Regional Youth Convention Cross of ICYM Agra Region Handed Over to Diocese of Allahabad

Prayagraj (Allahabad), June 10, 2025: Leaders of the Indian Catholic Youth Movement (ICYM) Varanasi Diocese formally handed over the Regional Youth Convention (RYC) Cross of the ICYM Agra Region to the leaders of the ICYM Allahabad Diocese during a solemn ceremony held on Sunday, June 8, 2025, at St. Joseph's Cathedral, Prayagraj. The handover ceremony was attended by over 50 youth leaders, clergy, and lay representatives from across the ICYM Agra Region.

The event commenced with Mr. Kuldeep Kumar, President of ICYM Varanasi Diocese, handing over the Cross to Bishop Louis Mascarenhas, Bishop of Allahabad Diocese, who then entrusted it to Mr. Ankit Benedict, President of ICYM Allahabad Diocese. 

The Diocesan Executive Committee (DEXCO) team of Allahabad Diocese, along with their youth members, warmly received the RYC Cross, committing themselves to carry forward its mission of spiritual awakening and youth empowerment. Fr. Joel, Regional Youth Director of the ICYM Agra Region and Diocesan Youth Director of the Allahabad Diocese, played a pivotal role in organising the event and warmly welcomed the Cross on behalf of the host diocese. 

Youth members and DEXCO teams from both the Varanasi and Allahabad dioceses participated in the ceremony. Key DEXCO team members from the ICYM Varanasi Diocese who were present at the event included Mr. Kuldeep Kumar (President), Mr. Anshu Anchal Lakra (Vice President), Mr. Praveen Bharti (Secretary), Ms. Archana Masih (Joint Secretary), Mr. Saurabh (Media Secretary), and Mr. Harshit (Liturgical Incharge).

From ICYM Allahabad Diocese, key representatives who were present included Mr. Ankit Benedict (President) and Mr. Robinson (Spokesperson).

Youth members from the ICYM Varanasi Diocese, who participated in the Regional Leadership Orientation Programme (LOP) 2025 held last month, also attended the event, infusing it with their vibrant energy and enthusiasm for youth leadership.

The event concluded with a solemn celebration of the Holy Eucharist, presided over by Bishop Louis Mascarenhas. During the Mass, Bishop Mascharenhas prayed for the youth of the region and invoked God’s blessings upon the journey of the RYC Cross through the Allahabad Diocese.

The event was a powerful testament to the shared journey of faith, inter-diocesan collaboration, and the unifying spirit of the Catholic youth of the Agra Region.

By Mr. Saurabh 

Media Secretary, ICYM Varanasi Diocese