General of Udupi Diocese, Rev Fr. Charles Menezes Director International YCS, France, Rev Fr. Deepak Thomas National Youth Director New Delhi, Very Rev Fr. Fredrick Mascarenhas Dean of Udupi Deanery, Rev Fr. Mari Joseph, YCS/YSM Regional Director, Bangalore,Rev Fr. Edwin D’Souza Director of Youths, Udupi Diocese, Rev Fr. Denis D’Sa PRO of Udupi Diocese and others.

During his homily, Msgr. Baptist Menezes thanked God that now in the modern era we have plenty of opportunities. Youth should make use of the opportunities and should discover the light in life.

After mass, Bishop Dr. Aloysius Paul D’Souza was felicitated by Msgr. Baptist Menezes. Bishop said that students should concentrate education in developmental sense in modern era. Education should not be selfishness. We should be useful for others with the help of modern education. Students should form themselves and transform the better leader in the society. He called students to spend education usefully as well.

After Eucharistic celebrations, the YCS/YSM flag was hoisted by Very Rev. Fr. Fredrick Mascarenhas, Dean of Udupi Deanery and Correspondent of host St. Mary’s English Schools.

Inter religious prayer service was held after the flag hoisting ceremony followed by stage programme. His Lordshop, Most Rev Dr. Gerald Isaac Lobo Bishop of Udupi Diocese presided.

Msgr. Dr. Baptist Menezes, Rev Fr. Charles Menezes, Rev Fr. Deepak Thomas, Rev Fr. Edwon D’Souza, Rev Fr. Mari Joseph, Mrs. Veronica Cornelio President of KSDL, Government of Karnataka, Rev Sr. Trasilda AC, President of CRI, Udupi Diocese, Very Rev Fr. Fredrick Mascarenhas, Rev Fr. Edwin D’Souza, Rev Fr. Denis D’Sa, Miss. Hazel Martis President of YCS/YSM Karnataka Region, Ms. Priyanka Noronha President of YCS Udupi Diocese, Sudharshana Nayak President of YSM, Udupi Diocese, animators and others were present on the dais.

The inaugural programme started with an invocation with welcome dance. Ms. Hazel Martis welcomed the gathering. Bishop Gerald Isaac Lobo inaugurated the convention in a unique way by switching lights on the tree.

During the occasion, 48th birthday of Rev Fr. Charles Menezes was celebrated by cutting the birthday cake along with his mother. Later, Fr. Charles Menezes spoke during the occasion and said India is the largest members in YCS/YSM after Nizeria of Africa. He clarified the theme of the convention, Students’ Education in Modern Era.

Rev Fr. Deepak and Mrs. Veronica Cornelio spoke during the occasion and wished the convention to be success.

Ms. Pearl Lopes of Shivmoga Secretary proposed vote of thanks. Around 600 YCS/YSM members participated during the inaugural programmes.

There will be documentations, group discussions and various sessions to be held during three days of convention. On 20th October, brahat rally for students’ Rights will be held at 9.30am which will be inaugurated by K. Annamalai SP of Udupi district. During the concluding session, Most Rev Dr. Bernard Moras Achbishop of Bangaluru, Vinaya Kumar Sorake, Pramod Madwaraj, Most Rev Dr. Henry D’Souza Bishop and Chairman KRCBC-Youth Commission and others will participate.