The CFCI National Youth Conference 2013 was held from 8 November 2013 to 10 November 2013, at St. Anthony School Monte de Guirim. CFCI youth from Mumbai, Gujarat, Orissa, Jharkhand, Mangalore, West Bengal, Delhi, and Goa travelled from far and wide to be a part of this conference.
The first day started with registration, during which the youth introduced themselves to each other. Grace Afterglow, the music ministry for the conference along with the dance ministry from Mumbai, helped loosen every one with some action songs. Vivian Braganza, the event head for NYC 2013, declared the conference open. Neil Todankar led all the youth into praise and worship.
The first session of the conference was given in Hindi by CFCI Singles from Gujarat, Praful Masih and in English by CFCI Single from Mumbai, Basil Rodrigues. It spoke about the rejection of God. The session was a reality check on how it is difficult to experience God and how sometimes prayer can feel like talking to a blank wall. They attributed this distance between God and man to rejection of God, knowingly or unknowingly, and the indifference shown to him. Moreover, they explained that another reason for this distance is the split lives that people live – one being a CFCI Youth and another a Youth for the World. They made the delegates comprehend the fruit of the spirit they bear, and areas or fruits where the Spirit may not be manifested.
After lunch, delegates were led into praise and worship by CFCI Single from Goa, Asiel lobo who shared on God’s love. He stressed that he continues to want the best for us, in spite of our sinning and drifting away from Him.
The Second session in Hindi was given by CFCI Single from Ranchi, Vidya Dadel and in English by CFCI Single from Goa, Levin Gomes. The session focused on the Heart of God. They shared that God continuously and unceasingly loves us, irrespective of how often we sin or drift away. They stressed that God never stops loving us and he is the same irrespective of the situation or change in scenario. They spoke about the misconception that God is the cause of misfortunes in life and enlightened the delegates on how it was their own choices that led to their hardship. They explained that man is a victim of his own choices.
The third session of the conference was given in Hindi by CFCI Couple from Goa, Baptist Dias and in English by CFCI Single Goa, Joshua Cordeiro. It was on God’s will and man’s free will. They stated that God doesn’t micro manage our lives. We have the freedom to choose, and our choices need to lead us to love God more perfectly, Moreover, we need to be able to lead others into a loving relationship with God.
A short time of adoration was held in front of the Blessed Sacrament to help the youth absorb and understand the sessions of the day. This was followed by the Incredible India competition where CFCI Youth showcased their talents as well as the cultural diversity of their respective states. It was a riot of colours and amazing performances showcasing India’s cultural heritage.
The second day started with rosary and mass. The main celebrant Fr Allan Tavares in his homily, focused on youth being the light of the world and how they need to lead people and inspire people. The morning worship was led by CFCI Youth from West Bengal, Hemant who encouraged the youth to praise God freely and from their hearts. Open forum was held next, to help clear misconceptions as well as clarify doubts that the youth had with regard to all the sessions.
Various competitions like Splash-Face Painting, Quiz, JAM, Duet Singing competition, Story Writing where held wherein all the delegates showcased their creative side and their artistic abilities.
CFCI Youth from Goa, Carlton D’Souza led all the delegates into a short time of praise and worship in the afternoon, followed by adoration and confession. This was followed by a session on seeking God’s will and making God centered choices given by CFCI Singles from Goa, Luane Gomes in Hindi and Ehrlson De Sousa in English. They explained how to discern God’s will in our lives rather than depending on instant answers.
The much awaited theme party was next, with participants dressing up in ethnic wear, the theme for the party. It was a time full of fun, enjoyment, dancing as well as worshipping God.
The last day of the conference began with rosary and mass where the celebrant spoke on the importance of youth, of saints in jeans, of the need of the youth to become role models. The last session of the conference was on Road to Transformation given by CFCI Single from Goa, Deidre Fernandes and CFCI Single from Chennai, Biron D’Souza in English and CFCI Single from Bangalore Kelvin Castelino in Hindi. They spoke on the fruit of the Holy Spirit and the difference between Training and Trying. They explained the need to practice spiritual discipline in order to grow in the fruit of the Spirit. They elaborated on the spiritual disciplines and the fruit of the Spirit it would help manifest.
Formators where then involved in the action and found engrossed in playing the various games that were organized.
Delegates were then encouraged to draw up an action plan, on how they could manifest areas where the fruit of the Spirit were lacking, and how they could transform the area and manifest the fruit of the Spirit.
In the afternoon, the prizes of all the pre-conference competitions as well as the competitions held during the conference were distributed. The winning video and photograph were displayed, as well as a performance by the winners of the talent round. The conference concluded with a Praise Fest led by CFCI Youth from Mangalore, Chris Crasta, who praised God for all the wonders and blessings poured during the conference.
Official Photographers: Mauvin Matthew & Jane D’Souza
Report by: Asiel Lobo & Afrodite Colaco, CFCI Youth Goa
Where you a part of this conference? Could you care to share a few lines below in comment section how was your experience?
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