The Indian Catholic Youth Movement (ICYM) Attur unit marked a glorious milestone by celebrating its Silver Jubilee at the historic St. Lawrence Basilica, Attur, on December 1, 2024. The grand event reflected the vibrant spirit of the youth and their 25 years of dedicated service to the Church and society.
The celebration witnessed the gracious presence of Most Rev. Dr. Gerald Isaac Lobo, Bishop of Udupi Diocese, as the chief guest. Joining him on the dais were V. Rev. Fr Alban D’Souza, Rector, St. Lawrence Basilica; Rev. Fr. Steevan Fernandes, Director, Youth Commission, Udupi Diocese; Rev. Fr Larry Pinto, Assistant Priest, St. Lawrence Basilica, Attur; Rev. Fr Joswey Fernandes, Parish Priest, Sacred Heart Church, Yermal; Mr Santhosh D’Silva, Vice President, Parish Pastoral Council, Attur; Ms Ashly D’Souza, Secretary, ICYM Karnataka Region; Mr Godwin Mascarenhas, President, ICYM Udupi Diocese; Mr Jostan D’Silva, President, ICYM Karkala Deanery; Mr Loyed Castelino, President, ICYM Attur and Ms Linn D’Silva, Secretary, ICYM Attur
The event commenced with a delightful welcome dance by the YCS students of the Attur unit. To signify the soaring spirit of the youth, balloons were released into the sky by Bishop Gerald Lobo and other dignitaries. Ms Linn D'Silva presented a comprehensive report outlining the ICYM Attur unit's impactful journey over the past 25 years.
Inspirational speeches by V. Rev. Fr Alban D’Souza, Rev. Fr Joswey Fernandes, and Rev. Fr Steevan Fernandes highlighted the remarkable contributions of the youth and congratulated the ICYM Attur unit for its outstanding achievements.
As a part of the celebrations, a special Silver Jubilee Souvenir titled Payan was released by Rev. Fr Joswey Fernandes, Parish Priest of Sacred Heart Church, Yermal. The souvenir beautifully encapsulates the 25-year journey of the ICYM Attur unit, showcasing their achievements, memories, and aspirations for the future.
A heartwarming highlight of the celebration was the symbolic handover of a house key by Bishop Gerald Lobo to a deserving family from the parish. This noble initiative was made possible by the generosity of the Proud Attureans and benefactors, leaving an indelible mark of the Jubilee’s significance.
In his address, Bishop Gerald Lobo praised the ICYM Attur unit, commending their execution of 25 impactful programs during the Jubilee year. He acknowledged the efforts of past presidents and animators, describing ICYM Attur as a model unit not only in Karkala Deanery but across the entire Udupi Diocese. The Bishop further inspired the audience with two motivational stories, encouraging the youth to continue their exceptional work.
Former parish priests, presidents, and animators of the Attur unit were honored during the program. Mr Loyed Castelino welcomed the gathering, and Mr Aran D’Souza proposed the vote of thanks. The event was skillfully compered by Ms Fiona Aranha and Mr Rishal Pinto, members of ICYM Attur.
The celebration concluded with a lively musical night, adding a jubilant note to the occasion.
The Silver Jubilee celebration of ICYM Attur was not just a commemoration of its legacy but a beacon of inspiration for future generations to uphold the values of faith, service, and community building.
