Bela: Around 400 young people gathered at Our Lady of Dolours Church Campus, Bela, for the four-day Diocesan Youth Conference (DYC) 2026, organised by the ICYM Central Council, Mangalore Diocese, in collaboration with ICYM Kasaragod Deanery and ICYM Bela Unit, from October 17 to 20. Held under the theme Gen Z – Trendsetters with Christ’s Mission the conference aimed to inspire young people to grow in faith, develop leadership skills and contribute to society through service.
Day 1: Grand inauguration
The conference opened on October 17 with registration, a drone shoot and a grand procession accompanied by Chende music from the church to the venue. The procession was attended by V. Rev. Fr. Harold Mascarenhas, Parish Priest of Bela and Vicar Forane of Kasaragod Deanery; Rev. Fr. Praveen D’Souza, Director of ICYM Mangalore Diocese; Rev. Fr. Ruban Nischith Lobo, Assistant Priest of Bela; Rev. Fr. Rocky Fernandes, Principal of St. Mary’s College, Bela; Cyril Crasta, Vice President of the Bela Parish Pastoral Council; Jyothi D’Souza, Secretary of the Parish Pastoral Council; and Lancy D’Souza, Parish Commission Coordinator.
Also present were Christon Menezes, President of ICYM Mangalore Diocese; Renita Maria Cardoza, Secretary of ICYM Mangalore Diocese; Gladson D’Souza, President of ICYM Kasaragod Deanery; Linda D’Souza, Secretary of ICYM Kasaragod Deanery; Jackson D’Souza, President of ICYM Bela Unit; Belita Lobo, Secretary of ICYM Bela Unit; and DEXCO members.
The DYC flag was hoisted by Anil Lobo, Chairman of MCC Bank. Christon Menezes delivered the welcome address,
This was followed by a speech from Cheif Guest Anil Lobo. In his speech he said, “ICYM was the main stage that gave me the platform to stand before you today.” He encouraged the youth to recognize and use their talents, to actively participate in ICYM and the Church, and to become responsible leaders with faith, hard work and service to society. The Presidential Address was delivered by V. Rev. Fr. Harold Mascarenhas – Parish Priest of Bela Church & Vicar Forane, Kasaragod Deanery. He expressed his great happiness on seeing the large crowd of youth gathered at Bela. He told the youth, “In these four days you will learn something new, take something valuable from here and make use of it in your life and in the Church.” He wished all the youth a fruitful and blessed DYC.
The day’s activities also included a Rosary and candlelight procession, conference instructions by Rev. Fr. Praveen D’Souza, cultural performances by Kasaragod Deanery and a DJ programme by DJ Nikhil. Jeethan D’Costa, Social Cause Secretary of ICYM Mangalore Diocese, compered the programme.
Day 2: Faith, leadership and community service
October 18 began with a Zumba session led by Dr. Pearl D’Souza, Josvita D’Souza, Lady Vice President and Liturgy Head of ICYM Mangalore Diocese; Bavil D’Souza, Treasurer of ICYM Mangalore Diocese;. The inaugural Holy Eucharist was celebrated with the blessings of Bishop Emeritus Dr. Aloysius Paul D’Souza. A procession featuring representatives carrying the flags of 12 deaneries preceded the stage programme, which included a welcome dance by ICYM Bela Unit.
The dignitaries on the dais included Bishop Emeritus Dr. Aloysius Paul D’Souza; V. Rev. Fr. Harold Mascarenhas, who presided over the programme; chief guest Stany Bela, writer, film and television director, and cultural custodian; Rev. Fr. Rocky Mascarenhas; Rev. Fr. Ruban Nischith Lobo; Cyril Crasta; Jyothi D’Souza; Lancy D’Souza, Parish Ayog Sanchalak; Sr. Jyothi and Joel Kollangana, animators of ICYM Kasaragod Deanery; Christon Menezes; Renita Maria Cardoza; Gladson D’Souza; Linda D’Souza; Jackson D’Souza; Belita Lobo; and DEXCO members.
Bishop Emeritus Dr. Aloysius Paul D’Souza encouraged the youth to take an active role in the Christian community, describing them as its “hands and legs.” Stany Bela urged the participants to dream big, remain rooted in faith and values, and become trendsetters who contribute to a better society. Felicitations were presented to local parish leaders, and Gladson D’Souza proposed the vote of thanks.
A panel discussion on *“Youth in the Present Political Scenario”* was moderated by Fr. Rupesh Madtha, PRO of Mangalore Diocese and editor of *Raknno*. The panellists were Joylus Taccode of the BJP, Merill Rego of the Congress and Vinod Bela of the Communist Party.
