Yuvakeerthi Awards Honour Youth Leaders at Shimoga Diocesan Gathering

Shivamogga, 8 December 2025 — Young leaders from across the Diocese of Shimoga were honoured with the Yuvakeerthi Awards during a diocesan-level Youth Christmas celebration held on 7 December at the Sacred Heart Cathedral hall, where Yuvamitra, the Diocesan Youth Commission, brought together youth from multiple parishes for a day dedicated to recognising service, leadership and active participation in Church and society.

The inaugural ceremony featured Fr. Stany D’Souza, Delegate of the Apostolic Administrator and Rector of Sacred Heart Cathedral, Fr. Simon Pinto, Coordinator of the Diocesan Pastoral Commissions, Fr. Franklin D’Souza, Diocesan Youth Director and Diocesan Youth President Suhas Martin. The programme opened with prayer and welcome addresses led by youth representatives, followed by the formal inauguration of Christmas Yuvataare.

Youth leaders highlighted unity, participation and learning as central to the day’s purpose. In their messages, Fr. Stany D’Souza spoke of Christmas as God’s greatest gift in Jesus Christ and urged young people to build their lives on Gospel values. Fr. Simon Pinto encouraged them to embrace life’s challenges positively, while Youth Director Fr. Franklin D’Souza reminded participants to remain courageous in faith, placing hope in Christ who never abandons them.

Carol singing, Christmas dance and star-making competitions added vibrancy to the event. A panel comprising Fr. Simon Pinto, Fr. Eugene Lobo SJ and Sr. Anupriya evaluated the performances. The Cathedral youth secured top honours across all categories, with Sharavathi Nagar and Hosanagara parishes also recognised for their participation.

A key highlight of the programme was the presentation of the Yuvakeerthi Awards, acknowledging outstanding youth leaders for their contribution at parish and diocesan levels. Msgr Stany D’Souza, Fr Simon Pinto, Fr Franklin D’Souza and Suhas Martin presented the awards to:

Nikhil Marian, Rakshitha G, Aaron Dsouza, Priya Maria Dsouza, Ashwin Lobo, Alwin Chiranjeevi, Sheethal Britto, Preetham Fernandes, Precita Fernandes, Sachin Issac and Jennifer A.

Newly elected ICYM and YCS/YSM office-bearers took their oath of service for 2026 under the guidance of Fr Franklin D’Souza. The Youth Movement of Sacred Heart Cathedral, Shivamogga, was declared the best youth unit of the diocese and awarded the Yuvasaurabha 2025 for its year-round activities, social outreach and representation at diocesan, regional and national levels.

The celebration concluded with the Holy Eucharist presided over by Fr. Simon Pinto, who preached on the Advent theme of joy, emphasising peace, harmony and daily living rooted in the teachings of Jesus. Fr Franklin D’Souza expressed gratitude to all who contributed to the success of the programme.

By Fr. Franklin Dsouza

KRSC Spiritual Director