COMMITMENT DAY – KOLKATA, 1st May 2015
Report: YCS Kolkata Commitment day was held on 1st May 2015 at Loretto High School, Baubazar. 300 new student members from various schools gathered for the event. After registration the programme was inaugurated by lighting the lamp by the National Director Fr. Charles Menezes, Kavita Datt the Principal, President of YCS, Fr. Devraj Fernandes, YCS director of Kolkata, Fr. Peppin, DYD of Kolkata and Ancy, Animator representative. Christelle led us into prayer. Then all the dignitaries and Animators were called on the stage and welcomed and felicitated with a flower.
Then Fr. Charles spoke to the members on what is YCS and how we can make changes happen in us. He gave various true examples of the students changing themselves and bringing about a change among the others. He gave a call to all of them to adhere to the methodology and spirituality of the movement and face the reality in the true sense of the movement.
Then Fr. Charles held a session for the animators and interacted with them as to how they organize the movement and what are the challenges faced by them. Many of them exchanged their views on the movement and clarified the challenges and resolved to take forward this movement for the benefit of the student community which would bring about a change in the society. Fr. Charles appreciated their voluntary service and asked them to focus on the students which would make meaning for their service.
Animators also requested the Diocesan chaplain and coordinator Sr. Gouri to organize a few programmes so that they could come together oftener. Accordingly DEXCO training will be held on 9th May, Animators training on 29th June, Summer camp during Pooja holidays, Talent exposure during Christmas time and Evaluation in February 2016.
Fr. Charles appraised them about the forthcoming Golden Jubilee of YCS/YSM in Jan 2016 and asked them to hold some programme on that day.
It was followed by Mass and during Mass Fr. Charles instructed the student members about the importance of hard work and asked them to respect and respond to all the workers especially their own parents, elders, teachers and all those who work for the good of society. Based on the Gospel and St. Joseph the patron saint of the workers he instructed them to put in more effort and work for just wage and justice to the workers in general.
After the lunch handing over ceremony was held. Former office bearers handed over all the documents to the new office bearers and the new President handed over the YCS flag to the new President. Then the new President took an oath for the commitment day along with all the members. With YCS anthem and vote of thanks the programme came to an end at 2.30 pm.
Fr. Charles interacted with the new DEXCO team and asked them to work united for the movement. Some of the DEXCO members expressed their challenges faced at their unit level which would be clarified by the Diocesan chaplain in the forthcoming meeting.
Then Fr. Charles met former members of YCS and appreciated their service to the movement and asked them to join ICYM and put into practice what they have gained in YCS and not to run away from the reality and Christian faith in general. Frank Russel Felix, Amit Runda, Sunit Kujur and Angelus along with former DEXCO members clarified a few things and resolved to help YCS and Church in general.
The day was spent meaningfully and the DEXCO organized it well.
Fr. Charles and Diocesan team of Kolkata met Archbishop Thomas D’Souza on 30th April at his residence and appraised him about the activities of the movement along with the challenges faced by the students and animators. He gave us a patient listening and offered to do everything for the growth of this movement so that we may reach out to the young generation for the good of the faith formation. He was happy about the service of the Chaplain Fr. Devraj, DYD Fr. Peppin and coordinator Sr. Gouri. He was well aware that we need to do more for this cause and asked Fr. Charles to address the West Bengal Episcopal meeting on 29th June at his residence. Fr. Charles agreed to do it and present the DEXCO team and others for a clarification session with them so that they may also support this cause of teenagers and expand the movement for faith formation. He also called for all the DYDs of the region to participate in this programme.
Then Fr. Charles visited a few schools and requested them to start YCS/YSM units. He also visited Kevin Li’s home and Annette Ling’s home along with the Diocesan Chaplain Fr. Devraj, Fr. Peppin and Sr. Gouri. He met Sr. Lidwin, youth coordinator and visited Sr. Gouri’s home.
On 2nd May Fr. Charles visited two more schools and then former president Joyce John’s house before leaving for Bangalore.
