Reports by,Rev.Fr Franklin, RYD, Karnataka
REPORT OF DAY ONE OF THE 15TH NATIONAL COUNCIL
FRIDAY, 14TH MAY 2010
On the 14th of May, 2010, delegates from all across India came down to Mangalore after a long and tedious journey for the 15th National Council YCS/YSM India. The LOC (Local Organising Committee) received us warmly and transported us comfortably to the council venue. Each delegates was escorted to his/her respective room which were clean and well maintained. After helping the delegates to settle down the LOC conducted the registration in a very meticulous manner. The LOC in their bright yellow T-shirts were very obliging and pleasant to work with.
The inaugural procession, although slightly late, was beautifully conducted with the delegates turning up in their ethnic wear. This was followed by a solemn, well-prepared Mass presided over by Bishop of Mangalore, Rt. Rev. Aloysius Paul D’Souza. In his homily, he urged every Christian to be a 12th apostle like St. Mathias whose feast was celebrated on the day. The Mass was made even livelier by the melodious choir.
Thereafter, the delegates were escorted to the main courtyard for the grand inaugural ceremony. There Fr. Vincent Arokiadas, the National Chaplain declared the National Council open. It was followed by the unveiling of the logo. The speeches delivered by the respected Chief guests were very inspiring and filled us with zeal to work for the realization of the theme of the council.
The delegates discovered the rich heritage of Mangalore- Rome of the East through a beautiful documentation and the colourful cultural programme which showcased the vibrant culture and heritage of South Canara.
After a sumptuous dinner, the delegates assembled in the conference hall where an oral evaluation was held. The delegates were then divided into the following committees: Drafting, Steering, Liturgy and Animation Committees. The above newly formed committees met briefly to know each other and plan the preliminary work.
Having said that “well begun is half done,” one can hope that this council, which had a grand inauguration, will definitely surpass the high expectations of all the delegates.
REPORT OF DAY TWO OF THE 15TH NATIONAL COUNCIL
SATURDAY, 15TH MAY 2010-05-15
The day began with morning prayer at 7.30 AM, conducted by the delegates from the Maharashra-Gujarat Region. It was conducted in both Hindi and English. Breakfast followed the morning prayer. After breakfast, there was a session of lively action songs led by the delegates from the North East and Orissa regions. Thereafter, two members of the Drafting Committee read out the report of the 1st Day of the 15the National Council and the report was passed by the assembly.
Next, the Moderator of this National Council, Mr. Mathew D’Souza, a veteran YCS animator with 26 years of experience, took the floor to orient us about the National Council. In his first session, he explained the definition, aims and objectives of the Naitonal Council. He beautifully showcased the importance of the 4 R’s with real life examples. The 4 R’s are: Refuse, Reuse, Recycle and Reform. After that, the assembly was then divided into 10 groups which were then assigned the task of presenting a skit each.
The next session began with Suzan Topno, the National Convenor, presenting the national report for the term, 2007-2010. This was followed by the presentation of the 10 Regional reports by representatives from the respective regions. Finally, the report of IYCS Asia was presented by Deepak Raj, the coordinator of the Asian Team.
The presentation of the above reports was interspersed with the skits by the 10 groups.
The evening session was taken up for orientation for the exposure scheduled for the next day. The orientation was given by Mr. Ronald D’Silva. He informed us about the various exposure sites and instructed us about the dos and don’ts to be observed during the exposure. Mr. Mathew D’Souza then elaborated how the exposure can be made effective from the viewpoint of the YCS methodology.
The celebration of the Holy Mass at 7.00PM was presided over by Rev. Fr. Prakash Sagili, a former National Chaplain. The homily during the Mass was delivered by Rev. Fr. Vincent Arokiadas, the National Chaplain. In it, he spoke about “see”, the first tenet of the YCS Methodology.
Following dinner, the delegates gathered according to their regions to evaluate the day, and to evaluate the exercise of the Review of Life in the YCS cells of their respective regions. The regional teams concluded with a short night prayer. Then, a common choir was selected to improve the singing during the liturgy. The respective committees met briefly for their assigned tasks.
Having been oriented on the objectives of the National Council, and their role in it, the delegates concluded the day with a sense of purpose and the enthusiasm for the exposure.
REPORT OF THE THIRD DAY OF THE 15TH NATIONAL COUNCIL
Sunday, 16th May, 2010
Sunday, 16th May, the Solemnity of the Ascension of Our Lord, began with the Holy Mass presided over by Fr. Vincent Monteiro, the Director of Shanti Kiran Pastoral Institute and former Indian and Asian Chaplain. The liturgy was animated by the Orissa Region. In his sermon, Fr. Ranjit Minj, RYD Orissa, invited the assembly to become messengers of God’s peace.
