TOP STORIES

Reported by: Ms. Damini Prakash, YCS Nagpur
Photos by: Mr. Tini D’Costa, Pinky Studio, Mangalore

New Delhi, June 23: IYCS Global session concluding ceremony took place at St. Michael’s auditorium, New Delhi on June 22nd 2011. Most Rev. Dr. Leo Cornelio, CBCI chairman for Youth Commission, Arch Bishop of Bhopal was the president. Respected Dr. Christy Fernandes, Chief Secretary of the president and respected Mr. Oscar Fernanades, AICC general secretary as well as Member of Parliament were the chief guests for the program.

Ms. Joyce John YCS India president, Ms. Jovita YCS India Secretary,  Rev. Fr. Alwin D’Souza, Secretary CBCI Youth Commission, Rev. Fr. Charles Menezes, CBCI Youth Commission YCS India Chaplain, Rev. Fr. Thomas Aquinas, CBCI General secretary, Rev. Fr. Gregory Montero, FIMCAMP International Chaplian- Belgium, Rev. Fr. Franklin D’Souza, newly designated CBCI Youth Commission Secreatary and YCS Karnataka Regional chaplain  were among the other dignitaries.

Program began with the patriotic song “Vande Mataram” Ms. Lara from YCS Chennai welcomed the delegates with Indian Dance. Ms. Lucio IYCS inter national coordinator did the formal welcome to the dignitaries. Dignitaries were welcomed with Bouquets and the delegates with garlands. 

Dr. Christy distributed certificates to the 120 delegates. In his address he told that I am delighted and I feel fifteen years younger looking at you. Speaking on the Global session topic he asked the delegates can there be a world without crisis? No. Crisis and Conflicts part of the World. What type of crisis affecting us and the world? Crisis of Values and Crisis of Ethics. Why should there be conflicts in the world? It is because of the feeling of injustice. He stressed use of education in right way. You get yourselves equipped with education; for getting better skills also for getting knowledge. Education is also meant for gaining values. What kind of values that we’ve to inculcate; spiritual, social, political. He also told that we Indians are proud of our democracy. We should learn how to resolve conflicts. Conflicts arise from human mind, also arises through families where family values are lost. He invited delegates to be the ambassadors of peace. He told them make peace with God, Neighbor and oneself. He requested the delegates to create a culture of peace and nonviolence.

Mr. Oscar Fernanades appreciated the efforts of IYCS which has spread in 85 countries. He also thanked them selecting this beautiful country. He told youth are asset for any nation. Youth should be built upon the value system. He invited all the delegates to parliament for dinner on June 23rd.

President of the program Most Rev. Dr. Leo Cornelio, Chairman of CBCI youth Commission distributed the certificates to LOC’s. In his address thanked God for his grace to hold this historical Session and council in India he stressed on the point “Students offering hope”. He quoted the words of St. Paul saying that we are people of hope. We can unite because all of us have our roots in Jesus Christ. Let us keep our hope alive and do well. He also gave his message in Spanish and French.

Rev. Fr. Charles Menezes, YCS India Chaplain, thanked all those who helped us to hold this program here in India.

Grand dinner as well as cultural and entertainment program was arranged by the LOC’s at the St. Michel’s open air premises. IYCS 65 years of its existence was also celebrated during this program.