Mangalore Youth Leaders Excel at Karnataka DELTA 2026 Training

Five representatives from the Indian Catholic Youth Movement (ICYM) in the Mangalore diocese participated in the Karnataka Regional DELTA 2026 formation programme from February 28 to March 1, 2024. This event took place at St Anthony Community Hall in Bellary and aimed to foster leadership skills, spiritual growth, and community engagement among youth leaders from various dioceses across Karnataka.

The programme, organized by ICYM Karnataka Region, began with registration and an energizing warm-up session that set an enthusiastic tone for the gathering. The inaugural ceremony featured Dr Henry D’Souza, Bishop of Bellary and Chairman of the KRCBC Youth Commission, who emphasized the importance of leadership in serving both the Church and society. His address provided a purposeful foundation for the activities that followed.

Participants engaged in interactive team-building exercises designed to enhance communication and collaboration skills. These activities fostered unity among the diocesan representatives, strengthening their collective commitment to youth empowerment. During a sharing session, Vijoy Ashwin Cardoza, President of ICYM Mangalore diocese, highlighted key initiatives aimed at uplifting young people, including events like the Career Expo and podcast series that feature successful ICYM members discussing their journeys.

A particularly impactful session on “Youth and Leadership” led by Fr Lourd Raj, former regional youth director, encouraged participants to develop into responsible, value-centered leaders. He stressed the importance of commitment to service within the Church and broader society, reinforcing the programme’s core objectives.

The Holy Eucharist celebrated during the event added a significant spiritual dimension, deepening participants’ faith. Additional sessions focused on practical leadership skills, with a module on Group Dynamics emphasizing teamwork as an essential element of effective leadership. Supriya Varghese facilitated an interactive discussion on balancing leadership responsibilities with personal and professional life, promoting holistic growth among the attendees.

Outdoor activities allowed for bonding and fellowship, further strengthening relationships among youth leaders. A YOUCAT sharing session conducted by Fr Ashwin Cardoza deepened participants’ understanding of Church teachings, while he also led a session on effective report writing and planning. This included essential techniques for drafting timely and comprehensive reports.

In addition, Suzannha Ferrao, PRO of ICYM Mangalore diocese, provided insights on efficient management of diocesan reports and systematic documentation practices. The programme also integrated moments of prayer, including the recitation of the Holy Rosary and Eucharistic Adoration, creating a spiritually enriching environment.

Concluding with a vibrant cultural evening and a final prayer, the event marked a successful culmination of the regional formation programme. The delegates from ICYM Mangalore diocese returned with renewed enthusiasm, strengthened faith, and a clearer vision for their roles in serving the Church and society responsibly.