REGIONAL

II YCS YSM REGIONAL CONVENTION 2024

The 2nd YCS/YSM Regional Convention took place at St. Jude Church, Naganpalya, Bangalore from April 19th to April 21st, 2024. The convention was themed "GEN Z FOR A SELF-SUSTAINING WORLD" focusing on Healthy Living, Sustenance, and Voice of the Voiceless. In attendance were 240 YCS YCS/YSM members from 9 dioceses, including 42 YCS members from the Mangalore Diocese.

On the first day, the convention started with a Holy Eucharist at 4:00 pm, followed by the inaugural program. The program was graced by dignitaries including Rt. Rev. Dr. Peter Machado - Archbishop of Bangalore, Fr. Anil Prasad - Coordinator of KRCBC, Fr. Chetan Machado – YCS/YSM National Chaplain, Fr. Vigyan Das - Communio India Associate Director, Fr. Vivian – YCS/YSM Bangalore Diocese Director, Fr. Lourd Raj – YCS/YSM Regional Director, and Sr. Lidwin Fernandes – Executive Secretary of CCBI Commission for Women. The pre-inauguration was hosted by Ms. Viola Lewis. Mr. Briston Mario Rodrigues, President of YCS/YSM Karnataka region, led the dignitaries onto the dais for the formal inauguration program. The program commenced with a welcome dance, followed by the lighting of the lamp.

During his presidential message, Rt. Rev. Dr. Peter Machado shared words of wisdom. Fr. Anil Prasad, Sr. Lidwin Fernandes, Fr. Chetan Machado, and Fr. Vigyan Das also shared their experiences and connections with YCS. Mr. Vance, Vice President of YCS/YSM Karnataka Region, proposed the vote of thanks.

On the second day, all YCS members were taken for a day of exposure to Lalbagh tree sanctuary, Bangalore by Fr. Anil Dsa – Asian Chaplain, YCS/YSM. The day provided an enriching experience for the members.

In the evening, the Yuva Ratna Award ceremony was conducted by Fr. Lourd Raj, Sr. Wansuk from Northeast, and Briston Rodrigues. Achievers in sports, academics, and other extracurricular activities from each Diocese were honoured, including Avita Dsouza (sports and academic) and Ranet Eleroy Valder (powerlifting) from the Mangalore Diocese.

On the third day, a session on Environmental Conservation and Sustainability was conducted by Dr. Cynthia Menezes, Vice-chancellor of Bangalore University. In the evening, a cultural program was presented by the YCS members of Mangalore diocese.

The convention concluded with a closing ceremony, featuring Fr. Lourd Raj, Sr. Molly Illickal, and Mr. Briston Rodrigues as dignitaries. Briston Rodrigues shared his 3-year experience as YCS/YSM Regional President, highlighting challenges, achievements, and personal growth. The former regional council members were also felicitated. The achievers from each Diocese were once again honoured, including the conferral of the Yuva Ratna Award 2024 to Avita Dsouza (sports and academic) and Ranet Elroy Valder (powerlifting) from the Mangalore Diocese.

Briston Mario Rodrigues was appointed as the Regional Coordinator of YCS/YSM Karnataka Region for the year 2024-26.

The New Regional Council 2024-2026:

- President: Jesvita Dsouza, Shivamogga

- Vice-President (F): Alisha Bishop, Mysore

- Vice President (M): Allen Johnson, Bangalore

- General Secretary: Austin Rohan Pais, Chikmagalur

- Joint Secretary 1: Supritha, Gulbarga

- Joint Secretary 2: Mounika, Bellary

- Treasurer: Venus Wilfred Lewis, Mangalore

- Media Secretary: Darshan V Bijapur, Belgaum

- Cultural and Liturgical Secretary: Jiya Antonia Cutinho, Udupi

- Rexco Members: Abhinav A Sundarkar, Gulbarga; Andria Sharol Veigas, Chikmagalur; Samson S Dsouza, Shivamogga; Jackline, Bangalore; Flavian Melroy Mendonca, Udupi; Annon Mendonca, Mysore