Some 500 Catholic youths from all over India danced and sang as they marched for peace in Mangalore, a city that witnessed anti-Christian violence a year ago.

The march concluded the Nov. 3-7 national conference of the Indian Catholic Youth Movement (ICYM), with the theme, “Youth in emerging India.”

The organization comes under the youth commission of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) and the participants represented all its 13 regions.

“We are one in Jesus, all of us are one,” sang one group while others chanted “Jai Bharat mata!” (”hail, mother India!”) during the two-kilometer march that ended with a ceremony in which 26 people received national youth awards.

Bishop Aloysius Paul D’Souza of Mangalore, who handed out the awards, said the young are “the future” of the Church and the nation. He congratulated the award recipients for their dedicated service to society, and stressed the importance of holding on to religious values.

During the ceremony, Archbishop Abraham Viruthakulangara of Nagpur handed over ownership documents for six hectares of land he donated to the ICYM to set up a special village for youths.

“Investing in youth is investing for the nation and the Church in India,” said Archbishop Viruthakulangara, founder of the CBCI youth commission.

ICYM national president Sajish Jose said his movement has nearly 1 million members aged between 15 and 30 in some 600 districts in the country.

During the conference, the participants held talks and group discussions on various issues affecting young people.

A major topic was reaching out to rural youths who have migrated to cities in search of jobs. Another was how to cater to the spiritual needs of young people in call centers who work odd hours.

The meeting was also a preparation for the next CBCI meeting in February 2010, which would discuss youth and their problems.

Gopalakrishna Kamat, a Hindu who watched the peace march, commended the Catholic youths for their discipline and unity. Such values are rarely seen in other communities, he told UCA News.

Referring to anti-Christian violence in Mangalore in September 2008, during which extremist Hindu groups damaged more than 20 churches here, Kamat said the attacks were led by misguided youngsters. “If led properly, young people can become peacemakers,” he asserted.

Anitha Andrew, an award recipient, said she plans to dedicate her life to serving the Church and young. Sony Pavelil, another participant, said he was happy to be part of a network of people from various cultures. “We speak different languages, dress differently, eat different food, but cherish the same Christian values.”

Source:  UCAN

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