After breakfast, the participants gathered in their three groups for their exposure. They were taken to their respective exposure locations in vehicles arranged by the LOC.
The first group visited the Holy Hill, Pezar from where they viewed the entire MRPL site which has been given the SEZ (Special Economic Zone) status. From there they proceeded to the St. Joseph’s PU College, Bajpe where Fr. Vinod oriented the group about the reality of the SEZ. After lunch the group visited a family which is a victim of exploitation of the SEZ sysem. Thereafter, they visited Sneha Sadan, a shelter for HIV/AIDS patients, where they were enlightened by Fr. Siby, the Administrator, on the life of the patients, including their treatment. Their exposure concluded at the Municipal Dumping Yard which horrified the delegates and opened their eyes to the sheer volume of waste generated. The first group returned to the camp venue by 5.30PM.
The Second group visited the Soans Farm, a 17-acre bio-organic farm producing fruits and bamboos. The group was able to learn about scientific methods of farming. The group then enjoyed a delicious lunch at the home of Fr. Franklyn, RYD Karnataka. After that the group visited an old age home at Mount Rosary and interacted with the inmates there. From there the group visited the Municipal Dumping Yard and also saw the waste recycling plant there. This group returned to the camp site at around 6.00PM.
At 11.30 AM, the third group reached Seon Ashram, a psychiatric hospital. The group was given a brief orientation about the institution by Mr. U.C. Paulose, the founder-director of the Ashram. The group interacted with some of the inmates. It was heartening to see the difference kind people make to the needy and the marginalized. After lunch the group went to Rathnamansa at Ujire, a life education institution managed by Shri Dharmasthala manjunatheswara Education Trust. The institution provides for agriculture and allied activities integrated with school education. The group returned to the camp site at 7.00 PM.
The delegates assembled in their respective groups to evaluate their exposure experiences. After dinner, the groups reassembled to work on the presentation of their exposure experiences.
Although a tiring day, the day’s experiences exposed the delegates to a whole gamut of emotions: from anger and indignation to humility, compassion and solidarity and opened their eyes to the need for working towards a green and harmonious world.
REPORT OF THE FOURTH DAY OF THE 15TH NATIONAL COUNCIL
Monday, 17th May, 2010
The day began with the celebration of the Holy mass presided over by Fr. Franklyn D’Souza. It was a creative and evocative Mass. The homily was participatory and inspiring. The liturgy was animated by the North Eastern region, which included a creative offertory procession and a melodious choir.
After breakfast, Emcees for the day, Pranay Das and Alice Anthony, initiated the day’s proceedings by calling upon the drafting committee to present the reports of the previous two days. Following this, the three groups for exposure presented the evaluation of their exposure experiences using charts and powerpoint presentations.
The morning session began with a brief animation by West Bengal and Orissa. The resource person for all the sessions of the day was Mr. John Alex, Secretary General of Exnora International, an NGO involved in environmental activism. During the two morning sessions, Mr. John Alex enlightened the assembly on issues related to global warming through slide presentations and group discussions. The sessions were very informative, interesting and lively.
Post lunch, while Mr. John Alex took another session on the theme, the animators had a session on the YCS history and methodology conducted by Fr. Vincent Monteiro.
After tea, the animators had an experience of the Review of Life under the guidance of Mr. Mathew D’Souza, while the delegates had the final session with Mr. John Alex.
At 6.45 PM, Fr. Franklyn D’Souza oriented the delegates in preparation for the Taize prayer service to begin soon after. After a short practice session of the Taize hymns, the congregation was led into the Taize experience under the guidance of the Jesus Youth team headed by Mr. Suraj Noronha, invited for the same. During the service delegates also had the opportunity to make their confession. The Taize service ended with the candle lit procession and the blessing of the Holy Cross at the open stage in the main courtyard.
Following dinner, a fun-filled cultural show was put up by the delegates from Goa, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal. The entertaining items were interspersed with action songs conducted by the delegates from West Bengal.
The day ended with region-wise evaluation of the previous day and the current day. Finally, the various committees met for their respective meetings.
THE REPORT OF THE FIFTH DAY OF THE NATIONAL COUNCIL,YCS/YSM INDIA
18th MAY, 2010
The day began with a morning prayer conducted by Goa region which was short and effective. It was followed by a photo session during which each region was photographed with the Chairman Bishop of the Youth Commission, Most Rev. Leo Corenlio. The entire assembly of the National Council was also photographed separately and with the LOC.
After the photo session, Archbishop Leo inaugurated the exhibition prepared by the various regions. Fr. Charles Menezes conducted a session in two parts on “Human Values”. It was highly appreciated by the participants. He made the session more interesting by interspersing it with several action songs. Simultaneously the animators had a separate session conducted by fr. Vincent Monteiro on the role of the animator. The animators found it relevant.
