“Youth Walk Together with Hope”
As part of the spiritual preparations for the 13th Regional Youth Convention, organized by the Karnataka Regional Youth Commission and scheduled to be held in Karwar from October 2-5, 2025, the Holy Cross journeyed through the ICYM Kasaragod Deanery, strengthening the faith and fellowship of the youth across the region.
Commencement of the Journey
The journey began on June 29, 2025, during the PYSTAR Training Program at Lourdes School Hall, Bejai. During the program, Most Rev. Dr Peter Paul Saldanha, Bishop of Mangalore, officially handed over the Holy Cross to the ICYM Kasaragod Deanery President – Mr Ronald Chethan, Secretary – Mr Lanson Dsouza, Immediate Past President – Mr Melwyn Dsouza, Immediate past Secretary – Neema Dsilva, Kasaragod Vicariate Representative – Mr Nihan Sequeira.
Received the Cross on behalf of ICYM Kasaragod Deanery, marking the start of a deeply spiritual pilgrimage.
Unit-Wise Journey
- ICYM Bela Unit:
Starting with ICYM Bela Unit, where the Holy Cross was received in prayer by ICYM Kasargod Deanery Director Rev. Fr Vishal Monis and then handed over to Bela Unit President – Mr Thanish Dsouza and members. A Taize Prayer Service was conducted by the ICYM Bela Unit for all the youth of the Kasargod Deanery on July 5th. The event was open to all the faithful, fostering an atmosphere of peace and reflection. Around 50 to 70 youth participated in this prayerful gathering.
- ICYM Kayyar Unit:
On July 6, ICYM Bela Unit handed over the Holy Cross to Kayyar Unit, where Ms Jessika Crasta – Unit President and fellow youth received it with reverence. The Holy Cross remained at Kayyar Church until July 8, during which heartfelt prayers and reflections were led by Rev. Fr Vishal Monis and the youth.
- Miyapadav Unit:
On July 8, at 4:30 PM, the Cross was handed over by the ICYM Kayyar Unit to ICYM Miyapadav Unit, who received it prayerfully at Miyapadav Church by Unit Secretary Prajwitha Dsouza and members. After a short period of prayer led by the youth, the journey continued towards Vorkady church.
- ICYM Vorkady Unit:
At 5:10 PM on the same day, the Cross arrived at the Vorkady Church premises. The Holy Cross was received by Rev Fr. Ivan Peter D’Mello, Parish Priest of Komangala Church, who handed it over during the procession to Unit President Mr. Gladson Dsouza and the youth members. The Vorkady youth then led a soulful prayer session in honor of the Holy Cross. After the blessings, the journey continued to the next Deanery.
Deanery Handover:
Following the prayer at Vorkady, the Cross was carried forward to St Lawrence Church, Bola. located in the South Deanery, for the official handover to the next deanery. The symbolic transition was led by Rev. Fr Vishal Monis (Director of ICYM Kasaragod Vicariate), Sr Severine Dcunha (Animator of ICYM Kasaragod Vicariate), Mr Ronald Chethan (ICYM Kasaragod Vicariate President) and Mr Gladson (Vorkady Unit President), who handed over the Cross to the Assistant Parish Priest of Bola Church, Rev. Fr Joy Sebestian, with a final round of prayers and blessings.
This faith-filled journey witnessed the active involvement of 70 – 80 youth from various units of the ICYM Kasaragod Vicariate. The entire pilgrimage was shepherded by: Rev. Fr Vishal Monis – ICYM Kasaragod Deanery Director along with Sr Severine D’Cunha – Deanery Animator.
Their guidance and spiritual presence added immense value to the journey, helping the youth truly embody the theme: “Youth walk together with hope.”
