ICYM Jubilee Concludes; Odisha to Host 2026 Youth Gathering

Kochi, Kerala, October 5, 2025 – The year-long silver jubilee celebrations of the Indian Catholic Youth Movement (ICYM) came to a close on Sunday 5 October, with the concluding Mass of the Witness National Youth Conference at the Divine Retreat Centre, Muringoor, Kerala. The Eucharist was presided over by Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrão, President of the CCBI and the FABC, in the presence of 3,500 young leaders and 200 priests.

During the closing ceremony, Fr. Chetan Machado, Executive Secretary of the CCBI Youth Commission, announced that the next national youth gathering will be hosted in Odisha in 2026. Welcoming the announcement, Fr. Prakash Kiro, Regional Youth Director of Odisha, invited delegates to “the land of tribals and temples.”

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma was the chief guest of the ceremony, while Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrão formally declared the Jubilee closed. Bishop Ignatius D’Suza, Chairman of the CCBI Commission for Youth, welcomed the delegates, and Fr. Chetan Machado proposed the vote of thanks. Mr. Raj Bagh, ICYM President, introduced the ceremonies, and Ms. Supriya Varghese, National Secretary of ICYM, led the missionary pledge.

The five-day conference, organised by the CCBI Youth Commission, brought together young leaders from across India to celebrate their faith, deepen their spirituality, and renew their commitment to mission. Participants described the event as a life-changing experience.

“It was spiritually nourishing. These five days gave us an opportunity for self-renewal. It touched my heart and inspired me to do more for Jesus and the Church,” said Ms. Apoorva Xess from Chhattisgarh.

Mr. Kalyan from Andhra Pradesh added, “Witness was a great event with memorable moments. Being with vibrant young leaders from different parts of the country, speaking different languages and belonging to diverse cultures, was truly enriching.”

With the Jubilee year concluded, the ICYM now looks ahead to Odisha 2026, where thousands of young leaders are expected to gather once again in faith and fellowship.

By Supriya Varghese