The afternoon session was used for discussion on the statute of YCS/YSM India with the purpose of proposing amendments.
After tea, the delegates, in groups of five, had an experience of the “Review of Life” under the guidance of an animator each. The delegates found the experience touching and beneficial.
At 6.45 PM, Archbishop Leo presided over the Holy Mass during which Fr. Vincent Arokiadass, national Chaplain announced and introduced the new National Chaplain, Fr. Charles Menezes, and formally handed over charge. In his homily, the Archbishop encouraged the assembly to keep hoping and not give up. The liturgy was animated by the Tamil Nadu and Goa regions.
Following dinner, the LOC, with help from other local YCS units, presented a cultural programme of songs, dances and a skit depicting the culture of the region. After the programme, the delegates did an evaluation of the day in their regional groups. The various committees then met for their respective works while the NTA/EXCO met and the new nominees to the EXCO were formally inducted into it.
The Emcees for the day were Ashwini and Chetan who did a commendable job. The day ended on a note of fulfillment that the National Council is on the right track.
THE REPORT OF THE SIXTH DAY OF THE NATIONAL COUNCIL,YCS/YSM INDIA
19th MAY, 2010
An evocative morning prayer animated by the West Bengal Region set the ball rolling for the day. After breakfast, the delegates of West Bengal animated some enjoyable action songs.
Both the morning sessions were conducted by Fr. Jerry Rosario SJ, from Chennai, on theological values. He made the sessions very lively and interesting. He emphasized the ecological dependence of humankind on Nature: plants can live without humans, but humans cannot live without plants.
During the afternoon session, Mr. Mathew D’Souza guided the assembly in reflecting on the theme, helping the delegates to draw up action plans based on the theme and also to work towards the theme statement of the Council.
At 4.45 PM, Holy Mass was celebrated, presided over by Rt. Rev. Henry D’Souza, Bishop of Bellary and Chairman Bishop of the Karnataka Regional Youth Commission. In his homily, the Bishop urged the delegates to respect, nurture and protect Nature, and to become harbingers of peace. The Mass was animated by the West Bengal and UP Regions, with relevant hymns, a meaningful offertory and an innovative exchange of peace. After the Mass, Bishop Henry addressed the Council assembly and impressed upon them the importance of having a vision.
This was followed by a short session by Mr. Deepak Raj on climate change, human rights and food crisis. His powerpoint presentations were very hard hitting and forceful.
In the meantime, the new National Chaplain held a brief meeting with the new EXCO.
Mr. Mathew D’Souza held another session during which he asked each delegate to prepare a plan of action on the personal, cell and national levels.
During the cultural programme after dinner, Orissa, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra and North East regions showcased their cultures.
The delegates in their regional groupings again spent some time studying the statutes and proposing changes.
The evaluation of the day was done according to the regions on a ranking pattern using a format prepared by the steering committee.
The various committees met together for their specific duties.
The day ended with the NTA/EXCO meeting to evaluate the day and plan for the coming day.
A.D. Naveen of Tamil Nadu was the Emcee for the day and he fulfilled his task with grace.
As the Council is edging to a close, and with theme statement taking shape, a definite sense of purpose seems to be emerging.
THE REPORT OF THE SEVENTH DAY OF THE NATIONAL COUNCIL,YCS/YSM INDIA
20th MAY, 2010
The last day of the council began with the morning prayer conducted by the Andhra Pradesh region. After breakfast, the first session was taken up for studying the theme for the session 2010-2013 in 15 groups. When the delegates reassembled for the common analysis, it became a very interactive. The assembly approved the following theme: “Responding to God’s call for us to be simple, sincere and sensitive persons to envision and build a green and harmonious world.”
During the next session, the National Chaplain designate presented the proposed budget for the session up to 2013. Several questions were raised and clarifications sought by the students regarding the same. The assembly approved a tentative budget of Rs. 90 lakhs.
After lunch, the plan of action for national level of the movement was taken up for discussion, based on guide questions provided by the Moderator. Taking off from a very engaging game that he conducted, Mr. Deepak Raj animated a session on the adverse effects of climate change and the indifference of people at large to it. A formatted evaluation sheet for the assessment of the entire council was distributed to the delegates.
After tea, the concluding Mass began at 5.15PM. It was presided over by Monsignor Denis Moras Prabhu, the Vicar General of the Diocese of Mangalore. During his homily he encouraged the delegates to become Christians who make a difference because of their faith. The liturgy was animated by the Andhra Pradesh region.
