Karwar Diocese

Report of the Journey of National Youth in the Diocese of Karwar (From 28th Aug 2016 to 17th Sept 2016)

The National Youth Cross was received from the Diocese of Belgaum with lot of enthusiasm and vigour by the Karwar Diocesan DEXCO. The Journey of the National Youth Cross started on 29th Aug 2016 from the Cathedral and ended on 17th Sept 2016 at Honnavar. The Youth Cross was taken with lot of Faith and reverence to all the seven deaneries of the Diocese on the following days:

• 28th Aug 2016 Receiving the Youth Cross from Diocese of Belgaum.
• 29th to 31st Aug 2016 Kone & Kajubag Deanery.
• 01st to 04th Sept 2016 Haliyal Deanery
• 05th to 07th Sept 2016 Sirsi Deanery
• 08th to 11th Sept 2016 Kumta Deanery
• 12th to 14th Sept 2016 Bhatkal Deanery
• 15th to 17th Sept 2016 Honnavar Deanery
• 17th Sept 2016 Handing over of the Cross to the Diocese of Shimoga.

The deaneries were divided into zones and the Youth of each zone planned a Youth Cross Programme and executed their plan in a grand manner. A few activities which were carried out in each Zones/deaneries are as follows:

• Processions
• Holy Eucharist
• Taize Prayer
• Bike Rallies
• Visiting the sick with the Youth Cross
• Talks
• Distribution of free Books to deserved students
• Felicitation to those who have excelled in the field of Education
• Whole day/Half day Prayer and input session
• Word of God Celebration
• Veneration of the Cross.
• Skits
• Public demonstration of Faith.

The Youth in particular and the people at large has a vivid experience of the National Youth Cross. They found it to be miraculous because of the prayers it answered and the wonders it did in their life. The people of other faith visited the church and venerated the Cross. The Cross could reach almost 10,000 people of our diocese in 20 days time.

A grand closing ceremony on Sept 17th 2016 of the journey of the cross was planned and executed. We were blessed with the presence of Rt. Rev. Dr. Derek Fernendes, Bishop of Karwar, Rev.Fr.Deepak Thomas, National Youth Director, Rev. Fr. Mari Joseph, Regional Youth director for the closing ceremony which was attended by almost 2000 participants. The closing ceremony began with a solemn entry of the National Youth Cross among the audience by our Bishop. After a brief welcome speech by Prajwal, Diocesan Youth President, the dignitaries lit the lamp and officially inaugurated the closing ceremony. It was followed by a beautiful skit on the theme “Cross” by the Hadinbal Youth. Rev. Fr. Mari Joseph spoke on the significance of the Cross. Rev. Fr. Deepak Thomas spoke on the Joy of being the part of ICYM family. The diocesan Youth Director Rev. Fr. Royston Gonsalves addressed the gathering and thanked all the for the support given to the Diocesan Youth Commission in planning the 20 days Journey of the National Youth Cross in the Diocese. Rev. Fr John Rodrigues in his input session spoke on the topic “Merciful Face of God”. Later on our Bishop Rt. Rev. Dr. Derek Fernandes addressed the gathering and quickly it was followed by the grand procession to publicly demonstrate our Faith to our brothers and sisters of other faith. The procession was so grand that the procession line itself was almost 1.5km long. The Cross was taken in a well decorated and illumined vehicle and the people of other faith surprisingly showed utmost respect and devotion to our crucified Lord. The procession was escorted by the St Sebastian Band and the DEXCO members with the Diocesan and Denery Flags. The procession ended at the Highway Cross premises. There we had a short message from our Bishop and regional youth director. Youth who have excelled in the field of Education were felicitated by our Bishop and then our Bishop Blessed the audience with the Youth Cross. The programme ended with the handing over of the cross by the Karwar diocesan DEXCO to the Shimoga diocesan DEXCO.