Shimoga Diocese

Youth Fest "Be Rooted" Inspires Unity and Growth
St. Aloysius College, Harihar, May 10th - May 13th, 2024

YUVAMITRA the Youth Commission of the Diocese of Shimoga, organized a unique youth festival named "Be Rooted" from May 10-13, 2024, at St. Aloysius College, Harihar. The fest aimed to encourage young people to shine, lead, and contribute towards making society cleaner, healthier, and fairer.

A significant number of our diocesan youth attended the fest, along with youth representatives from other dioceses like Karwar, Udupi, and Mangalore. In addition to the youth, parents, animators, and religious figures were also present.

The fest began with an inaugural Mass led by Most. Rev Dr. Francis Serrao SJ, Bishop of Shimoga Diocese. The program schedule featured an aptitude test and individual career counselling hosted by Dr. Shalini and her team. Along with that, there were many informative sessions covering topics such as addiction and choices, faith discussions, insights into worldly realities, reciprocal sessions, panel discussions, and a presentation on the significance of youth movements by Rev. Fr. Lourdraj, the Regional Youth Director of Karnataka Region, and a session on the importance of prayer by Rev. Fr. Anil Prasad. It also featured a youth gallery, a pro-life exhibition, and a prayer tower. Among these three days, one day was completely dedicated to spiritual activities like Taize, adoration, and sessions by Youcat India to enrich spirituality, which gave young people opportunities to connect with others and with their faith. We also extended invitations to former National YCS/YSM Coordinator Mr. Abhishek Bhattacharjee, whose testimony helped transform many young souls, and YCS/YSM National President Mr. Anson Nazareth, who also came and participated in the fest.

After a prolonged journey of diligent effort, we announced the launch of our Diocesan Youth Magazine, 'Moggu, and ‘meaning flower bud.' This momentous occasion was graced by the esteemed presence of Most Rev. Dr. Duming Dias, Bishop of Karwar.

One of the best parts of youth fest was we honored some outstanding young people with the "Yuvakeerthi" award, the highest award given by the Youth Commission of our diocese. These are the ones who have worked hard to make a difference in their communities. We also recognized the presidents of ICYM and YCS/YSM from all our parishes and felicitated them. After all the celebrations and programs, we ended the fest with a colorful cultural event and a final Mass led by Most Reverend Dr. Duming Dias, Bishop of the Karwar Diocese, on May 13th, 2024. It was a joyful way to wrap up our time together.

In the end, "Be Rooted" showed us the power of coming together as young people, celebrating our faith, and being inspired to make our world a better place.