Goa YCS/YSM Inaugural Meet Inspires Students to Live Faith with Purpose

OLD GOA, June 23, 2026: More than 400 students and animators from across Goa gathered for the inaugural meeting of the Young Christian Students/Young Students Movement (YCS/YSM) for the academic year 2026–27, reflecting on the call to deepen their faith and live purposeful lives rooted in Christian values.

Organised by the Diocesan Youth Centre (DYC) Goa, the June 18 gathering at St. Joseph Vaz Spiritual Renewal Centre in Old Goa brought together around 420 participants from 21 schools under the theme, “Abide in Me to Bear Abundant Fruit of Good Works.” The programme sought to encourage young people to integrate faith with everyday life and become agents of positive change in society.

Addressing the students, Sr. Loretta Pereira, Lady Animator of the Diocesan Youth Centre, led an interactive session exploring the distinction between vocation and profession. She encouraged participants to look beyond career aspirations and discern the deeper purpose to which God calls each person, highlighting the importance of personal growth grounded in faith and service.

The day also featured an input session by Fr. Micheal Pereira, SVD, who heads the SVD Social Work Centre at Raia. His reflections further enriched the students’ understanding of social responsibility and Christian commitment in contemporary society.

Fr. Blaise Lobo, Director of the Diocesan Youth Centre, introduced participants to the vision, mission and core values of the YCS/YSM movement. He also guided students through a demonstration of a YCS/YSM cell meeting, familiarising them with the movement’s hallmark “See–Judge–Act” methodology, which encourages young people to analyse social realities, reflect on them in the light of faith, and respond through concrete action.

The inaugural meet drew students from schools across the state, including institutions from Tivim, Vasco, Margao, Calangute, Siolim, Navelim, Sanquelim, Colva, Dona Paula and other regions. Their participation underscored the growing presence of the movement and fostered a spirit of unity among young Catholics from diverse communities.

Adding vibrancy to the programme, members of the DYC team — Ms. Fivel, Mr. Raiden, Mr. Shannon and Ms. Svenny — animated action songs and interactive activities that kept participants actively engaged throughout the day.

As students gathered for school-wise photographs with their teachers and animators, the event marked not only the beginning of a new academic year for YCS/YSM but also a renewed commitment among young people to bear witness to their faith through service, leadership and meaningful social engagement.

The gathering highlighted the Church’s continuing efforts to empower youth to become active disciples, rooted in Christ and committed to building a more just and compassionate society.

By Catholic Connect Reporter