Mangaluru: The Indian Catholic Youth Movement (ICYM) is the largest Catholic Youth Movement in India governed under the Catholic Bishops Conference of India (CBCI) and is spread across 686 districts. It functions in 14 Regions and 171 Dioceses.
With its motto – “To Lead, to Serve, to Shine”, ICYM strives for the integral development of youth through Formation, Fellowship and Action being the main objectives and also caters to various needs for the holistic development of its young members.
In the Diocese of Mangalore, ICYM was instituted in the year 1947 and now under the guidance of the Director Rev.Fr. Ronald Prakash D’Souza and the leadership of President Jackson Eric D’Costa it has been a premier youth organization of the Mangalore Diocese with 12 deaneries and 106 affiliated units.
With immense joy, the Indian Catholic Youth Movement of Mangalore Diocese is celebrating its 70th Jubilee Year of existence in Mangalore Diocese. And during this joyful occasion the 10th National Youth Convention (NYC) is being hosted at St Joseph Engineering College, Vamanjoor, Mangalore from 18th to 22nd January 2017 for the very first time in Karnataka Region.
About NYC
The National Youth Convention (NYC) is organized once in 3 years with the aim of uniting Catholic Youth leaders, Youth Directors and Animators from all over 171 Dioceses of India. The 10th NYC at Mangalore will deliberate on the theme: ‘Touched by Jesus; Walking His Way’. The youth will mainly focus on concepts like Youth Empowerment, Socio-Political Leadership, Media Advocacy, awareness to preserve Environment and contribution to the National Integrity through workshops, panel discussions, motivational talks, cultural exchange etc. About 3500 youth of India will participate in this convention and the convention will conclude with a Peace March Rally on 22nd January where about 10000 youth are expected to take part.
Days In Diocese
Prior to the convention, the youth will stay in families of Host Region Dioceses i.e Dioceses of Karnataka Region as part of cultural exchange programs from 14th January to 17th January 2017. This will help the youth of various dioceses of India to learn about lifestyle, culture and history Karnataka Region.
NYC Cross Journey
The NYC Cross is a symbolic representation of Christ’s love for humanity. The NYC Cross’ Journey started from the 3rd NYC, which was held at Ernakulam (Kerala) in 1995. It is an opportunity for the young people of the particular Dioceses of the region to host NYC (10th NYC to be held in Karnataka Region) and spend time in prayer with it.
In Karnataka Region, the 10th NYC Cross Journey commenced in the Arch Diocese of Bangalore on 3rd April 2016 and thereafter continued in Mandya, Mysore, Chikmangalore, Bellary, Gulbarga, Belagavi, Karwar, Shimoga, Bhadravathi, Puttur, Belthangady and Udupi Dioceses travelling a distance of 2000 Kilometers.
On 11th December 2016, the NYC Cross will be received by Mangalore Diocese which has the honor of hosting the 10th National Youth Convention at 3pm in Rosario Cathedral Church. The NYC Cross will be taken to all the 12 Deaneries of Mangalore and finally will be brought to the NYC venue i.e St Joseph Engineering College on 18th January 2017
NYC in Mangalore Diocese
Mangalore Diocese is one of the oldest Dioceses of India with a history of 130 years. It has been growing in various aspects with the youth in the Diocese contributing equally in adding life to the Diocese uplifting its name as ‘Rome of the East’.
From the past 70 years ICYM in Mangalore Diocese is training the Catholic youth leaders to serve the society by organizing programs like Blood Donations, Social Service Camps, Medical Camps, various social awareness programs, promoting Art, Culture and Language and Inter Religious Dialogues. Along with these youth leaders who contribute to the betterment of the society the 70th Central Council is eagerly anticipating hosting this historic 10th NYC in Mangaluru.
In a city like Mangaluru which is known for its hospitality, art, culture, tradition and tourism, ICYM Mangalore Diocese with the blessing of Most Rev. Aloysius Paul D’Souza, Bishop of Mangaluru is proud to host the 10th National Youth Convention in St Joseph Engineering College Campus, Vamanjoor.
