The Yuvamitra, the Youth commission of Shimoga diocese organised 'Apoorva Yuva Sangama Mangalore', an unique program to bring together the youth of the Shimoga diocese presently residing in Udupi and Dakshina Kannada districts. This programme was held on 7th January 2024 at St. Aloysius College, Mangalore. Around 30 youth attended this program. The programmecommenced with the youth prayer followed by the official inauguration. The inaugurationprogramme was done in an innovative way by sticking a flower petal on each participant’s name. The youth director of Shimoga diocese, Fr Pius D'Souza, Diocesan ICYM president Ms Priya Maria D’Souza, DTS president Mr Joshua D’Costa and others were present.
The youth of Shimoga Executive Committee took over and involved the participants into several simple activities such as singing, speech and simple group games. After the tea break, Eucharist was celebrated with Fr. Pius Dsouza presiding. The youth took active part in the liturgywith singing, commentary and readings. After the Holy Mass lunch was served for all. During the special gathering that followed the youth of Shimoga felicitated Mr Alan Gomes from Sagar Parish for securing silver medal at the national level relay and who also hasearned fame for powerlifting at the state level competitions. There was the personal sharing session in which everyone spoke of their experience, gave suggestions and ideas for the forthcoming Youth year.
The Director distributed the youth year calendars 2024 and presented the blessed crosses to everyone present there. At the end, all youth joyfully sang and danced together to the theme song of the year of the youth. The programme ended withvote of thanks and concluding prayer. All participants felt that this was a very useful and necessary programme to bring our young people together.
