Bangalore Diocese

Report of ICYM - Youth, YCS / YSM commissions July 2011

_{Report: Rev. Fr. Divya Paul, Director-Yuva Chethana, Archdiocesan Youth Commission
Bangalore Diocese, Sep. 22}

Youth Mass-Stations of the Cross Sunday April 3, 2011
ICYM collaborated with O. L. L’s Church Youth setting the stage for a Youth Celebration of Christ’s Passion, walking up the Hillock in Whitefield, reflecting on the way of the Cross. The reflections on the stations were offered by Fr. Divya Paul.

Night Vigil – St. Patrick’s Church Youth and ICYM Saturday, April 9, 2011
About 300 participants many youth together with ICP, Hossanna Youth and ICYM joined in a vigil of prayer and reflection. Concluded the day with a concelebrated High Mass by the Archbishop.

Pastoral Care for the Youth Training, Aseervad May 4-5, 2011
Fr. Divya Paul on behalf of ICYM and the Archdiocesan Youth Commission was resource person for a training program of Youth Workers from across the country. The program was organized by the Jesuits at Aseervad, and there were 20 participants.

Chaplains and Animators Training CBCI Youth Commission June 6, 2011
Fr. Divya Paul was resource person for the Training of Chaplains and Animators from all over the country for Youth Ministry. This is an annual feature organized by the Youth Commission of CBCI. There were 40 participants.

Reach Out 2009 - Inter-Parish Cultural fest
On Nov 21st and 22nd cultural competitions were held at Montfort college campus. 47 Parish teams competed for honours in Rangoli, Collage, Bible Quiz, Western and Indian Music, Biblical Choreography and Free Style Dance. It was a festival of Colour and enormous talent. Well India has talent….but our Youth have it big time too.

Regional Youth Consultation – Kross, Sunday June 26, 2011
The Regional Youth Commission called for a consultation on Youth Ministry, Fr. Divya Paul, and 11 Youth representatives from the Archdiocese attended the meeting with Bishop Henry D’Souza and 50 other Youth Directors and Youth from the region. Issues pertaining to Regional Youth Day and World Youth Day were discussed.

Archdiocesan Youth Convention, Rise and Shine, Sunday July 17, 2011
The Indian Catholic Youth Movement, Bangalore organized Rise and Shine for a Better World, a one day Youth Convention at the Palace Grounds in Bangalore on July 17th 2011. A mammoth congregation of 6000 plus youth danced sang, prayed and swayed to the glorious sounds of music and promised to Rise and Shine to make this world and their Church a better place for all.

The message from the eminent speakers of the day was clear…“We are Christians, and we are proud of it.” The Guest of honour at the Inauguration Mr. Ronald Colaca said “We Christians have the right to live with dignity and pride,” and he added “do not be afraid to fight for it. Be united even as the world tries to divide you, in the name of religion, language, cast, colour and creed.” The Archbishop of Bangalore, Most Reverend Dr Bernard Moras, who honoured the convention with his presence the entire day, said that this was the time for youth to rise above all pettiness and evils, to stand tall and shine forth.” The Governor of Karnataka, HR Bharadwaj reminded that youth, in modern India, had a great responsibility of not only contributing to the development of the country, but also ensuring that the freedom and unity that our forefathers fought for were not disrespected and discarded in selfish politics that could destroy us. In order to do this, he reminded the leaders of the church and society that it was important to guide the youth and ensure that they were in the right track. “It is our responsibility to make sure that our youth are properly guided, because the future of society lies in their hands,” he said, adding that conventions such as this will go a long way in doing do.

In conversation with the youth who attended the day, it was obvious that they returned feeling fulfilled...Santhosh from Bangalore said “It is the great day for me. It is a wonderful Programme.” Sobin Paul, added, Bangalore “The skit ‘My first Love’ performed by MYM (migrant youth mission) has really touched me. Thanks you ICYM for investing in today’s youth for a better future..God bless.” John Leo voiced his friends thoughts, “A wonderful day for the youth..! Good going ICYM!!!” Dovin Fernandez put it beautifully “…one of the most exuberant and spirit filled convention .......God makes his plans perfect through us.”

The entire day with numerous talks, themed dances, skits, choreographies, singing and dancing made it a hip shaking, soul searching and enlightening day for all youth that attended….they returned home proud to be an Indian Catholic Youth. The Archdiocesan Youth Commission thanks all sponsors and donors who made this day possible.

ICYM Elections 2011-August 19, 2011-Montfort College
ICYM Bangalore Organized the Election for its office bearers on Sunday September 19th 2011 at 3:00 pm. The programme started with a praise and Worship led by the ICYM Team for half hour, and after the guidelines were presented by Fr., Divya Paul the Archdiocesan Youth Director, three independent observers conducted the elections. They were Rev. Fr. John Mathew CSsR, Rev. Sr. Jessy and Mr. Cyril Davis. 24 parishes sent 4 representatives with voting rights to elect the ICYM Leadership Team. Those elected were