Interview: Aaron Barboza, President of ICYM Moodubelle, in Conversation with Catholic Connect

May 20, 2025

Meet Aaron Barboza, the passionate and visionary President of ICYM Moodubelle, whose journey from the tranquil shores of Udupi to leading one of the most active youth groups in the region is nothing short of inspiring.

In a candid conversation with Catholic Connect, Mr. Aaron opened up about his journey with ICYM Moodubelle, achievements under his leadership as president, and much more.

Excerpts

How do you manage to balance your professional responsibilities with your commitments to ICYM?

Both roles are very important to me. Being chosen as ICYM Moodubelle president was a big responsibility, and I take that trust seriously. ICYM has greatly benefitted my professional life—leading meetings and planning events has improved my organisational and communication skills at work. I usually work on ICYM activities in my free time, but it doesn’t feel like extra work because I’m constantly learning something new. Skills like leadership, teamwork and public speaking are all things I can apply to my job as well. So yes, it is about managing time, but more importantly, both roles are helping me grow in different ways.

In which year did you first join ICYM Moodubelle?

I don't remember the exact year, but I think it was around 2019 or 2020.

Could you walk us through some of the key milestones in your journey with ICYM over the years?

To be honest, I wasn’t very involved with ICYM at first—I had moved to Bangalore for work and felt disconnected. But everything changed in 2024 when I was elected Vice President, just in time for our unit's Golden Jubilee. The pressure was real, but we rose to the occasion with a series of events that brought the entire parish together—sports, cooking contests, quizzes, and more. It was heartwarming to see youth and elderly bonding, cheering each other on, and truly coming together as a community.

We also introduced practical workshops on topics like taxes, finances, and AI to prepare the youth for real-world challenges. Spiritually, our Taizé prayer sessions offered moments of reflection and unity. One of the most touching experiences was during Lent when the youth gave up small luxuries, pooled their savings, and donated the amount to a local old-age home.

That year taught me that leadership isn’t just about organising events—it’s about building connections, empowering others, and creating meaningful impact. That whole experience taught me that leadership isn't just about organising events. It's about building bridges, creating opportunities, and helping people discover what they're capable of when they work together.

When were you elected as the President of ICYM Moodubelle? 

I got elected as president in November 2024. Before that, I served as Vice President and wore several different hats in that role, too. Honestly, becoming president was completely unexpected. I didn't even nominate myself for the position – I was just focused on doing my work as VP. But when the elections came around, the unit members voted for me with a big majority, which really humbled me. I couldn't say no to the people who showed that much faith in me. The tenure is for one year. It's a responsibility I take very seriously, especially knowing how much trust the members have placed in me.

What are some of the significant achievements or milestones of ICYM Moodubelle during your tenure as president?

Before I became President of ICYM Moodubelle, member participation was quite low. Since I took over, we've seen steady growth, with new members joining every week.

The real momentum began in January, and it's been an active, fulfilling journey since. We started the year with a 'Mastering AI' workshop to equip youth with practical knowledge about AI and its relevance to careers. In February, we hosted a Taizé prayer service that brought together over 250 participants for a peaceful, spiritually enriching experience. March focused on giving back during Lent—we collected donations, visited a nearby old-age home, shared gifts and food, and spent quality time with the residents. Their joy was truly heartwarming. Now as May is dedicated to Mother Mary, we have planned a special rosary gathering in front of the grotto, bringing all the youth together for a prayerful weekend.

So yes, even though it has only been a few months, I really feel like we have done some great work as a team. The energy has been amazing, and I am really looking forward to what is ahead.

By Catholic Connect Reporter