Media Release

New Delhi, May 9: The Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI) has appointed Fr John Barman, MSFS, as executive secretary to the Commission for Youth. The appointment was made during the executive committee meeting held on May 5–6, 2026, in Bengaluru.

Born on August 12, 1981, in Machkhowa, Dhemaji District, Assam, Fr Barman was ordained a priest on January 13, 2008, for the Missionaries of St Francis de Sales (MSFS), Guwahati Province. Over 17 years of priestly ministry, he has served with a strong commitment to youth formation and faith animation.

Fr Barman brings extensive experience in youth ministry and pastoral leadership. He served as director of the Fransalian Youth Movement (FYM) in Northeast India and later in the Guwahati Province. He was also director of the Fransalian Music Academy and coordinator of Vocations for his province. Since 2022, he has served as provincial councillor of the MSFS Guwahati Province.

At the regional level, he held key roles as regional secretary of the Northeastern Regional Youth Commission under the Northeast India Regional Bishops’ Council, director of ICYM Northeast, and Chaplain of the YCS/YSM movement in the region. Since July 2025, he has served the CCBI as associate executive secretary to the Commission for Youth.

Fr Barman has represented the Indian Church at global events, including World Youth Day in Poland (2016) and Portugal (2022), and the 2025 Seminar on Ending Gospel Poverty in Malaysia.

Academically, he holds degrees in philosophy and theology, and a master’s in public administration. He also holds a postgraduate diploma in software audio engineering and electronic music production; skills he uses to engage young people through modern and creative platforms.

A skilled communicator, Fr Barman is fluent in English, Hindi, Nepali, Assamese, and Khasi, enabling him to connect effectively with diverse youth groups across the country.