MANGALURU: “The 10th National Youth Convention (NYC) will be organized for the first time in Karnataka region at St Joseph Engineering College, Vamanjoor from January 18 to 22,” said Fr Henry D’Souza, chairman of Catholic Bishops Conference of India Youth Council.

Addressing media persons here on Monday January 16, he said, “The Indian Catholic Youth Movement (ICYM) of Mangaluru diocese is celebrating its 70th year of existence. During this joyful occasion we have got an opportunity to host the 10th National Youth Convention at St Joseph Engineering College.

“The convention will be inaugurated by minister for Bengaluru urban development K J George, and presided over by archbishop of Bengaluru Fr Bernard Moras. MP Nalin Kumar Kateel, MLA J R Lobo, MLC Ivan D Souza and others will be guests of honour. Noted educationist of Ryan Group of Institutions Grace Pinto will deliver the keynote address.”

President of CBCI Cardinal Baselios Cleemis, major archbishop of Ernakulam, Cardinal George Allencherry and president of the Federation of Asian Bishop’s Conference (FABC) and archbishop of Bombay cardinal Oswald Gracias will address the youth.

Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza released the logo and theme song of the National Youth Convention.

Over three thousand youth leaders from across India will attend the convention. The theme of the convention is ‘Touched by Jesus, Walking His Way’ and the focus would be on preparing tomorrow’s leaders today. Organised by the Indian Catholic Youth Movement (ICYM) under the auspices of the youth council of the Bishop’s Conference of India, the tenth national convention will be hosted by the Karnataka Region and Mangaluru diocese in collaboration with the dioceses of Udupi, Beltangady and Puttur.

“The National Youth Convention 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,” the bishop said.

“Over eight thousand youths will hold a peace rally on Sunday January 22. The peace march will begin from Rosario Cathedral church and culminate at St Aloysius College grounds. Justice Kurian Joseph, Supreme Court judge, will address the youth on Constitutional ‘Rights and duties – youth responsibility’ at the venue,” he added.

Secretary of CBCI youth council Fr Deepak Thomas, national president of Indian Catholic Youth Movement Sijo Ambatt, general secretary Jenny Joy and others were present.

(Source: Daijiworld)