NEWS

ICYM Hospet Celebrates Golden Jubilee with Faith, Fellowship and a Vision for the Future 

Hospet, April 19, 2026: The Indian Catholic Youth Movement (ICYM), Hospet Unit, marked a significant milestone on Sunday, April 19, 2026, as it celebrated its Golden Jubilee, commemorating 50 years of faith, fellowship, leadership and service.

The jubilee celebration brought together past and present ICYM members, parish leaders, well-wishers and the parish community to remember the unit’s five-decade journey, honour those who contributed to its growth and inspire the younger generation to carry forward its mission.

Golden Jubilee Memorial Project Inaugurated

One of the major highlights of the Golden Jubilee celebrations was the inauguration and blessing of the ICYM Golden Jubilee Memorial Project. The specially renovated building, conceived as a lasting memorial to the 50th anniversary, brings together a post office, bus stand and shop under one roof, reflecting the organisation’s commitment to creating a project that serves the wider community.

The inauguration and blessing marked not merely the completion of a physical project but also a tangible expression of the collective efforts and generosity of the ICYM community, its supporters and well-wishers.

Thanksgiving Holy Mass

The spiritual celebrations commenced with a Thanksgiving Holy Mass at 4:30 p.m. at Holy Cross Church, Hospet. The Eucharistic celebration was presided over by Most Rev. Dr. Francis Serrao S.J., Bishop of Mysore Diocese, concelebrated by Fr. Ashwin Lohith Cardoza, Fr. Santhosh Rodrigues, Fr. Assisi Rebello, Fr. Melwyn Pinto, Fr. Ronald D’Souza and Parish Priest Fr. Gregory D’Souza.

The faithful gathered in prayer and thanksgiving, recalling God’s blessings throughout the past five decades and seeking continued guidance for the years ahead.

A Celebration of Five Decades

The stage programme commenced at 6:15 p.m. on the church grounds, with Ms. Danica Fernandes as the compere. The programme opened with a ceremonial march past by ICYM members carrying the ICYM flag, accompanied by dignitaries and former presidents and secretaries of the unit. A prayer dance followed, invoking God’s blessings upon the jubilee celebrations.

The chief guest, Most Rev. Dr. Francis Serrao S.J., Bishop of Mysore Diocese, was joined by Mr. Joel Lancy Crasta, Village Assistant, Kasaragod Taluk, along with several Church and ICYM leaders.

Among those present were Rev. Fr. Ashwin Lohith Cardoza, Karnataka Regional Secretary for Youth Commission; Mr. Vijay Ashwin Cardoza, President, ICYM Mangalore Diocese; Mr. Prinson Pinto, President, ICYM Moodbidri Deanery; Mr. Valerian Cutinha, Founder President, ICYM Hospet; Mr. Basil Vivian Colaco, Vice President, Parish Pastoral Council; Mr. Pascal Nazareth, Secretary, Parish Pastoral Council; and Mr. Winston Joel Sequeira, Commission Coordinator, Parish Pastoral Council.

The dignitaries were escorted to the stage by ICYM Hospet President Mr. Rolston Fleming D’Souza and Secretary Ms. Mishel Joyline Tauro.

Reflecting on the ICYM Journey

The formal programme began with a welcome address by President Mr. Rolston Fleming D’Souza. Secretary Ms. Mishel Joyline Tauro then presented the Golden Jubilee Report, taking the gathering through the unit’s 50-year journey, its milestones, activities and contributions to the parish and the youth community.

The report provided an opportunity to look back at the people and initiatives that shaped ICYM Hospet over the decades, while also highlighting the continuing role of youth in the life and mission of the Church.

Honouring Former Leaders

A significant part of the celebration was the felicitation of former directors, presidents and secretaries of ICYM Hospet. Their contributions, leadership and commitment over the years were acknowledged as an important part of the unit’s history.

Addressing the gathering, the dignitaries expressed appreciation for the organisation’s five decades of service and encouraged the youth to preserve its values of faith, unity and service. Bishop Most Rev. Dr. Francis Serrao S.J. and Parish Priest Fr. Gregory D’Souza delivered messages encouraging the young people to embrace faith-centred leadership and continue the legacy of ICYM with renewed commitment.

Sponsors and Supporters Felicitated

The members of the Golden Jubilee Memorial Building Committee were felicitated for their efforts in bringing the project to completion. The principal sponsors who supported the construction of the memorial project and the Golden Jubilee celebrations were also honoured.

The contributions of well-wishers and supporters were acknowledged, recognising the collective effort behind both the jubilee celebration and the memorial initiative.

The formal stage programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Mr. Winston Santhmayor, Joint Secretary of ICYM Hospet.

Trailer Release Adds a Creative Touch

Adding a contemporary element to the celebrations, the official trailer of “TASHENSH ZAAVN,” a new project by Rayan Magnetos, was released during the programme. The trailer release generated enthusiasm among the audience and brought a creative dimension to the jubilee evening.

Cultural Programme and Fellowship

The celebrations continued with a vibrant cultural programme, featuring energetic performances by members of YCS and ICYM. The evening concluded with the screening of the comedy movie “Lucky Draw 777,” providing an atmosphere of entertainment and fellowship.

The Golden Jubilee celebration concluded on a note of gratitude, joy and renewed commitment. The occasion honoured the contributions of those who built and strengthened ICYM Hospet over the past 50 years, while placing the responsibility of carrying its mission forward in the hands of the present generation.

The Golden Jubilee of ICYM Hospet thus became more than a commemoration of the past—it was a celebration of a continuing journey of faith, youth leadership, community service and fellowship, inspiring the next generation to contribute meaningfully to the Church and society.