"LET THE YOUTH ARISE AND SHINE"
YOUTH CONVENTION IN VADODARA AND RELWA
YOUTH CONVENTION IN VADODARA AND RELWA
The Youth Convention was by organized by Fr. William Carvalho, the Youth Director in two places namely, Vadoara and Relwa for all the youth of the Diocese of Baroda.
The Youth Convention for the youth of the city was held at Sky Lark, Rosary Parish Baroda. The youth of the different city parishes came together on the 6th and 7th November, 2010. Most Rev. Bishop Godfrey de Rosario was the chief guest for the occasion.
These two days were indeed days of great learning and entertainment for the 180 youngsters from 16 parishes. Eminent speakers enlightened the youth with spiritual learning based on our Saviour Jesus Christ and the organizers kept the group active with actions songs and games.
The inauguration itself had a thought provoking speech by Mr. Gilbert Nazareth, MD, Minority Finance Corporation, Government of Gujarat spoke that it is the youth who can make a different to the Church and to the Country. He asked them to be ready to face the varied challenges that lay ahead of them.
In the first session Rev. Fr. Ambrose Vedam s.j. spoke on the topic "Church and the Youth". He explained it is not what the Church is but who the Church is which is important. He said that the Church is the people of God. It is not only laity, but priests, religious, bishops and Pope, all the baptized Christians. “Where two or three gathered in my name I am there in their midst”. Mr. Mario, faculty of Education and Psychology, M.S. University, Baroda conducted a session on 'Carrier Guidance'. He beautifully explained it by giving them a chart to work on. The youth were so eager to do it that they did not understand how the time passed by. It was the points that were on the chart that was showing them the real person they hold in them and in which direction they have to walk. The day ended with camp fire and the sound of music by the youth themselves. It was real fun.
Next day began with exercise conducted by an young athlete who trained the Indian Cricket Team. The Eucharist was celebrated by Most Rev. Bishop Godfrey de Rosario, the Bishop of Baroda Diocese. In his homily he encouraged the youth to arise and shine. The youth were indeed enlightened and resolved to trully arise and shine.
The first session of the second day was conducted by Rev. Fr. Joseph. He narrated his own life example whereby he was touched by the Lord. It is not only the pious and right people God calls but God can call any one, any time as he called Paul, St. Augustine, and so on….
The last session of the day was still more vibrant. The speaker was Rev. Fr. Paresh. He spoke on 'Faith'. He said that 'Each thought is a prayer and every prayer is answered'. He explained the real meaning of faith, based on Scripture.
The youth convention ended with a fruitful discussion on various visions for the future of the Church in the Diocese of Baroda. They reflected and came out with suggestions as to how they can work in the Church collectively and make a difference. The day ended with the Eucharistic Celebration. Fr. Robert explained in his homily that the youth have lot of talents and it is up to each individual to use them for their personal growth and for the growth of others.
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The Second Youth Convention was held at Relwa from the 12th to the 14th of November 2010. The theme of the convention was "Be United And Move Ahead". Most Rev. Bishop Godfrey de Rosario was the chief guest for the occasion. He innaugurated the convention and he addressed the 1000 youth gathered from 20 mission centres.
The programme began with lighting of the lamp and a prayer dance. Followed by various talks, sharing of experiences and cultural programme by the Youth. Eminent tribal speakers shared their knowledge and experience. Dhanubhai, a social worker spoke on the history of tribals and their present condition and stauts. Anand Vasava, Editor Adilok threw light on the complex issue of challenges faced by the tribal. The main thought that went across was to take a look at the challenges faced by the Adivasi Community and how the Tribal culture can be upheld and encouraged.
The local MLA, Mr. Amarsinh educted the gathering on the privileges of tribals in the constitution of India. Dhanubhai spoke on the varies evils prevalent among the tribals even today and which are very harmful namely superstition and drug addiction. A session on unity among the tribals by Vinod Vasva, a trainer of trainees, made the youth to reflect and do something.
The Eucharistic Celebrations for the two days were celebrated by Rev. Bishop Godfrey and Rev. Fr. Berechi. The evenings were filled with fun and dance. There were various tribal dances, skits, jokes and songs that were presented by different youth from different parishes. More than 900 youth took part in this convention at Relwa.
The local MLA, Mr. Amarsinh educted the gathering on the privileges of tribals in the constitution of India. Dhanubhai spoke on the varies evils prevalent among the tribals even today and which are very harmful namely superstition and drug addiction. A session on unity among the tribals by Vinod Vasva, a trainer of trainees, made the youth to reflect and do something.
The Eucharistic Celebrations for the two days were celebrated by Rev. Bishop Godfrey and Rev. Fr. Berechi. The evenings were filled with fun and dance. There were various tribal dances, skits, jokes and songs that were presented by different youth from different parishes. More than 900 youth took part in this convention at Relwa.
A hearty congratulations to Rev. Fr. William Carvalho and his team for putting up such a well-organized programme for the youth. It did bring the youth together to pray, to think, to get enlightened, to enjoy the company and culture of different persons and allow them to truly arise and shine.
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