ICYM Poona Hosts Annual Meet to Unite and Empower Parish Youth Leaders

Pune, June 17, 2025: The Indian Catholic Youth Movement (ICYM) unit in the Diocese of Poona hosted its annual diocesan event, PRAM (Presidents, Representatives, and Animators Meet), on Sunday, June 15, 2025, at the Eichstatt hall of St. Patrick’s High School and Junior College, Pune. The meeting brought together youth leaders from parishes across the diocese to foster fellowship among them, help them get acquainted with office bearers of youth groups in other parishes, and discuss and prepare the annual calendar of ICYM Poona.

The event commenced with a solemn Eucharistic Adoration, invoking the Lord’s guidance and protection on the youth of the diocese. An energetic icebreaker session followed, featuring dancing and games that fostered interaction and camaraderie among the participants. During the meeting, the attendees took time out to express heartfelt gratitude to the former Youth Director of the diocese, Fr. Stanley Fernandes, and the outgoing Diocesan Executive Committee (DEXCO) of ICYM Poona for their dedicated service.

In his address to the gathering, Fr. Roque Alphonso, Administrator of the Poona Diocese, urged the young leaders to focus on building themselves and their communities. Fr. Stanley, the former Youth Director of the Diocese, and Fr. Colin Hendricks, Rector of St. Patrick's Cathedral, Pune, also encouraged the youth to actively participate in and contribute to the Church's mission in the Diocese of Poona.

The highlight of the meeting was the presentation of ICYM Poona’s annual calendar, which outlines the various activities planned for the year at the parish, deanery, and diocesan levels.

Later, elections were held to select members for the new Diocesan Executive Committee team of the diocese. The elections resulted in seven new members from various parishes being elected to the new DEXCO team of ICYM Poona. 

The event concluded with a joyful fellowship meal.

By Fr. Rohan Gawdhya, 

Youth Director, 

Diocese of Poona