Moodubelle, 09 Dec 2024: The Indian Catholic Youth Movement (ICYM) Unit of St Lawrence Parish, Moodubelle, celebrated its Golden Jubilee with grandeur and cultural extravaganza on Sunday, 08 December 2024.
The celebration was marked by the inauguration of a Mast Light in the church premises, a stage program, felicitations, cultural performances, and the distribution of prizes to winners of various sports and games conducted in November 2024.
The Mast Light, donated by Dr. Ronald Saby D’Souza, was inaugurated by his mother, Mrs. Regina D’Souza, and formally switched on by Most Rev. Dr. Gerald Isaac Lobo, Bishop of Udupi Diocese, in the presence of parishioners and dignitaries.
The stage program commenced with a prayer song by the ICYM members, followed by a procession to the Parish Hall. Ms. Viana Fernandes, President of ICYM, welcomed the gathering and narrated the history and achievements of the ICYM Moodubelle Unit, founded in 1974 under the leadership of late Peter Raphael Aranha and Rev. Fr. V.G.F. Rego.
Bishop Lobo presided over the event, with other dignitaries including Rev. Dr. Roshan D’Souza, Chancellor of Udupi Diocese; Rev. Fr. Charles Menezes, Dean of Udupi Deanery; Rev. Fr. Lawrence Cutinha, Assistant Director of CODP Mangalore; and other clergy, parish leaders, and ICYM representatives gracing the dais.
The program honored Mrs. Regina D’Souza for her contribution as the principal sponsor of the Mast Light. Past ICYM presidents were felicitated, with mementoes presented by Rev. Fr. Lawrence Cutinha.
In his message, Rev. Fr. Cutinha praised the ICYM for its dedication and progress, urging the youth to remain united and aim high. Bishop Lobo released a Golden Jubilee Souvenir and emphasized the importance of mental toughness, gratitude to parents, society, and teachers, and striving for higher achievements, including entry into higher government service.
The event also felicitated the leaders of cultural teams and major donors. Cultural performances by four teams—Team Titans, Team Rising Stars, Team Mercy, and Team Dynamic Duo—captivated the audience. The teams competed in dance, skits, and traditional presentations, with Team Titans securing the first position in both cultural and overall championships.
The celebration concluded with heartfelt gratitude expressed by Rev. Fr. George D’Souza, Parish Priest, who lauded the ICYM and parish community for their wholehearted support in making the Golden Jubilee a grand success. The day’s events highlighted the ICYM’s rich legacy, vibrant spirit, and contributions to the parish over five decades.
