A Youth Council meeting was held at Yuvamitra in the Diocese of Shimoga

Shivamogga, June 16, 2025: The Diocese of Shimoga’s Youth Commission conducted its second Youth Council on June 15th, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Yuvamitra, Sacred Heart Cathedral Campus, Shivamogga.

Youth Director Fr. Franklin D’Souza and ICYM DEXCO and YCS DTS led the council. Fr. Franklin D’Souza led the council with a hymn to the Holy Spirit. Ms. Lenny D’Sa read the Word of God, and Fr. Franklin D’Souza led the prayer. ICYM President Mr. Suhas Martin welcomed everyone. Then, members introduced themselves. Mr. Stephen Lobo, ICYM Joint Secretary, read the commission’s report from December 2024 to May 2025. Then, parish-wise reports were presented by the youth.

At 11 a.m., Fr. Franklin D’Souza celebrated Holy Eucharist and preached a homily on the Holy Trinity. He invited the youth to be united in Lord Jesus Christ to overcome difficulties. The unity among the Trinity is the best example for our Christian lives.

At 12:30 p.m., the council commenced. The ICYM president, along with the YCS president and his team, led the council. Ms. Lenny D’Sa read the minutes of the previous council. The main agenda items were: celebration of National Youth Sunday on August 10th; the Regional Youth Convention 2025 in Karwar from October 2 to 5; the National Youth Convention from October 1 to 5 at the Divine Retreat Centre, Muringoor, Kerala; World Youth Day 2025; Christmas Yuvataare; and Diocesan elections for 2026.

At 2 p.m., Bishop Francis Serrao, S.J., Bishop of the Diocese of Shimoga, visited and addressed the council. He spoke on the importance of the Jubilee year and the youth’s response to the Church’s call. He also invited them to experience the fullness of life given by Lord Jesus Christ. He expressed his concern about youth addiction and aimless living. He told them how he has supported young people in pursuing professional courses. Our youth should become the light of the world and the salt of the earth by making use of every opportunity offered by the Diocese. He congratulated the participants and invited them to work with more vibrancy in the parishes.

Ms. Supriya Varghese, National ICYM General Secretary from Shivamogga, thanked Bishop Francis. The meeting then concluded with the bishop’s blessing.