Have a vision, have a dream, Bishop tells youth

Have a vision, have a dream, said Bishop of Bellary Rev Fr Henry D'Souza inaugurating Yuvajanotsava 2012, the Eighth Karnataka Regional Catholic Convention at Most Holy Redeemer Church premises in Belthangady on Friday.

The three-day convention was based on theme “Transformed by faith - Transforming the World: Networking - Human Dignity - Employability - Caring for earth.”

The youth should be effective leaders and build the nation. Let go of inhibitions and differences caused by caste and religion, said the Bishop and added that to bring change in the world, one has to change from within.

He also pointed out that many Catholics who have reached great heights are proud of their Catholic identity and happily associate with church and its activities. Love your church, respect your elders, he said.

Bishop D'Souza also said that there is a need to protect environment and lead a clean and healthy life.

Pontifical Mission Societies National Director Fr Faustine L Lobo spoke on “Youth today becoming leaders of church in future.”

“Today youth are facing different challenges. Many remain absent to the society and world due to tight working schedules and different work timings. The routine of the youth has changed and they neglect spiritual activities,” he said.

The youth today get huge pay packages. However, many do not know how to spend. They get into bad habits. They do not follow values and morals. The concept of live-in relationship is shocking as the institution called marriage is not respected here, he said and stressed that youth badly need guidance.

“The best guidance can be offered by peer groups. Hence, there is a need to form such groups where they can learn good things from each other, strengthen their spirituality and respect values,” he said.

Sessions on topics such as ‘Youth today emerging leaders of tomorrow- context, situation and challenges: Identity of Youth,’ ‘Socio- cultural context-Challenges and Response’ were taken up by eminent speakers.

Earlier, the convention began with a flag hoisting ceremony by Bishop of Belthangady Rev Fr Lawrence Mukkuzhy followed by an Eucharistic celebration. Bishop of Puttur Rev G Mar Divannasios, CBCI Youth Office National Secretary Rev Fr Franklin D’Souza were present. More than 2,000 youth are participating in the convention.