Youth play a vital role in the life of a Church as they are the future of the Church. Youth contributions have been shining and have always been flag bearers of any Society and Church. The Youth of St. Mary’s Church, Madona Nagar, Thrissur are empowered themselves to join their hands with Caritas India, in her model volunteering Campaign, Ashakiranam to actively involved in Cancer preventive activities.

As the Arch Diocese of Thrissur observe 2018 as the year of Youth, the Youth in St. Mary’s Church, Madona Nagar, are united together to enhance the fellowship and to be partakers of Ashakiranam and serve the society with Ashakiranam Youth Mission. A number of preventive & palliative activities are formulated for the annual Ashakiranam Youth Mission such as Cancer Detection Camp, 1 Day Plastic free community building, 501 Ashakiranam Youth Blood Donors Forum, 1 Rupee Campaign, Marathon etc.

The official launch of the Ashakiranam Youth Mission 2018 was inaugurated by Rev. Fr. Jomon Muringathery. “For any tangible growth to take place in any community, the Youth must be significant in that process of growth. Caritas is the suitable space for the Youth to bloom this Mission” said by Fr. Jomon Muringathery in his inaugural address. The role of Caritas specifically in community building and developmental activities are well explained by Bro. Jaison CMI.

Ashakiranam Youth Mission action plan was released by Mr. Benet Johnson, President, Youth Forum. Nearly 60 Youth are registered as Ashakiranam Volunteers and took Volunteers pledge. The students of the Catechism Unit also join with this model Youth Mission. In future this mission may extend from this single parish to the parishes in the Forane.

The program was inaugurated by Rev. Fr. Jomon Muringathery. 60 Youth and Junior CLC (Christian Life Community) members participated in the launch program. Awareness on Ashakiranam, cancer care & prevention, the role of Volunteers in Ashakiranam campaign specifically the role of Youth in Ashakiranam etc. are facilitated by Abeesh Antony, Caritas India, Program Officer.