31st Karnataka Regional ICYM Council Meeting held at Diocese of Belthangady 

Belthangady, July 12, 2026: The 31st Karnataka Regional ICYM Council Meeting was held on 11th and 12th July 2026 at the Jnananilaya Pastoral Centre, Diocese of Belthangady. The council began on 11th July at 4:00 PM with delegates and youth leaders from all the dioceses of Karnataka gathering together. 

The meeting was graced by Most Rev. Dr. Henry D’Souza, Chairman of KRYC, Bishop of Diocese of Bellary, Rev. Fr. Ashwin Lohith Cardoza, Regional Youth Director of Karnataka, Sr Lenita Lobo, Regional Youth Lady Animator, and the REXCO team led by Ms Sheryl Agnes, ICYM Regional President. 

Each diocese presented its report and shared its activities. Representing the Diocese of Shimoga were Rev. Fr. Franklin D’Souza, Diocesan Youth Director, and Mr. Suhas Martin, Regional Member (CCBI ICYM General Secretary) & ICYM President, Diocese of Shimoga.

On 12th July, the day began at 7:00 AM with Holy Eucharist celebrated by Most Rev. Dr James Patteril, Bishop of Diocese of Belthangady. This was followed by the inaugural ceremony at 9:00 AM in the presence of the both Bishops and other dignitaries. 

The main council session from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM focused on key agendas including the ICYM Karnataka Memorandum, inclusion of Pro-life and Career Guidance sessions in diocesan programs, READY Program evaluation, Regional-Diocesan collaboration, World Youth Day preparations, diocese visits, appointment of diocese in-charges, Inner Healing Retreat, counsellors, RYC, E-Magazine, Website*, and finalizing the location and dates for the next ICYM Council. The minutes were presented by the General Secretary and important resolutions were passed for the growth of ICYM in the region.

After lunch, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM, the delegates visited an Orphanage/Ashram as an act of service and solidarity. The two-day council was a fruitful time of fellowship, planning, and strengthening the ICYM movement across Karnataka.