The Historical Journey of DYC-GOA

The Diocesan Youth Centre (DYC), Goa, the vibrant youth wing of the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman, stands as a beacon of faith, fellowship, and formation. For over four decades, it has accompanied generations of young Goans, guiding them to root their lives in Christ and active citizenship. Our story is a beautiful testament to visionary leaders, dedicated priests, and the unyielding energy of youth.

1979–1981: Sowing the Seeds of Youth Apostolate

The dawn of a structured youth ministry in the Archdiocese broke on 28th June, 1979. Recognizing the need to connect local youth with the larger national church, Archbishop-Patriarch Raul Nicolau Gonsalves issued a portaria(official appointment) appointing Fr. Emidio Manuel Inacinho Pinto as the official ‘contact person’ to the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) Youth Apostolate.

With the foundation laid, the subsequent months of 1979 saw groups of passionate priests undergoing specialized training to become the Archdiocese’s first ‘Youth Animators’.

The dream took a concrete shape on 26th January, 1980, when Archbishop Raul Gonsalves convened a historic consultation meeting at the Jesuit House in Panjim to envision a dedicated diocesan youth centre. This was followed by crucial successive meets on 23rd March and throughout April, giving birth to the first cohesive teams of youth animators. Recognizing the momentum, Chancellor Fr. J.A. Almeida officially proposed the formal committee for DYC on October 23, 1981.

1982–1987: Building the Foundation and Constitution

On 14th April, 1982, the vision materialized through an official portaria that constituted the first DYC Committee, placing Fr. Emidio Pinto as the ‘In-charge’. Between 1982 and 1984, this committee worked tirelessly on the grassroots formation of what would become the Diocesan Youth Centre. Their foundational efforts culminated on 6th August, 1985, with the official drafting of the DYC Constitution.

A new chapter of creative energy began on 26th April, 1986, when Fr. Inacio Daniel Olavo Velho Pereira was appointed as the Assistant Secretary of the Committee of the Diocesan Catechetical Centre (DCC) and took over as the In-charge of the nascent Diocesan Youth Centre. Under his guidance, a fresh committee was officially established via a portaria on 6th March, 1987, steering the ministry closer to its final structure.

1988–1991: A Home and a Vision Realised

The year 1988 marked a historic milestone as the Diocesan Youth Centre finally found its physical home, officially situating its headquarters at Lar de Estudantes, Altinho, Panjim. This space quickly transformed into a sanctuary of creativity, spiritual renewal, and community for young people from every corner of Goa.

The structural evolution reached its beautiful completion in 1991, when Fr. Olavo Velho Pereira was formally appointed as the very first full-time Director of the Diocesan Youth Centre. It was during this era that Fr. Olavo designed our iconic youth logo; blending the cross, the palm tree, and the Goan waters, and gave us our enduring motto: “Nurturing Hope, Shaping Lives.”

2014–2024: Final Relocation & Current Operations

In 2014, the DYC Office officially shifted to the St. John Paul II Complex in Borda, Margao. This major administrative move took place during the tenure of the Director, Fr. Savio D’souza.

Presently, DYC Goa operates all of its diocesan youth programs from this current St. John Paul II Complex location, which serves as the central hub for its ongoing mission and youth ministry.

The Legacy Continues

From a single portaria in 1979 to a thriving diocesan youth movement, DYC-GOA continues to walk hand-in-hand with young people. Today, through flagship youth programmes, the vibrant deanery animations, and the Young Catholic Students/Young Students Movement (YCS/YSM), we look back at our history with gratitude and step into the future with unshakeable hope.

Following the foundational years of Fr. Olavo, a succession of dynamic and visionary priests were given the baton to guide the youth apostolate. Each leader brought unique gifts, expanding the reach of the Diocesan Youth Centre, Goa and steering new generations toward purposeful service.

• Olavo Velho Pereira (1991 to 1995): Gave a structural evolution for the centre as a major milestone in 1991 when officially appointed as the first Director of the Diocesan Youth Centre. Under his guidance, the foundational blueprints transformed into active, living ministries.
• Lucio Dias (1996–2004): Stepped into leadership during a changing cultural landscape, strengthening parish-level youth mobilization across the Archdiocese.
• Olavo Caiado (2005–2012): Infused fresh creative and spiritual energies into the youth ministry, championing collaborative leadership and formation programs.
• Savio D’Souza (2013–2022): Led the centre through a decade of modern digital transition and community outreach, deeply anchoring youth values through intensive formation.
• Blaise Lobo (2023–Present): Our current Director, who continues to lead with a passionate vision, fostering a vibrant space for youth to encounter Christ, lead with integrity, and build a supportive community in a digital world of Social Media.