Lucknow: The newly elected team of the Lucknow Diocesan Youth Commission, under the banner of the Indian Catholic Youth Movement (ICYM), took oath during its annual Christmas and New Year event that was held at Navintha Pastoral Centre, Chinhat in Lucknow in the north Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, on January 7, 2024. Over 130 delegates from across the diocese attended the event.
Despite the frosty and foggy morning, the young participants were punctual for the Holy Mass, with Fr. Ramesh Kujur as the main celebrant. Soon after, the new team took an oath in front of the altar, holding a candle signifying that Jesus is the light of the world.
The legacy from the former team was passed to the new one, and the newly elected team members comprise Chairman Bishop Most Rev. Dr. Gerald John Mathias, director Fr. Dominic Pinto, Lady Animator Sr. Vinaya D’Souza AC, assistant director Fr. Arun Coth, president Mr. Aryan Lawrance, secretary Ms. Ritika David, joint secretary Ms. Silvia Lawrence, treasurer Ms. Nivedita, event coordinator Mr. Nikhil Tirkey, media secretary Mr. Ankit Paul Tigga, technical heads Ms. Sheryl Swing & Mr. Roshan, graphic designer Mr. Rikki Dhawan, photographer Mr. Godwin Massey and assistant event coordinator & Spokesperson Ms. Anupma Khushbu Soren.
Soon after the Holy Mass, the youth engaged in fun-filled activities, interacted with each other, and formed special bonds. A dancing session allowed them to showcase their moves.
The former team members are president and media secretary Ms. Isha Marandi, secretary Ms. Anjali Tirkey, joint secretary and treasurer Mr. Samuel Massey, event coordinator Mr. Bright Massey, sportsperson/associate event coordinator Mr. Yusuf John, technical head Mr. Abhinav Robin and Mr. Ankit Hembrom, mentor Mr. Ajay Dominic Dahanga, ex-officio Ms. Anupma Khushbu Soren and Mr. Aryan Lawrance.
The farewell began with a welcome dance by the youth of St. Anthony parish, followed by a Christmas message from the Diocesan Youth Director, Fr. Dominic Pinto. He shared the history of Christmas, explained why it is celebrated on December 25, and discussed the history of St. Nicholas, commonly known as Santa Claus.
Fr. Pinto urged the youth to be a Santa in someone’s life, as Christmas is a season of giving. A skit by the current executive team depicted moments from the outgoing team’s life. The outgoing team was felicitated by the current team.
A memory lane video, along with a surprise video from their close ones, evoked emotions and nostalgia. In the end, the current team gifted a mango tree, symbolizing that the outgoing team’s hard work would benefit the diocese in the long run, and future youth would enjoy the fruits of their labor even after their term.
There was even a surprise element for the youth as the diocesan executive committee felicitated the youth who did a fantastic job in their parish in the previous year. As a token of appreciation, the DEXCO promised to waive their registration fees for the next diocesan event.
The following dedicated individuals were recognized for their outstanding contributions in their respective parishes: Holy Redeemer Church’s Abhilasha Shaji, St. Fidelis Church’s Alesha Peter Massey, St. John Mary Vianney Church’s Alwyn Robert, St. Matthew Church’s Anupriya, Nitya Sahaya Mata Church Jannies Jesthy, St. Jude Church’s Maria Barlow, St. Joseph Cathedral Monica Juli, St. Anthony Church’s Nivedita, St. Thomas Church’s Pinank Toppo, Holy Family Church’s Shalin Singh and Infant Jesus Church’s Vincy Xalxo.