Report by : Fr Stephen D'Souza, Capuchin
Nagaland, Jul 3: The city of Kohima came alive with a vibrant celebration of faith, culture, and youthful spirit as more than 3,000 Catholic youth from 15 dioceses across Northeast India gathered for the 5th ICYM North East Regional Youth Convention, held from June 27 to 30, 2025, at the Mary Help of Christians Cathedral.
Organised by the Nagaland Catholic Youth Movement (NCYM), the event carried the theme “Pilgrims of Hope,”.
The four-day gathering aimed to rekindle the spiritual identity of young Catholics, foster unity across diverse cultures, and empower youth to be active agents of change in the Church and society.
The event featured a rich tapestry of activities that intertwined prayer, reflection, learning, and celebration. Each day began with communal prayer and culminated in the solemn celebration of the Holy Eucharist, presided over by bishops from various dioceses — including most rev. Dr Linus Neli (Imphal) at the opening mass, John Moolachira (Guwahati), James Thoppil (Kohima), and Benny Varghese (Itanagar) who presided over the closing mass.
Taizé prayer led by the Shillong Archdiocese offered moments of deep spiritual reflection, and the liturgical themes such as “You are My Witnesses” and “Live His Life – Do His Will” guided the overall spiritual experience of the delegates.
The convention was driven by a threefold purpose: to revitalise the spiritual identity of youth in Northeast India, to build bridges across cultural and linguistic divides, and to empower young people as the “Now” of the Church by equipping them with knowledge, leadership, and a strong sense of mission.
Every aspect of the event — from the solemn Eucharistic celebrations to the insightful workshops and the vibrant cultural evenings — was thoughtfully designed to nurture faith, foster fraternity, and promote holistic formation among the youth.
The convention featured a series of impactful sessions led by resource persons addressing key concerns and aspirations of today’s youth.
Fr Vekupa George spoke on “Identity and Purpose of Youth in Christ,” stressing the importance of sacraments as anchors in life. Fr Joseph M Thohrii discussed the journey of faith through synodality under the theme “Pilgrims of Hope.”
Edlina Kerketta, a psychiatric social worker and PhD scholar, shed light on mental health and the challenges of peer pressure, while Fr Michael Makri SDB explored “Christian Apologetics and Social Media Navigation,” offering a practical guide for young digital Catholics.
A dynamic panel discussion featuring Dr. Johnny Raungmei, Ketholelie Basil, and Jeremai Krong addressed urgent youth issues including drug abuse, relationships, and digital evangelization.
Evenings were marked by cultural celebrations that showcased the rich ethnic diversity of Northeast India. Each diocese presented performances rooted in their unique heritage — from Naga shawls and bamboo headgear, Mizo and Khasi folk songs, Garo and Ao traditional dances, to Assamese mekhela chador and Tiwa art forms.
Despite the vibrant differences, the underlying message was one of unity in faith — one Church, one body in Christ. The venue itself, the Mary Help of Christians Cathedral, beautifully reflected this spirit, blending Gothic architecture with Naga craftsmanship to symbolize harmony between culture and Catholicism.
The presence of Capuchin friars — Fr Stephen D’Souza, Fr Justin Sumi, and Fr Anthony Melwyn — added a deeply spiritual and inspirational element to the event. Their humble lifestyle and joyful witness to the Franciscan way of life resonated with the young attendees, reminding them that holiness lies in simplicity and that the Church today needs witnesses who live the Gospel with authenticity and joy.
The convention also emphasised leadership and active participation through the annual general body meeting, award ceremonies, and election of new regional youth leaders. Huimingam Jonah Chithung, regional youth president, in his address encouraged the delegates, saying, “The courage and the hope that the Almighty empowers the youth with is a bright spark that ignites change — for self, for the Church, and for the world.” The event was marked by meticulous organization, discipline, and spiritual depth under the guidance of Fr Kokto Kurian, Diocesan Youth director of Kohima, and the NCYM team.
As the curtains fell on June 30, the mood was not one of conclusion but of renewed purpose. The 5th ICYM North East Regional Youth Convention was more than just an event — it was a living journey of hope, a celebration of cultures, and a proclamation of youthful faith. It reinforced the truth that hope is alive in the Church, that faith and culture can walk together, and that the youth are not just the future but the vibrant present of the Church.
With hearts ignited and spirits uplifted, the young delegates returned home as true Pilgrims of Hope, ready to be the voice of truth, peace, and love in their communities.