On the occasion of National Youth Sunday, Catholic Action League, St. Sebastian Church Bendur, organized “Youth Cafe 2K22” on 14th August at Avila Hall, St. Agnes from 9.30 am to 3:30 pm. The youth of the parish got together and participated in the event with great zest and ardor.

The programme commenced with a prayer song led by CAL members.

V. Rev. Fr Vincent Monteiro- CAL director presided over the programme. The chief guest for the inaugural ceremony was Mr Walter Nandalike- Founder and Managing Director, Daijiworld media. The guest of honour was Sr Dr Lydia A.C, Superior, St Agnes convent.  Rev. Fr Ronson Pinto- CAL Asst. Director, Mr Stephen Pinto-Vice President of Parish council, Mrs Mavis Rodrigues- Secretary of Parish council, Mr Vinod D’souza- CAL Animator, Ms Amanda Frank-CAL President, Mr Joswin Pinto-CAL Secretary were present on the dais.

Ms Amanda Frank- CAL president, welcomed the gathering.

“Youth Cafe 2K22” was inaugurated in a unique way by the dignitaries on the dais.

Mr Walter Nandalike addressed the youth with his motivational and inspirational words and encouraged the youth in getting themselves into the Civil services and into the field of politics.

Sr Lydia addressed the youth by encouraging them to develop a quality of self-awareness and to stay motivated in all walks of life.

V. Rev. Fr Vincent Monteiro urged the youth to move to take up a representation in the system. He encouraged the youth to face rejections in life in a positive manner by narrating an incident from the life of Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam.

Mr Joswin Pinto- CAL Secretary presented the Vote of thanks.

After the conclusion of the formal inaugural the members of the ICYM ECD Executive committee conducted action songs and fun ice-breakers.

The resource person for the first session was Dr Meena Monteiro, Dean PG Dept., SSW Roshni Nilaya. She spoke on the major issues faced by today’s youth, like depression, suicidal tendency, etc and discussed some practical ways to overcome those problems.

Following the first session, Rev.Fr Vivian Rodrigues, Asst. Parish Priest, conducted a few games.

Mr Jaison Pereira-former ICYM Karnataka Regional President, conducted the next session which was filled with a lot of fun and games. All the youth participated enthusiastically in this session.

Rev. Fr Ashwin Cardoza, director ICYM Mangalore, visited the event congratulated the youth and lauded them for their participation in large numbers. ICYM diocese executive committee members also visited the programme.

The afternoon session was taken over by Fr Rupesh Madtha, Diocesan Secretary for Ecumenical Commission and former YCS Director of Managlore Diocese. He held few discussions and case studies and all the youth participated actively in this session.

Valedictory programme of “Youth Cafe 2k22” commenced at 2:45 pm. Prizes were distributed to the winners of the games.

Rev. Fr Ronson Pinto thanked everyone for their participation and efforts in making “Youth Cafe 2K22” a successful programme.  

The programme ended with a baila dance session for the youth.

It was a day of enjoyment for all the youth of the parish who enthusiastically participated and actively interacted in all the activities and sessions. Over 90 youth of the parish were present.