Participants later undertook community service activities in six groups, including concrete work at Kayyar Church, beach cleaning, grass cutting and ward visits. The evening featured Gospel music and performances by First Gear Band, a Gen Z concert and Eucharistic adoration led by Rev. Fr. Anil Kiran Fernandes. Former ICYM leaders were also felicitated.
Day 3: AI, faith and youth engagement
The third day began with Holy Mass, a jamming session and animation activities led by DEXCO members. Rev. Fr. Anil Ivan Fernandes, Director of Canara Communication Centre, led a session on *“AI and the Future of Human Intelligence.”* Prof. Robin Joseph Serrao conducted a quiz competition, while Rev. Fr. Ashwin Lohith Cardoza, Karnataka Regional Secretary for the Youth Commission, extended greetings.
A major highlight was the interactive session *“Faith Meets the Voice of Youth”* with Most Rev. Dr. Peter Paul Saldanha, Bishop of Mangalore Diocese, moderated by Christon Menezes. The Bishop encouraged young people to remain rooted in Christ, question with courage and become active voices of faith in society.
Rev. Fr. Franklin Philip D’Souza, Director of ICYM Shivamogga Diocese and retreat director, Renowned Priest and Retreat director led a session on *“What is ICYM” , He spoke about the role of youth in ICYM and the Church and gave a retreat guiding youth to live their faith actively in ICYM, Church and society.
Winston D’Souza, Coordinator of the Youth Commission, Mangalore Diocese, coordinated outdoor water games.
The day’s activities also included the Veneration of the Holy Cross led by Josvita D’Souza; cultural performances by participant groups and DEXCO; a marriage-outfit fashion show by Melange Fashion Boutique and Grooms Department, Kasaragod; and a felicitation for former DEXCO and Council members. Water-drum performances by Sparks, a DJ programme and a campfire followed. Christon Menezes led a sharing session in which participants symbolically placed their worries on paper and cast them into the fire. Rishal D’Souza, MIJARC Coordinator of ICYM Mangalore Diocese, compered the day’s programme.
Day 4: Career development and mission
The final day, October 20, began with Holy Mass, breakfast and animation. Dr. Francisca Tej, Founder and Managing Director of Wizdom Ed, and Co-founder Guru Tej conducted a workshop on soft skills and career development. Ajin Joseph, a full-time missionary, youth minister, singer and songwriter, led a session on pro-life awareness.
A group reel competition themed “Came as Strangers, Going as a Family”encouraged fellowship among participants. Following a special Onam Sadya lunch, group-sharing sessions were held, along with presentations introducing ICYM initiatives: Red Drop by Mr. Royston D’Souza, Beautiful Lens by Jeethan D’Costa, Yuva Seva Trust by Vijoy Cardoza, and reporting and Gonzalo Awards by Joylin Cordero.
Valedictory programme
The valedictory programme was attended by V. Rev. Msgr. Maxim L. Noronha, Vicar General of Mangalore Diocese; V. Rev. Fr. Harold Mascarenhas, Parish Priest of Bela and Vicar Forane of Kasaragod Deanery; Rev. Fr. Rocky Fernandes, Principal of St. Mary’s College,Bela, Fr Vishal Monis, Director of ICYM Kasaragod Deanery,; Rev. Fr. Ruban Nischith Lobo, Assistant Priest of Bela; Cyril Crasta, Vice President of the Parish Pastoral Council; Jyothi D’Souza, Secretary of the Parish Pastoral Council; and Lancy D’Souza, Parish Ayog Sanchalak.
ICYM office-bearers present included Christon Menezes and Renita Maria Cardoza of ICYM Mangalore Diocese; Gladson D’Souza and Linda D’Souza of ICYM Kasaragod Deanery; and Jackson D’Souza and Belita Lobo of ICYM Bela Unit.
Christon Menezes delivered the welcome address, while Rev. Fr. Vishal Monis appreciated the efforts of the youth and organisers. The Diocese felicitated ICYM Kasaragod Deanery and ICYM Bela Unit in recognition of their work. Mementos were presented to well-wishers and sponsors for their support. In his address, Msgr. Maxim L. Noronha urged the youth: “Do not forget Jesus, keep Jesus as your first priority.”
Prizes were awarded for the best promotional video, highest views and three lucky registration winners. Renita Maria Cardoza proposed the vote of thanks, and Rachel D’Souza, Secretary of Belthangady Deanery, compered the programme.
The conference concluded with the ICYM theme song, the lowering of the DYC flag and a final DJ programme.
DYC 2026 brought together faith formation, leadership development, community service, cultural exchange and fellowship, inspiring young people to live their Christian values, serve their communities and become true trendsetters with Christ.