ICYM

Indian Catholic Youth Movement

Laudato Si – 2026

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Laudato Si – 2026

Date: July 05, 2026
Organised By: Catholic Sabha | Commission for Ecology and Environment | ICYM
Reporter: ICYM
Photographer: Donald Correa

Laudato Si – 2026: Vanmahotsav Celebration

The Catholic Sabha, Holy Family Church, Omzoor, in association with ICYM and the Parisar Ayog (Ecology & Environment Commission), successfully organized Laudato Si – 2026, a special Vanmahotsav Celebration, on 5th July 2026 following the first Holy Mass. The programme was organized with the objective of promoting environmental awareness and inspiring every parish family to become responsible stewards of God’s creation.

The celebration commenced with the symbolic planting of saplings by the distinguished guests of honour Rev. Fr. William Menezes, Parish Priest; Rev. Fr. Rahul Dexter D’Souza, Resident Priest; Mr. Arthur D’Souza, Vice President of the Parish Pastoral Council; Mrs. Daffny Lewis, Secretary of the Parish Pastoral Council; Mr. Elroy Saldanha, Coordinator of Ayogs; Sr. Luciyana, Superior of the Convent; Mr. Joldin Lewis, President, Catholic Sabha; Mr. Joswin Pinto, President, ICYM; Mr. Stany D’Souza, President, Parisar Ayog

The programme was gracefully compered by Ms. Lavita Pereira, who welcomed the gathering and coordinated the proceedings.

Addressing the faithful, Rev. Fr. William Menezes highlighted the importance of caring for nature as an expression of our Christian responsibility to protect God’s creation. He beautifully compared nurturing a sapling to raising a child, explaining that just as children require love, care, protection, and constant attention to grow into responsible individuals, every sapling too deserves the same commitment to flourish into a strong and healthy tree. He encouraged every family to take personal responsibility for the saplings they received and make them an integral part of their homes.

To further motivate the parishioners, the Parish Priest announced that the family which takes the best care of its sapling over the coming year will be recognized and honoured with a special prize during next year’s Laudato Si – Vanmahotsav Celebration.

As part of the initiative, 120 hybrid fruit saplings (Kasi variety) were distributed to parish families on a first-come, first-served basis. The saplings included Mallika Mango, Badami Mango, Guava, Sapota (Chikoo), and Jackfruit. These fruit-bearing trees were thoughtfully selected not only to enhance the greenery of the parish but also to provide long-term environmental, ecological, and nutritional benefits to the families.

The programme concluded with the distribution of the saplings and a heartfelt appeal to every parishioner to plant, nurture, and protect them. The organisers encouraged everyone to actively contribute towards keeping the environment green and healthy, thereby living out the spirit of Laudato Si’ by caring for our Common Home.

Laudato Si – 2026 served as a meaningful reminder that environmental conservation begins with small but committed actions. Through this initiative, the parish reaffirmed its dedication to fostering ecological responsibility and inspiring every family to become faithful stewards of God’s creation. The celebration also echoed the vision of the late Pope Francis, whose landmark encyclical Laudato Si’ called upon every individual to care for our Common Home through responsible stewardship of creation. By planting and nurturing these saplings, the parish community took a small yet significant step towards fulfilling that mission and leaving a greener, healthier world for future generations.

Farewell to Fr Victor Dsouza

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Farewell to Fr Victor Dsouza

Date: June 07, 2026
Organised By: ICYM

The ICYM members of Omzoor Parish organized a heartfelt farewell programme for Rev. Fr. Victor Dsouza, Resident Priest and Assistant Director of ICYM, in appreciation of his dedicated service and guidance.

The programme began with a prayer service, followed by a welcome address by ICYM President Mr. Joswin Pinto. All dignitaries were welcomed with roses. The dignitaries on the dais included Rev. Fr. Victor Dsouza Resident Priest and Assistant Director of ICYM; Mr. Arthur Dsouza, Vice President of the Parish Pastoral Council; Mrs. Daffny Lewis, Secretary of the Parish Pastoral Council; Mr. Elroy Saldanha, Coordinator of Ayogs; Mr. Vineeth Lasrado and Mrs. Glevita Lasrado, ICYM Animators; Mr. Joswin Pinto, ICYM President; and Ms. Lavita Pereira, ICYM Secretary.

Mr. Arthur Dsouza spoke about Fr. Victor’s valuable contributions to the parish and youth. During the felicitation ceremony, ICYM members presented Fr. Victor with gifts, while Ms. Winora expressed gratitude for his constant support and encouragement.

In his response, Fr. Victor thanked the youth for their cooperation and shared fond memories of his time in the parish. The programme was compered by Ms. Vishmitha Saldanha, and the vote of thanks was delivered by Ms. Lavita Pereira.

