YCS/YSM India organized the first ever national alumni meet with the theme “BACK TO THE ROOTS” at Pastoral Institute Shanthi Kiran, Bajjodi from 6th - 8th November,2015. This meet was inaugurated by by Msgr Denis Moras Prabhu, Vicar General, Mangalore Diocese. He celebrated the inaugural Holy Eucharist. The formal program commenced with Msgr. Denis Moras Prabhu, Vicar General, Mangalore diocese as the president along with the other guests Fr. Chetan Machado, YCS/YSM National Chaplain, Fr. Mari Joseph, Regional Director, Fr. Vincent Monteiro, Former Asian Chaplain, Fr. Ronald Dsouza, Diocesan Director of Mangalore, Fr Peter D’Souza, Director Pastoral Institute and Mr. Roshan Lobo, National EXCO. Fr. Mari Joseph in his key note address stressed on the past and present situation of YCS/YSM. Msgr. Denis Moras Prabhu in his presidential address briefed the delegates about the Diocese of Mangalore and its richness. Fr. Chetan Machado welcomed all and Mr. Roshan proposed the vote of thanks. After the inaugural ceremony Ms. Jovita Dsouza, Former National Secretary conducted the ice breaking session. Supper was served at 8 followed by group dynamics. The day concluded by a short prayer by Fr. Mari Joseph.
Day 2
The day began with the Holy Eucharist celebrated by Fr Chetan Machado, NYD. After breakfast Former Asian Chaplain Fr. Vincent Monteiro interacted with the delegates in 3 parts with different sessions on History and Evolution, secondly on YCS/YSM Methodology and lastly the Spirituality of the Movement. After lunch panel discussion was organized on the theme ‘Back to the Roots”- todays situation of the student and youth reality and the movements relevance in the modern world which was moderated by Fr. Chetan Machado, NYD and the panelists were Mr. James Sylvester, Former NEXCO , Mr. Deepak Raj, Former Asian coordinator and Mr. Leo Joseph, National YCS/YSM Coordinator.
After the panel discussion elections for the alumni body was conducted by Fr. Chetan Machado. As the SEE part, the delegates had an exposure to Panambur beach and supper at Fr. Vincent Monteiro’s parish.
Day 3
After breakfast at 8, Mr. James Slyvester and Mr. Leo Joseph spoke on the action plan to be continued for the alumni body. After this session concluding mass was celebrated by Fr. Mari Joseph and homily by Fr. Ronald Veigas, DYD of Shimoga.
Before concluding Fr. Chetan Machado thanked all the Directors, Animators and Delegates for being a part of the the First National Alumni Meet .
- By Ms Mischelle D’Souza