ICYM

NATIONAL YOUTH CONVENTION (VII) 2007

Theme:
"Prophetic Youth for a Progressive Nation" (2005-2007)

Thrusts:
"Spiritual Awakening", "Health & Life Skills" and "Socio-Political Leadership"
(2005-2007)

Around 1500 Youth from all over India assembled under one banner- The Indian Catholic Youth Movement - ICYM to celebrate, the VII National Youth convention in Cambridge School, Cuttack Orissa from October 22 – 26, 2007. The mega event began with hoisting of the National flag by Archbishop Raphael Cheenath; ICYM flag was hoisted by Mr. Saiby Mathew, the general secretary of ICYM, and Orrisa regional flag by Ms. Shobha Kiran Minz, President of ICYM.

National flag hoisted by Archbishop Raphael Cheenath at NYC (VII)

This auspicious occasion was inaugurated at 5:00 pm in the presence of the Chief Guest Shri. Janaki Bhalaba Pattanaik, Leader of Opposition. Most Rev. Thomas Thiruthalil CM, Chairman, Orissa Bishop’s Council gave the welcome speech, which was followed by the Lighting of lamp by the esteemed guests. Carrying on with the programme Archbishop Leo Cornelio SVD, Chairperson CBCI - Commission for youth, officially declared NYC VII open.

Inaugurated by the Chief Guest Shri. Janaki Bhalaba Pattanaik

The message of the Holy Father Pope Benedict XVI, exclusively for the NYC was read by Rev. Sr. Maria Goretti Sangma, the National youth Lady Animator. The message of Orissa Governor His Excellency Murlidhar Chandrakanta Bhandre was read. Shri. Janaki Bhalaba Pattanaik, through his message encouraged youth “to come forward to take up the responsibility of the nation” Ms. Ashrita Arockiam- ICYM President in her speech welcomed all the delegates to the convention. \Mr. Saiby Mathew presented the Triennial report of ICYM, followed by the message of Fr. Alwyn M.J. D’Souza, the National Youth Director. To keep with the timely entertainment, different programmes depicting the culture of Orissa were presented.

Vocation Exhibition at NYC (VII)

Eucharistic Celebration
Archbishop Raphael Cheenath, Archbishop Leo Cornelio
and Bishop Abraham Viruthakulangara

Youth at Prayer
Taize Prayer

On the second day, the Keynote address was delivered by Rev. Dr. Joel D’Cunha, former National Youth Director of ICYM, on the theme “Prophetic Youth for a progressive nation”.

Mr. Rabia Mathai Senior Vice President CMMB and Mr.Thom, the Chief Financial Officer of CMMB visited the National Youth Convention and appreciated ICYM for its services to the Youth of India. They expressed their happiness for being with a culturally and enthusiastically vibrant young Indian crowd.

Cultural Perfomance at NYC (VII)

Session on Youth and Life Skills was moderated by Fr. Alex Vadakumthala, executive secretary of CBCI, Commission for health. Mrs. Morli from PDI conducted the workshop on Life Skills. Mr. P.J.Joseph Director of YES explained about the Youth Employment Summit - YES. Session on Youth and HIV/ AIDS was conducted by the resource team of NACO & Orissa SACS. Dr. Akash Galatia and Dr. Suresh Mohammed (NACP) were the main speakers. Dr. Rabindran from St. Johns Hospital Bangalore spoke on the topic Church and AIDS.

Fr. Franklyn D’souza gave a thought provoking session on the theme – “Encountering God in the word to build the world.” In the Testimony session, that followed, Ms. Geeta Catherine former ICYM National Treasurer and Mr. Saiby Mathew, ICYM National General Secretary shared their experience in the youth ministry. There after Mr. Lyvnus Kindo, Retired IAS officer shared his thoughts on encountering the word of God in the day today life.

ICYM General Body Meeting was organized during the National Youth Convention. Plenary session on the CBCI Youth Pastoral Plan was presented by Fr. Jerry Thomas and Fr. Sebastian Puthen. Plenary session on Theme and Thrusts for next three years was conducted. The Convention evolved the new theme“Live the word, to liberate the world” and three thrusts “Eradicate poverty”, “Rejuvenate environment”, and “culture of peace”.

On the third day Human Right Youth Rally was organized expressing solidarity with the Dalit Christians and expressing concern over the issues of human trafficking, child labour, of the country. In the XI ICYM National Youth Award ceremony, youth from 12 regions of ICYM were appreciated for their service to the youth of India.

The NYC Cross being handed over to the North east Region the Venue of the Eighth National Youth Covention 2010

	His grace Archbishop Leo Cornelio, Chairman CBCI Commission for youth officially announced and ICYM along with National executive members handed over the NYC cross to North east region. Fr. Johnson (RYD) Sr. Shiji James (RYLA) along with Ms. Adela (RYP) and Mr. Gautam (RYR) received the NYC cross and welcome the delegates to North East for the VIII National Youth Convention in 2010. There was a special cultural program from the youth of North east.
NYC Awards 2007
In the concluding function Fr. Kuriakose Mambrakatt host regional Youth Director expressed his gratitude to all the delegates, bishops and youth animators of India for their presence and making VII National Youth Convention a great success. As a token of love and gratitude the national team presented mementos to all the well wishers especially to the Committee heads, bishops and regional office bearers. The ICYM National Youth Convention VII came to an end with the camp fire.
Thought provoking sessions, spiritually nurturing prayer services, energising animations, colourful cultural programs, enriching sharings and youthful interactions made the convention unique experience for the participants.