The programme concluded on a joyful and emotional note, with the Icym members wishing Fr. Victor good luck in his future ministry.

Farewell to Mr. Elroy Saldanha (ICYM)

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Farewell to Mr. Elroy Saldanha (ICYM)

Date: May 17, 2026
Organised By: ICYM
Reporter: Henrita Sequiera

A Heartfelt Farewell to Mr. Elroy Saldanha

The farewell program of ICYM animator Mr. Elroy Saldana was held during the ICYM meeting on 17th May 2026 to honor and appreciate his dedicated service as an animator.

The program was compered by Ms. Jenisha Lewis. The gathering began with a prayer song, followed by the Bible reading and the ICYM prayer led by the members.

During the program, Ms. Jenisha congratulated Mr. Elroy Saldanha on becoming the Coordinator of the 19 commissions in the Parish Pastoral Council. She also fondly recounted his years of service, guidance, and constant support to ICYM as an animator. As a token of love and gratitude, he was presented with a shawl, a fruit hamper, and a collage containing memorable ICYM group photographs taken with him over the years.

Mr. Elroy Saldanha then addressed the gathering with a heartfelt speech. He thanked everyone for their love and support and reflected on the memorable moments and experiences during his years of service. He also shared that when he first took up the role of animator, he was serving as the Diocesan ICYM President.

The farewell program concluded on a joyful and fruitful note, leaving everyone with cherished memories and gratitude for his dedicated contribution to ICYM.

ICYM Annual Picnic – 2026

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ICYM Annual Picnic – 2026

Date: May 10, 2026
Organised By: ICYM
Reporter: Henrita Sequiera

The ICYM picnic was successfully organized on 10th May 2026 with the participation of 25 ICYM members along with three animators. The day began after the first Mass, when all the members gathered together and had breakfast.
After breakfast, everyone travelled by minibus to the Six-Star Resort. Upon reaching the resort, the members explored the property and spent some time enjoying the surroundings. A group photo was also taken to mark the occasion.
Later, everyone changed into swimming attire and participated in various group games and activities. During the games, snacks and cold drinks were served to the participants. After the games, delicious lunch was provided for all the members.
Following lunch, the members entered the swimming pool, which was the main attraction of the picnic. Everyone spent several enjoyable hours in the pool, playing games and having fun. Towards the end of the day, a rain dance session was also arranged, which added excitement to the outing.
After the activities, everyone changed into fresh clothes and packed their belongings. The group then visited the Bengre Viewpoint, located nearby, where the members enjoyed the scenic beauty and spent some relaxing moments together.
While returning, everyone enjoyed dancing to the songs played on the bus, creating a cheerful atmosphere throughout the journey. The animators also kindly bought ice creams for all the members, which added more joy to the return trip. Finally, the group reached the church at around 8:00 PM. On the way back in the bus, the animators presented each member with a small gift as a token of love and appreciation.
The picnic concluded successfully, and all the members returned home safely with joyful memories of the day.

Taizé 2026

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Taizé 2026

Date: March 20, 2026
Organised By: ICYM
Reporter: Raveena

Spiritual Serenity: ICYM Omzoor Hosts Soulful Taizé Prayer Service

​On the evening of March 20, 2026, Holy Family Church, Omzoor, was transformed into a sanctuary of peace as the ICYM Omzoor Unit hosted a solemn Taizé Prayer Service. Beginning at 6:00 PM, the service drew approximately 200 faithful participants who gathered to seek spiritual solace and communal unity. Led by Rev. Fr. Victor D’Souza, Assistant Director of ICYM Omzoor, the evening was meticulously organized to provide a meditative escape from the bustle of daily life, fostering an environment of deep reflection.

​The service opened with a hauntingly beautiful hymn that immediately set a calm and prayerful tone within the church. The ICYM choir played a pivotal role, leading the congregation through traditional Taizé chants. The repetitive nature of these chants allowed participants to move beyond the words and into a state of contemplative prayer. Interspersed with these melodies were meaningful scripture readings and extended periods of silence, giving every individual the opportunity for personal dialogue with the Divine.

​Rev. Fr. Victor D’Souza guided the congregation with gentle reflections and heartfelt intercessory prayers, bridging the gap between ancient tradition and modern faith. The service reached a powerful crescendo during the Veneration of the Cross, where all present were invited to come forward, kneel, and offer their personal intentions.

This concluding act of reverence served as a beautiful symbol of unity and surrender. Overall, the Taizé service was a profound spiritual experience, leaving the parishioners of Omzoor feeling renewed and spiritually nourished.

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