The Young Christian Students/Young Students Movement (YCS/YSM), under the guidance of the Diocesan Youth Centre – Goa (DYC), marked the foundation of its activities for the academic year 2025–26 with a grand Inaugural Meet held on 25th June 2025 at St. Joseph Vaz Spiritual Renewal Centre, Old Goa. The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from around 370 students and animators from 22 schools across Goa, united under the inspiring theme, ‘Hope does not disappoint us’.
Participants were enriched by a powerful and inspiring input session by Rev. Fr. Caetan Fernandes, Incharge of the Apostolate of Ecumenism and a member of the Apostolate for Inter-Religious Dialogue. He encouraged the students to be open to dialogue, respectful of uniqueness, and messengers of unity in a world divided by discrimination and fear.
Rev. Fr. Blaise Lobo, Director of the Diocesan Youth Centre, delivered an insightful presentation on the mission, structure, and core values of the YCS/YSM movement. Emphasizing on human dignity, justice, peace, love, truth, and equality, he encouraged every student to grow as leaders of change within their school and communities. He also demonstrated how to conduct a YCS/YSM cell meeting, allowing students to experience firsthand the “See–Judge–Act” methodology which lies at the heart of the movement.
A total of 22 schools are actively part of the YCS/YSM, consisting of around 400 students. The schools that took part in the inaugural meet included: St. Ann’s H.S. Tivim, St. Theresa H.S. St. Estevam, St. Joseph Vaz H.S. Sancoale, Holy Cross H.S. Siolim, Infant Jesus H.S. Colva, Bethany Convent H.S. Areal, Little Flower of Jesus H.S. Calangute, Our Lady of Candelaria H.S. Vasco, St. Xavier’s H.S. Moira, Presentation Convent H.S. Ambaji-Margao, St. Bartholomew’s H.S. Chorao, St. Clara’s H.S. Assonora, St. Michael’s Convent H.S. Vagator-Anjuna, Our Lady of Desterro H.S. Vasco, St. Lawrence H.S. Agassaim, Our Lady of the Rosary H.S. Dona Paula, St. John of the Cross H.S. Sanquelim, Holy Cross H.S. Bastora, Holy Spirit Institute Margao, St. Sebastian’s H.S. Loliem-Canacona, Perpetual Convent H.S. Navelim, and Lourdes Convent H.S. Saligao.
The day was made lively and engaging with ice-breakers and energizing action songs, animated by the DYC team Mr. Joyston, Mr. Valdo, and Ms. Svenny. The event concluded with photography session of each school along with their teachers. As the YCS/YSM movement embarks on another fruitful year, the Diocesan Youth Centre encouraged every participant to embody the spirit of hope and transformation in their schools and communities, practicing true values with conviction and compassion.