Talapady: Indian Catholic Youth Movement (ICYM) Kasaragod Vicariate, in collaboration with ICYM Mariashram Unit, organized Biblia 2025 at Mariashram Auditorium on September 21, 2025. The event witnessed the enthusiastic participation of over 250 people, including 180 youth and 80 adults.
The program commenced at 11:00 AM with a solemn procession led by the Director of ICYM Mariashram Unit, Rev. Fr Gregory Periera, who gracefully lifted up the Holy Bible. He was joined by ICYM Kasaragod Vicariate Director, Rev. Fr Vishal Monis; Animator, Sr Severine D’Cunha; Mariashram Parish Council Vice President & Secretary, Mrs Leena D’Costa & Mrs Beena Dsouza; ICYM Mariashram Unit Animator, Mr Francis Dsouza & Mrs Molly Dsouza; ICYM Kasaragod Vicariate President, Mr Ronald Chethan; Secretary, Mr Lanson D’Souza; ICYM Mariashram Unit President, Ms Ashel Monteiro; and Secretary, Mr Flemin Dsouza. This was followed by thirteen representatives from each Unit entering the auditorium, each carrying a lamp of light.
The morning session was gracefully hosted by Ms Joswita. The program began with a heartfelt prayer led by a member of the Mariashram Unit, followed by a reflection on the Word of God by Rev. Fr Gregory, who invoked God’s blessings upon the gathering and the success of the day’s activities. This was followed by the official inauguration, after which ICYM Mariashram Unit President – Ms Ashel, delivered the welcome address.
The dignitaries were then felicitated with floral tributes, and in their messages, they highlighted the importance of Biblia 2025 in deepening faith, strengthening unity among the youth, and fostering a greater love and knowledge of the Word of God.
Following the stage program, Mr. Lanson introduced the panel of judges for the day.
- Rev. Fr Ivan Peter Cordeiro, Assistant Manager at Codialbail Press.
- Ms Deshel Fernandes, Assistant Professor at St Aloysius Deemed to be University College.
- Sr Sunitha Fernandes, Counsellor at Assisi Central School.
Mr Lanson then provided a detailed briefing on the schedule of events planned for the day.
The Holy Bible Quiz:
The first competition was the Holy Bible Quiz, where 13 units participated. In this contest, the first place was secured by Team Ukkinadka, the second place by Team Vorkady, and the third place by Team Kollangana.
Group Singing competition:
The second competition of the day was the Group Singing competition, also with the participation of 13 units. Team Kayyar claimed the first place, Team Mariashram secured the second place, and Team Manjeshwar finished in third place.
At 12:30 PM, there was a short break for lunch, and the program resumed at 1:30 PM.
Psalm Solo Singing:
The third competition was Psalm Solo Singing, where 13 participants took part. The first place was secured by Jestin D’Souza from Bela Unit, the second place by Renita D’Souza from Bovikana Unit, and the third place by Alisha D’Souza from Mariashram Unit.
Bible Art contest:
The fourth competition was the Bible Art contest, where 12 units participated, divided into two categories: adult and youth. In the adult category, there were 10 participants, with first place awarded to Preethi D’Souza, Manjeshwar Unit, second place to Mary Irene, Vorkady Unit, and third place to Harsha C, Kayyar Unit. In the youth category, there were 12 participants, with first place awarded to Vinisha D’Souza from Narampady Unit, second place to Brayan D’Souza from Vorkady Unit, and third place to Vinu Thomas from Kasaragod Unit.
The Holy Bible Reading:
The fifth competition was Bible Reading, in which 13 participants competed. First place was secured by Nishmitha D’Souza, Kayyar Unit, second place by Akhil Monteiro, Manjeshwar Unit, and third place by Joel Lancy, Kollangana Unit.
Parable Skit:
The sixth and final competition was the Parable Skit, where 10 units participated. Team Mariashram secured the first place, while Team Manjeshwar and Team Vorkady claimed the second position, and Team Bovikana finished third.
After the competitions, Rev. Fr Vishal Monis conducted a fun activity for all 13 units, which added joy and energy to the gathering. Soon after, the concluding ceremony was held in the presence of Rev. Fr Gregory Periera, Director of ICYM Mariashram Unit; Mr Nihan Sequera, Karnataka Regional Representative; Ms Maria D’Silva, ICYM Mangalore Diocese Secretary and ICYM Kasaragod Representative; Animator, Sr Severine D’Cunha; Vicariate President, Mr Ronald Chethan; Secretary, Mr Lanson D’Souza; ICYM Mariashram Unit President, Ms Ashel; and Secretary, Mr Flemin.
The evening session was hosted by Ms Ancila Dsouza, Cultural Secretary of ICYM Kasaragod Vicariate. Mr Prinson Monteiro, Vice President of ICYM Kasaragod Vicariate, delivered the welcome address. Rev. Fr Gregory Periera then addressed the gathering with a heartfelt speech, appreciating the enthusiasm and commitment of all the participants. Sr Severine then announced the winners of the individual events, followed by Ms Maria, who declared the overall championship results. ICYM Vorkady Unit secured the Overall Championship, while ICYM Manjeshwar Unit emerged as the First Runners-up, and ICYM Kayyar Unit claimed the Second Runners-up position.
The day concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Ms Vinitha Crasta, Joint Secretary of ICYM Kasaragod Vicariate, followed by the ICYM Anthem led by the Vicariate Executive Members of 2025. Biblia 2025 came to a close as a memorable and faith-filled celebration, uniting the youth of the Kasaragod Vicariate and strengthening their devotion to the Word of God.
