Press release
Shimoga, June 30: “But God forbid me to boast, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified for me, and I for the world (Gal. 6:14). Keeping this Pauline theme in mind, the Diocesan Executive Committee of ‘Yuvamitra’, Shimoga Youth Commission, adopted the motto: ‘O cross of Christ, be exalted most high. The members of the youth center team carried the cross of the regional youth convention which was blessed by . Dr. Francis Serrao, Bishop of Shimoga on the Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus at Shimoga Sacred Heart Cathedral on June 24.
While praying especially for the team of enthusiastic young people, he prayed especially for the Diocese of Shimoga that the abundant blessings of the Cross come to every parish, every family and every member of the Diocese of Shimoga.
After the blessing, Bishop Francis Serrao, SJ solemnly presented the cross to the youth director, Fr. Pius D’Souza and the youth team. Members of the Diocesan Executive Committee marched with lighted candles as Aaron D’Souza, the President of the Young Catholic Students/Young Students Movement (YCS/YSM), carried the cross of the Karnataka Regional Youth Commission ( KRYC). All the faithful gathered in the cathedral bowed reverently while singing the hymn of exultation of the Holy Cross.
Father Pius D’Souza, Youth Director of Shimoga Diocese, in his opening address highlighted the importance of the RYC Cross journey in the diocese and the purpose of sending it to the respective parishes. Fr. Pius D’Souza expressed his gratitude to Bishop Francis Serrao SJ for solemnly blessing the cross. He thanked Father Stany D’Souza, parish priest of the Cathedral, the priests of the diocese and the congregation gathered at this solemn ceremony.
Aaron D’Souza, president of YCS/YSM led the youth prayer of consecration to the Holy Cross. It was a solemn moment of blessing and departure from the Way of the Cross to the different parishes of the diocese.
The Cross of the Regional Convention will travel throughout the diocese visiting 19 parishes until October 20, 2022.
St. Croix trip details as follows.