Following the Mass, the participants gathered in the main courtyard for the closing ceremony. Amit Runda, member of National EXCO welcomed everyone to the programme. Bishop Aloysius Paul D’Souza was the president of the ceremony and Mr. Francis D’Cunha, a former YCS animator. Three selected delegates, Jacob Cyril (Karnataka), Joyce John (W.Bengal) and Aloy Shine (Tamil Nadu), were invited to share their experiences of the National Council:. In the course of the ceremony, Fr. Vincent Arokiadass was felicitated with a citation, a shawl and a memento. In a similar manner, Fr. Charles Menezes was welcomed into his new ministry. The outgoing Chaplain symbolically handed over charge by placing a lit candle in the hands of the new National Chaplain. The service rendered by the outgoing EXCO during the last three years was acknowledged by presenting with mementos which they received from the President of the ceremony. The work done by Mr. Mathew D’souza as the Moderator of the Council was appreciated.
Next, the newly nominated National EXCO were welcomed and the outgoing EXCO together symbolically handed over a burning candle to them. The stellar service of LOC was recognized when they were called on stage to receive a rose each from the Bishop. Fr. Ronald D’Souza was then felicitated for successfully organizing this Council in his silent but effective ways. In his acceptance speech, Fr. Ronald formally thanked the major benefactors of the Council. Mr. Deepak addressed the gathering and gave a renewed call to be dedicated to the Council theme. Suzan Topno, the outgoing national Convenor gave her final message. The Regional Chaplains were thanked by Fr. Vincent Arokiadass for their service to the movement. The ministry of Fr. Jude Sebastian SDB was appreciated as he vacates office as the Regional Chaplain of West Bengal. In his presidential address, the Bishop acknowledged the contribution of YCS towards promoting catholic leadership, complimented Fr. Vincent Arokiadas for his ministry and wished Fr. Charles Menezes success in his new office. After this, the Chief Guest reinforced the dangers posed by global warming. The Chief Guest handed over to the Regional Chaplains certificates of participation for their respective delegates. Fr. Vincent Arokiadas, the National Chaplain officially declared the 15th National Council closed. Kevin Vas, member of the National EXCO and of the LOC, proposed the vote of thanks. A short cultural programme followed during which the delegates of the Orissa and Tamil Nadu regions presented two lively dances.
The sumptuous dinner that followed was sponsored by Bishop Aloysius Paul D’Souza. After dinner, a “camp fire” was held with the delegates exchanging lit candles. A session of dancing followed to the lilting tunes of a band of local YCS musicians.
While the dancing continued, the drafting committee met and prepared this final report.
An emerging sentiment among the delegates was that although the National Council has just ended, the work of the Council has already begun.
THEME STATEMENT OF THE 15TH NATIONAL COUNCILOF YCS/YSM INDIA
14-20 MAY, 2010
We, the student delegates, animators and regional chaplains, 107 in total, representing 9 out of the 12 regions of YCS/YSM India, gathered at Shanthi Kiran, Bajjodi, Mangalore, Karnataka, 14-21 May 2010, for our 15th National Council on the theme “Students for a Green and Harmonious World.”
Through input sessions by experts, exposure and workshops, we reflected together on the theme and drew up and approved the following theme statement:
“Through the 15th National Council, we grew in our ecological consciousness and environmental sensitivity, becoming profoundly aware that Mother Earth, God’s precious gift to us, is being threatened more than ever before, by global warming and the resultant climate change, an indiscriminate throw-away culture, and food and water crisis. We are convinced that humanity needs to learn to live harmoniously and peacefully as one family by removing injustices, respecting the identity and dignity of each person and freeing ourselves from a slavery to the consumer culture.
This can be achieved only if we become changed agents rather than agents of change and grow in human values, especially simplicity, sincerity and sensitivity towards each other and Nature, and voluntarily offer our service to the poor and the marginalized. In order to achieve this we will seek collaboration with other like-minded organizations.
We commit ourselves to work for the necessary changes in ourselves and in our milieu to realize the fulfillment of God’s Kingdom as envisioned by Jesus.”
National Plan of action
1. Communication and visits to local, regional movements. Contact the concerned authorities and ensure proper appointment of personnel in the respective dioceses and regions.
2. Taking into account the present financial situation of the movement and do the needed fund raising towards the expenditures on professional lines.
3. Appoint a national coordinator/full timer as early as possible.
4. Look into our national administrative set up and communication and take urgent steps to tone up the same.
5. Restart the publication of “The Search”.
6. Organize regular training programmes at national level for both students and animators. This needs to be done at regular intervals. (This will help to train religious and seminarians beside lay animators. The session would focus more on the review of life and organizing of cells).
7. Provide guidelines to the regional movements to develop the them and extend YCS/YSM fellowship in their respective regions
8. Create awareness and solidarity campaigns involving all regions each in their own place on founders day and promote slogans like:
a. “Save paper, save trees”,
b. “vote for mother earth”,
c. walk, not ride; it cuts global warming”,
d. “solar and hydro energy- the energy of today’s youth”