9th Karnataka Yuvanajostova Held; Youth Urged To Usher In A New World

BALLARI, OCT 27: Over 2,000 Catholic young leaders from all the 14 dioceses of Karnataka participated in Regional Yuvajanostava 2019 held at Bellary Arogya Mathe Shrine premises, Oct. 24-27. On the last day there were over 2500 participated in the event. It was jointly hosted by KRCBC Youth Commission and the Diocese of Bellary. Majority of the participants were from Bellary Diocese particularly from rural areas. The entire premises was filled youth - full of enrgy, singing, dancing and praying.

The theme of the Convention was: "Youth caring for earth for a better world". It was aimed at proper grooming of youth into a culture of life, fostering mutual respect and shaping a better world. It is a veritable invitation to discover their capacity for innovation and transformation for the growth of the Church and the world. The convention was inaugurated on October 24 with a Holy Eucharistic celebration presided by Bishop Anthonyswamy, and many priests of the Region.

In his homily Bishop Henry D'Souza, Bishop of Bellary and Chairman of KRCBC Youth Commission said, "Yuvajanotsava is indeed a new springtime, freshness in the life of the Church today. Our country with majority of the population the youth could be God given gift, if motivated well, if not a demographic disaster! Like St. Augustine whose heart was restless weary from seeking God and led into passing attractions, our youth in their restlessness are invited to answer the call of Jesus "What are you looking for?" and may lead to bring their friends to Jesus as Andrew did". The solemn inaugural procession with the Synodal crosses from all the 14 dioceses was accompanied by music bands and folk music band - Singari Mela.

Youth convention was formally inaugurated by watering the plant by all the chief guests and youth leaders of the Karnataka region. The chief guests present were Sri Nijagunaprabhu Thontadarya Swamigalu, Bishop Makarios of Puttur diocese, Bishop Anthonyswamy of Chikmagalur diocese, Sri Alum Veerabhadrappa,MLC, Sri KC Kondiah, MLC and others. Sri Nijagunaprabhu Swamigalu at the occasion appealed everyone to uphold democracy and unity in our multi cultural, lingual and religious identitity of India. "India belongs to all", he insisted. He also lauded the genuine contribution of the Christian society for the development of our country. He appealed everyone to awake the human nature and brotherhood in each one of us beyond narrow barriers.

Fr. Antonyraj, Vicar General, and coordinator of the convention welcomed the gathering and Ms.Deepti Sofia, anchored the inaugural session. Mr. Jai Joseph the President KRCBC Youth Convention thanked everyone.

On 25th October, the Second day of the Convention, quoting APJ Abdul Kalam, Fr. Christopher Crasta MSFS appealed the youth to DREAM before their dream come true. Fr. Praveen ofm, President KRCR urged the youth to care for the earth, our common home in the Light of "Laudato Si", the apostolic exhortation by Pope Francis.

Quoting Pope's words he stated, "If you destroy the creation, the creation will destroy you." Bringing before the youth the present scenario of pollution, waste and throwaway culture, climate change, loss of biodiversity, environmental deterioration, expansion of the cities, global inequality, weak responses of politicians he motivated them to protect the mother earth. Fr. Francis Xavier, Secretary, KRCBC Commission for Catechetics inspired the youth to make a U-Turn in their life by rejecting the Ape and App mentality and urged them to fight corruption, exploitation and crime. He urged youth to boldly make U-turn from addiction to social media, sin of indifference, from unrealistic world, from duplicate spiritual life to realistic life.

Sri Ugrappa former Ballari MP, deeply appreciated all the efforts of the Church to harness the power hidden in the youth. He called on them to be introspective and responsible regarding the challenges in the society which can be encountered proactively only by them. While democracy is "by the people, from people and for the people we" should trust in democracy and participate in the progress of society, refraining from illegal activities, always upholding the constitutional democracy of India. Retired Supreme Court Judge and former Karnataka Lokayukta Justice Santhosh Hegde lamented that senors have contributed to build the present build, yet the world is in a bad shape. But youth can reshape the world and usher in a new world through integrity of life and by being truly human. He was speaking on the third day of the youth conference October 26.

"Legislature, executive and the judiciary are the foundations of democracy. Values are collapsing in the current society. When society progresses without values, it is necessary for youth to inculcate the values of satisfaction and humanity in their lives," he said. He called on youth to earn within the legal framework, spend with joy and live an excellent life. "Youth should start working to vote for leaders with good values and send them to parliament," he addwd.

On the final day the youth held a Rally for Peace and Progress. It was flagged off by Member of Parliamant Dr. Nasser Hussain and lead by Bishop of Karnataka. The solem Eucharistic Concelebration was led by Archbishop Peter Machado, Archbishop of Bangalore and joined by Bishop Henry D'Souza, Bishop Robert Miranda Bishop of Gulburga, Bishop Lawrence Mukkuzhy Bishop of Belthangady, Bishop Gerald Lobo Bishop of Udupi, Bishop Peter Paul Saldana Bishop of Mangalore, Bishop Francis Serrao sj Bishop of Shimoga and Bishop Joseph Arumachadath of Bhadravathi. The Holy Mass was followed by a public function at which the youth pledged personally and collectively dedicate their lives to Jesus, serve the Mother India by strengthening Constitutional democracy and look forward to join public service and prepare for tomorrow's leadership. Earlier, over 100 donated their blood, launching the Caring Ballari programme. They also took up service activities such as Swachch Bharat - cleaning VIMS campus, Green Karnataka - planting saplings and Beautiful Ballari by painting road side walls.

Miss Ancy, one of the Youth leader, Bellary expressed "I gained so much knowledge and discovered my immense capacity to develop and it was a unique experience" "Our youth can be trusted and entrusted with responsibilities" said an animator. "Meeting young people from different dioceses and different cultural, linguistic background was an opening for me" said Mr. Anil Raichur. Many youth experienced healing touch of Jesus in the sacrament of reconciliation, Taize prayer and Eucharistic adoration.

On the final day about 1500 youth joyfully participated in the Peace Rally. At the concluding Eucharistic celebration presided by Archbishop Peter Machado, in his homily Bishop Miranda appealed everyone present to be like salt, though a minority it is majority. Fr.Lourdraj, Secretary, Karnataka Regional Youth Commission thanked one and all - the donors, volunteers and collaborators on the final day. The event concluded with a fraternal meal.