The Parish of Milagres Cathedral, Kallianpur, celebrated Youth Sunday 2025 with faith and fervour, in two meaningful parts: the Holy Eucharistic celebration on 10th August 2025 and the youth gathering and cultural programme on 17th August 2025.
On 10th August, the solemn Eucharistic celebration was offered at Milagres Cathedral by Fr Steevan Fernandes, Director of the Youth Commission of the Diocese of Udupi, along with Fr Pradeep Cardoza, Assistant Parish Priest of the Cathedral. In his homily, Fr Steevan emphasized the importance of faith in God, inspiring the congregation, particularly the youth, to entrust their lives to the Lord. The liturgy of the Mass was beautifully conducted by the members of YCS and ICYM, symbolizing the active role of young people in the life of the Church.
The second part of the celebration was held on 17th August 2025 at the Silver Jubilee Hall of Milagres College, following the 8:00 AM Mass. The dignitaries present on the dais included Msgr Ferdinand Gonsalves, Parish Priest, Vicar General of the Diocese of Udupi, and Director of ICYM & YCS; Fr Pradeep Cardoza, Assistant Parish Priest; Mr Elson D’Souza (popularly known as Elsu Hirgan), the resource person; Mrs Prema Lewis, Coordinator of 20 Pastoral Commissions; Mr Godfrey Lewis and Mrs Ann Monis, ICYM Animators; and Ms Aaniya Menezes, ICYM President. The programme was ably compered by Mrs Reena Fernandes, YCS Animator. The session began with an invocation of God’s blessings by Fr Pradeep, followed by the reading of the Word of God by Ms Aaniya Menezes.
The highlight of the celebration was the youth session conducted by Mr Elson D’Souza, Assistant Professor at Srinivas University, Mangalore, hailing from St Maria Goretti Parish, Hirgan, Karkala. Through an engaging presentation, group interactions, and activities, he guided the youth on holistic growth using the framework of SPECS: S – Spiritual formation, P – Personal development, E – Educational excellence, C – Cultural enrichment, S – Socio involvement. He encouraged the youth to take up diverse responsibilities and initiatives that would strengthen the youth movement and contribute meaningfully to parish and community life.
The programme continued with group games and activities conducted by Fr Pradeep Cardoza, Mr Adroy Nazareth (ICYM Kallianpur Deanery President), and Ms Aaniya Menezes, creating an atmosphere of joy, teamwork, and friendship among the young participants. The day concluded with a fellowship meal, further strengthening the bonds of unity among the youth.
The event ended with a vote of thanks by Mrs Prema Lewis, who expressed gratitude to the clergy, animators, resource person, youth leaders, and all participants for their wholehearted support in making the Youth Sunday celebration a memorable and enriching occasion.
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