- 03 July, 2025
KOHIMA, July 3, 2025: The 5th Regional Youth Convention of the Indian Catholic Youth Movement–North Eastern Region was held from 27 to 30 June at the Mary Help of Christians Cathedral in Kohima, Nagaland. More than 2,000 Catholic youth from 15 dioceses across the seven northeastern states of India participated in the event.
Organised by the North Eastern Regional Youth Commission – ICYM North East region and hosted by the Nagaland Catholic Youth Movement (NCYM), the convention united participants under the inspiring theme Pilgrims of Hope. The Convention also marked the Silver Jubilee year of the ICYM movement.
The four-day faith gathering commenced on 27th June with the arrival and registration of participants. Shri. Conrad K. Sangma, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Meghalaya, graced the inauguration ceremony of the convention as Chief Guest. He hoisted the ICYM Northeast flag in the presence of Most Rev. Dr. Linus Neli, Archbishop of Imphal and Chairman of NERYC; Most Rev. John Moolachira, Archbishop of Guwahati; and Most Rev. Victor Lyngdoh, Archbishop of Shillong.
Abp. Dr. Linus Neli of Imphal Archdiocese and Abp. Victor Lyngdoh of the Shillong Archdiocese then blessed all the stalls and the convention venue. Former Regional Youth Directors, Regional Youth Lady Animators, Regional Youth Presidents, and Chaplains, as well as friends and benefactors of ICYM North East, also attended the inaugural function.
Later, Archbishop Neli presided over the inaugural Holy Mass. In his exhortation during the Mass, he described the gathering as a 'sea of youth'. He affirmed that the Catholic youth of Northeast India represent the light and soul of the region and are a sign of hope for the future of the Catholic Church in India.
Following the Mass, a welcome gathering was conducted.
During the inaugural programme, Chief Minister Conrad Sangma shared a powerful video testimony of a recovered drug user who described how faith played a pivotal role in helping him overcome drug addiction. Sangma connected the testimony with the convention's theme, “Pilgrims of Hope”. He encouraged the youth participating in the convention to become agents of hope and transformation in society.
In the evening, members of the Nagaland Catholic Youth Movement led a lively cultural programme called 'Host Night'. The day concluded with the introduction of members of the ICYM Northeast Regional Executive Committee (REXCO).
The second day of the convention began with a Holy Mass celebrated by Most Rev. John Moolachira, Archbishop of Guwahati. This was followed by a session titled “Identity and Purpose of Youth in Christ through the Holy Sacraments”, delivered by Rev. Fr. Vekupa George.
Later, Rev. Fr. Joseph M. Thohrii conducted a session on “Pilgrims of Hope – Moving Forward in Synodality”.A choreography competition showcased the vibrant creativity of young participants from various dioceses. This was followed by a reflective Taizé Prayer and Confession service, led by the youth of the Shillong Archdiocese.
The evening concluded with a grand Cultural Night, where youth from dioceses including Jowai, Agartala, Miao, Tezpur, Bongaigaon, Aizawl, and Imphal performed traditional and thematic presentations. Youth from the Archdiocese of Guwahati hosted the event.
Day three of the convention began with Eucharistic Adoration led by youth from Nongstoin Diocese. This was followed by a session on peer pressure by psychiatric social worker Ms. Edlina Kerketta. The Holy Mass of the day was celebrated by Most Rev. James Thoppil, Bishop of Kohima.
A meaningful panel discussion followed, centred on the theme “Youth as the Now of the Church in Northeast India”. The discussion addressed three topics: evangelising the digital continent through social media, a Christian response to drug abuse, and managing relationship challenges. The panel featured Dr. Johnny Raungmei, Mr. Ketholelie Basil Whourie, and Ms. Jeremai Krong.
Later, the General Body Meeting (GBM) of the ICYM Northeast region was held, along with an evaluation session where delegates and youth leaders interacted with the REXCOs. A powerful session on “Navigating Social Media from a Christian Perspective” was delivered by Rev. Fr. Michael Makri SDB.
In the evening, an award ceremony was held, which was graced by Shri Kethosituo Sekhose, Director of Youth Resources and Sports, Government of Nagaland, and Shri Nabam Tuki, Hon’ble former Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh.
The day ended with the Cultural and Farewell Night, where youth from the dioceses of Shillong, Tura, Guwahati, Nongstoin, Dibrugarh, Diphu, and Itanagar presented their final performances, coordinated by the REXCOs.
On the final day of the convention, Most Rev. Benny Varghese, Bishop of Itanagar, celebrated the concluding Mass. The convention was formally closed with the ceremonial lowering of the ICYM-North East flag by Nagaland Transport Commissioner Elias T. Lotha.
All diocesan delegates departed with hearts filled with hope, faith, and commitment to carry forward the mission of Christ as Pilgrims of Hope.
By Mr. Jaunt Bora,
Regional Youth Treasurer
ICYM North East region
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