Belthangady Diocese

31st ICYM Karnataka Regional Council Strengthens Youth Leadership and Fellowship in Belthangady

Belthangady, July 15, 2026 : The 31st ICYM Karnataka Regional Council was successfully held on 11th and 12th July 2026 at Jnananilaya Pastoral Centre, Belthangady, hosted by the Diocese of Belthangady. Around 60 council members representing 11 dioceses across Karnataka gathered for the two-day meeting to review the regional ministry, strengthen leadership, and chart the way forward for the youth movement.

The council commenced on 11th July with ice-breakers, group activities, and discussions that fostered fellowship and collaboration among the diocesan delegates. The Regional Executive Team later met with His Excellency Most Rev. Dr. Henry D'Souza, Chairman of the Karnataka Regional Youth Commission (KRYC). In the evening, delegates presented their Half-Yearly Activity Reports, and the day concluded with Eucharistic Adoration led by Fr. Sunil Thazhekattil, Director of the Media Commission, Diocese of Belthangady.

The second day began with the celebration of the Holy Eucharist, presided over by Most Rev. Dr. James Patteril, Bishop of Belthangady. The inaugural session was graced by Most Rev. Dr. James Patteril, Bishop of Belthangady; Most Rev. Dr. Henry D'Souza, Chairman of KRYC; Fr. Ashwin Lohith Cardoza, Regional Youth Director; Fr. Joseph Cheeran, Director of Jnananilaya Pastoral Centre; Fr. Joseph Puthuparambil, Diocesan Youth Director of Belthangady; Sr. Lenita Lobo, Regional Youth Lady Animator; Ms. Sheryl Agnes, President of ICYM Karnataka; Mr. Jibin Varghese, General Secretary of ICYM Karnataka; Mr. Suhas Martin, General Secretary of ICYM India; and Mr. Sirin Thomas, President of ICYM Belthangady.

Following the inaugural prayer, Bishop James Patteril formally inaugurated the council and addressed the gathering, encouraging young leaders to remain steadfast in faith, service, and mission. The occasion also marked the release of the ICYM Karnataka Regional e-magazine, Nexus Yuva, and the unveiling of the regional poster for the National Youth Convention 2026, themed "Witness."

The main council session, held from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., focused on key regional priorities, including the ICYM Karnataka Memorandum, diocesan programmes, the READY Programme, preparations for World Youth Day, regional initiatives, the e-magazine, and the venue for the next Regional Council and Regional Youth Convention. The proceedings were led by Ms. Sheryl Agnes, President of ICYM Karnataka, and Mr. Jibin Varghese, General Secretary, under the guidance of Bishop Henry D'Souza and Fr. Ashwin Lohith Cardoza. After fruitful deliberations, the delegates approved the resolutions with the necessary amendments and signed the Council Declaration. The council concluded with the singing of the ICYM Anthem and a group photograph.

Following the council, participants visited Seon Ashram, Gandibagilu, where they interacted with Mr. U. C. Poulose, Founder of Seon Ashram Trust, his family, and the residents, gaining a meaningful experience of compassion, service, and outreach.

The gathering concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Ms. Ashlin Avita D'Souza, RTEXCO Member. The programme was compered by Mr. Arun J. P., RTEXCO Member, while Mr. Sirin Thomas and Mr. Johnviston Dias welcomed the participants to the host diocese and the council.