Welcome to Holy Family Church, Brahmavara. National Youth Sunday Celebrated at HFC
National Youth Sunday was celebrated with great enthusiasm at Holy Family Church, Brahmavara, on 9 August 2026. The Holy Mass was presided over by Rev. Fr Alwyn D’Souza, Director of the Family Life Service Centre, Shanthi Kiran, Bajjodi, Mangalore. He reflected on the day’s theme: “Take courage; I have conquered the world” (John 16:33). In his homily, Fr Alwyn explained that these words of Jesus, spoken on the eve of His Passion, offer profound hope and strength to young people facing the challenges of modern life. The world may present trials, uncertainties, peer pressure and distractions, yet Christ has already overcome every obstacle through His Cross and Resurrection. Youth are therefore called to live with courage, rooted in faith, rather than fear or compromise. After Mass, Fr Alwyn also addressed the youth on present-day issues they face, the areas where they often go wrong, and practical ways to handle crises.
The entire programme was organised under the careful guidance of Fr John Fernandes, Parish Priest, and Fr Mathias Dias, Spiritual Director and Principal of Nirmala High School, Brahmavara, together with the youth animators.
Around 40 young people participated. After the Holy Mass, they gathered for a meeting and short reception in the mini hall. They then proceeded to the orphanage “Mamatheya Thottilu” at Malpe, Udupi, where they spent meaningful time with the children—sharing joy, listening and offering companionship. This outreach embodied the Christian call to active charity and solidarity with the vulnerable.
During the programme, Mrs Celestine D’Almeida was felicitated and thanked for her dedicated service of 13 years as an animator of the Indian Catholic Youth Movement (ICYM). Her accompaniment has nurtured many young people in faith and leadership. Assistant animators Mrs Meera D’Almeida and Mr Anthony Barnes were welcomed. Sr Monica, who rendered valuable service to the parish community as a Catechism teacher and Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion, was thanked by the Parish Priest. Sr Arogyam, a member of Karunalaya, was introduced and welcomed.
The celebration at Holy Family Church, Brahmavara, reminded all present that when young people take courage in Christ, they become a living sign of hope for the Church and for society.