Youth Council held at Yuvamitra, Diocese of Shimoga 

Shivamogga, February 4, 2026: The Youth Commission of the Diocese of Shimoga organized a Youth Council at Yuvamitra, Shivamogga on Sinday, February 1, 2026, from 9 AM to 2 PM. The council began with a hymn invoking the Holy Spirit. Ms. Beena led the prayer and read the Word of God from Ephesians 6:10-18. Youth Director Fr. Franklin D’Souza led the blessing prayer, officially inaugurating the First Youth Council of the year 2026.

ICYM President Ms. Lenny D’Sa welcomed the gathering, including ICYM DEXCO and YCS/YSM DTS office bearers, as well as all the leaders from different parishes of the diocese.

The council was led by the following individuals: Rev. Franklin D’Souza, Diocesan Youth Director; Ms. Lenny D’Sa, ICYM President; Ms. Nikitha Sophia, ICYM Secretary; Mr. Suhas Martin, ICYM NEXCO member; Ms. Josphin Sadhana, YCS/YSM Vice President; Sr. Lenny D’Costa SCCG, YCS/YSM Lady Animator; and Ms. Supriya Varghese, former National ICYM General Secretary.

Eleven parish leaders and commission heads of the Diocese actively participated in the council meeting. Ms. Nikitha Sophia, Diocesan Secretary, presented the annual report. The proposed plan for 2026 was shared and discussed in detail with all parish leaders. Parish Units shared their annual plan with the council members. A question and answer session followed, during which several leaders offered suggestions on how to engage more youth in diocesan activities, understand their challenges, and reach out to them through parish visits.

The meeting proceeded with a Holy Mass at 12:30 PM by Fr. Franklin D’Souza, orchestrated by Ms. Beena, the Liturgy In-charge. The readings were delivered by Ms. Beena and Mr. Victor, Vice President of the Diocese, and the hymns were performed under the direction of Ms. Murphy Samson.

Lunch was provided at 1:30 PM, and the council meeting successfully concluded at 2:00 PM