ICYM

Indian Catholic Youth Movement (ICYM)

ICYM is a largest parochial Youth Movement. The dreams and aspirations of thousands of youth, animators, directors and bishops turned into a reality when CBCI (Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India) had approved ICYM as a National Movement for the youth on 14th September, 1999. In 2017, following the bifurcation of the three rites in India (Latin, Syro-malabar, Syro-malankara) the ICYM was shifted and adopted by the CCBI (Conference of Catholic Bishops of India), as the National Youth Movement of the Latin Catholic Youth in India. It now stands as the official youth movement of the National Youth Commission of CCBI. It is spread across 627 districts in India. The ICYM functions through 14 Regions & 171 Dioceses. ICYM caters to varied needs of the holistic development of its young members. It focuses on the Integral Development of Youth through Formation, Fellowship and Action being the main objectives of youth ministry.

Scope of ICYM

The youth in India are in a dilemma of disunity and discrimination on the basis of caste, creed, language and culture. Lack of true leadership, raising fundamentalism, alienation, choking unemployment, corruption at all levels are the alarming realities of the day. As we cruise in to the new millennium with tremendous hope and aspirations, the members of ICYM are now ready to discover the new frontiers that unfold. It is in this distressful context that the ICYM address the need of these young persons and works at empowering them in to action not only within the church but a conscious and deliberate immersion in the mainstream of secular life and activity in the heart of the world.

Goal of ICYM

To foster and promote Christian Youth Leadership for a New India

Glimpses of ICYM

ICYM also coordinates National Delegations to World Youth Day, Asian Youth Day, World Youth Parliament and pilgrimages to Taize. It collaborates with YCS/YSM and international youth body FIMCAP. With its motto – “To Lead, To Serve, to Shine” there is a lot to be done and a whole community to be won.

ICYM is the official state and regional organization under the auspices of the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI). It consists of youngsters between the age group of 18– 30 years who subscribe to Catholic values and principles, but beneficiaries include the youth of other religions.

Today, ICYM has membership strength of 154,685 young people making it one of the influential organizations in the nation.

Patron Saint St. Gonsalo Garcia

St. Gonsalo Garcia was the first canonized saint from India. Canonized on June 8, 1862 by Pope Pius IX, his feast day is February 6.

St. Gonsalo Garcia was born around 1556 in the fortified city of Bassein in the Portuguese quarter of India. His father was Portuguese soldier and his mother was a native.

As he grew up, Gonsalo stayed with the local Jesuits. While there, he became friends with Fr. Sebastian Gonsalves, who became Gonsalo’s mentor. He studied grammar, philosophy and Roman history with the Jesuits. When he was 13, Gonsalo asked Fr. Sebastian for permission to join the missionaries to Japan. His request was denied because he was too young, but was approved two years later.