YCS / YSM

Formation Session and XVI National Council 24th May 2013

Barapani, Shillong, and 24th May: The XVI National Council of YCS/YSM (Young Christian Students/Young Student Movement) is making on roads in the right direction as it should have moved. The delegates are becoming more aware of their responsibility in the theme chosen and focusing towards a concrete action plan.

The day being the first official day of the Council it began with the Mass offered by Most Rev. Andrew Marak, Bishop of Tura who gave a fitting homily to set the council in the right direction. He stressed the importance of being connected with God all the time, above anything else. That is the key to success.

At 9 the house met for the business. After a short prayer lead by Melwyn Titus from Maharashtra Region, the Convener Joyce John welcomed the council members. Mr. Manoj Mathew briefed about the Role of Procedure and Voting Rights the Quorum was set. Then the Agenda was accepted by consensus and the business began.

First of all the Regional reporting was done. Every region reported their activities and clarifications were sought. It was an eye opener for many of the regions to know that a lot of activities and trainings were held for the good of the student community. Many appreciated the reports and others were happy to know that so much is done by this movement which has created a number of leaders in the service of the society.

It was followed National movement evaluation report given by Leo Joseph which gave a clear picture of what we have done in the past three years and our successes and failures. Then the National report was placed before the council by the National Secretary Ms. Jovita D’Souza. Wherever needed clarifications were given. Delegates were happy about the progress done by the movement in the past and resolved to help in the future.

In the National Team report the three members shared their success story in the movement and thanked all those who played an important part in their lives and in their growth process.

In the National office report Fr. Charles Menezes, the National Chaplain gave a clear picture of the National office and informed the house that the problem is resolved amicably and announced the shifting of the office to Delhi to work in close collaboration with ICYM.

The financial statement for the past three years was placed before the council by Fr. Charles Menezes and passed. The budget was also voted in with some minor clarifications. Some members suggested some means to raise funds for the national office which would help us to help hold some training programs for the members.

Finally, Ms. Suzan M. Topno who was the in charge for the documentation presented the draft of the Theme statement of the ongoing council which will be studied by the participants in groups and will be presented again tomorrow. Then the groups spent some time in sharing their personal experiences regarding the thrusts as to how it has helped them to understand these issues better.

After evening prayer the some regions presented their cultural item and had a fruitful recreation for a better knowing of each other. The council will assemble tomorrow at 9 am to continue with the business. The National Council is coming to end on the 28th May.