ICYM National Youth Sunday 2019

JOVITA J. TIGGA & ALISHA D’CRUZ

“The Lord works out everything to its proper end – even the wicked for a day of disaster” –Proverbs 16:4 was the most fitting verse that all participants would relate to on a day of rain and thunder. The premier event of ICYM Calcutta – National Youth Sunday was celebrated in St. Patrick’s Church, Dum Dum on the 18th of August, 2019. Around 330 plus youth from 23 parishes across the Archdiocese came be a part of the extravaganza. It is noteworthy that the youth came despite the uncertain weather, some even wading through flooded streets.

The day started with animation team from Our Lady of Vailankanni Church, Picnic Garden, making the youth jump to their feet with action songs and games. After setting the tone for the day, the guests for the day were felicitated with a token of appreciation. The youth were blessed by the auspicious presence of Fr. Upendra Nayak, Fr. Joy Mondal, Sr. Teresa Adam, Sr. Esther Abraham, Br. Charles D’Souza, Sr. Joyful Mary, Sr. Shanti, Sr. Cyril, and Brothers from the Sacred Heart Congregation and Morning Star College.

Post felicitation the youth were given the main session of the day on“Christus Vivit” – a post-synodal exhortation by the Holy Father to the young people. The four speakers Mr. Jibin, Mr. Jovita, Miss

Sabrina and Miss Preza, tried to highlight the importance of the document and lovely message from the Holy Father. Following a short snack break, the 330 odd youth headed towards the Church to

celebrate the Holy Eucharist. The main celebrant for the mass was His Grace Archbishop Thomas D’Souza who is ever willing to be with the youth. In his homily, he spoke about Prophet Jeremiah

whom the Lord chose despite his young age. Citing the Christus Vivit he insisted how the youth of today are agents of change.

After a scrumptious lunch it was time for some fun. The parishes were segregated and the various events took off. The events were namely Non-fire Cooking, Dress Making out of Newspaper, Best out of Waste and Triathlon. The instructions were given to the youth who were restricted to a stipulated time period. The various competitions saw the active involvement of the participants with great zeal and enthusiasm. Meanwhile the judges were on their rounds doing their part. The perfect icing on the cake was the DJ evening. The youth danced to the thrill and brought down the curtains on a successful NYS 2019.

Finally the moment arrived for which everyone was waiting – the prize distribution. After competing in good spirit the following parishes made it to the medals tally: Dress Making:1st - St. Teresa’s Church, Moulali; 2nd – St. John Bosco Church, Liluah; 3rd – Mother Teresa Church, Mathkol and Rupantor Community Centre. Non-fire Cooking:1st- Mother Teresa Church, Matkol; 2nd – St. Patrick’s Church, Dum Dum; 3rd – Infant Jesus Church, Behala and Stella Maris Church. Best out of Waste: 1st – St. Thomas Syro-Malabar Church; 2nd – St. Damien’s Church; 3rd – Auxilium Church, Gobra. Triathlon: 1st – Our Lady of Vailankanni Church; and 2nd – Christ the King, Park Circus. Teaser-making Competition: Winners - Stella Maris Church. Mother Teresa Church was judged as the overall Winner for NYS 2019.