ICYM Mangalore Diocese Hosts "EMMAUS 2025"

Mangalore, February 25, 2025: The Indian Catholic Youth Movement (ICYM) Mangalore Diocese, in collaboration with the St. Joseph Vaz Silver Jubilee Committee, Mudipu, and ICYM Mangalore South Deanery, successfully organized EMMAUS 2025, a 12-hour spiritual gathering aimed at deepening faith and fostering reflection. The event was held at St. Joseph Vaz Shrine, Mudipu, from 6:30 p.m. on February 22 to 6:30 a.m. on February 23. The event witnessed an enthusiastic participation of over 350 youth and faithful in an immersive experience of prayer, worship, and community engagement.

The event commenced with a heartfelt welcome address by Mr. Leo D’Souza, Animator of ICYM Mudipu. This was followed by a solemn Walk with Mary procession from Mudipu Junction to the St. Joseph Vaz Shrine, with youth reciting the rosary en route. Upon reaching the shrine, Rev. Fr. Santhosh Menezes, Assistant Parish Priest of the shrine, led the St. Joseph Vaz Novena.

Following refreshments, Joyson Emmanuel, President of Puttur Deanery, introduced the keynote speaker, Very Rev. Fr. Cyprian Pinto, Vicar-Forane of St. Joseph Vaz Mangalore South Deanery and Parish Priest of Permannur. Fr. Pinto delivered an inspiring talk on faith and overcoming adversities and also shared personal experiences of spiritual resilience. Riana D’Cunha, Lady Vice President, expressed gratitude to Fr. Cyprian for his insightful discourse.

The event progressed with a session of musical worship, titled ‘Divine Jam.’ The session was conducted by Br. Rony Ammebal and his team, who energised the attendees through soulful praise and worship. This was followed by a special adoration session led by Rev. Fr. Cyril Lobo. The special adoration session allowed both priests and youth to pray for each other, with many participating in confession and personal reflection. Fr. Ashwin Lohith Cardoza, Director of ICYM Mangalore Diocese, expressed gratitude to Rev. Fr. Cyril Lobo. and Br. Rony Ammebal and his team.

Rev. Fr. Assisi Rebello, parish priest of Mudipu, provided historical insights into the significance of the St. Joseph Vaz Shrine. Participants were then divided into 15 groups for interactive activities, followed by another session of praise and worship. Personal testimonies were shared, inspiring attendees to deepen their faith.

A key highlight of the night was the “Path of Mercy” session, where participants reflected on their personal weaknesses, writing them down and symbolically surrendering them to God through a campfire ritual. Winston Joel Sequeira, President of ICYM Mangalore Diocese, then led the Novena of St. Gonsalo Garcia, the Patron of ICYM. The night also included action songs conducted by members of DEXCO and the screening of three short faith-based films. Later, Rev. Fr. Ashwin Lohith Cardoza conducted a group activity based on the movies, encouraging discussions and reflections on faith.

The event culminated with the celebration of the Holy Eucharist, presided over by Rev. Fr. Santhosh Menezes, along with co-celebrants Rev. Fr. Denzil Lobo, Rev. Fr. Assisi Rebello, and Rev. Fr. Ashwin Lohith Cardoza.

The vote of thanks was delivered by Winston Joel Sequeira, acknowledging the efforts of Rev. Fr. Assisi Rebello, Rev. Fr. Santhosh Menezes, the Parish Pastoral Committee, ICYM Mudipu unit, South Deanery Council youth, and all contributors to the event’s success. Special recognition was given to the event’s main sponsors, including the Sodality of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Catholic Centre Mangalore, and other donors, for their generous support.

EMMAUS 2025 proved to be a spiritually enriching experience, leaving a profound impact on all participants through a night filled with prayer, worship, and faith-centered activities.

By Sharvin Dsouza,

PRO, ICYM Mangalore