Media Release

Dibrugarh, Aug 20: Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI) Youth Commission National Youth Directors’ meet held at Boniface Pastoral Centre, Mancotta, Dibrugarh, Assam from August 18 to 20. The theme of the meet is 'Rooted in Christ, Leading Youth Towards the Light'.

The first day began with the council meeting and advisory body meeting, followed by the arrival of delegates. The inaugural day continued with morning prayer, breakfast and preparation for the inaugural Eucharist. The inaugural Holy Mass was celebrated by Rev John Moolachira, archbishop of Guwahati and president of the North East Region Bishops' Conference. In his homily he reflected on the theme and invited the youth leaders to be rooted in Christ and to lead young people towards hope and light. This was followed by a group photo and inauguration ceremony.

Dr Ignatius D'Souza, bishop of Bareilly and chairman of the CCBI Youth Commission delivered the keynote address. This was followed by response to the keynote and an open question and answer session. The report of the CCBI Youth Commission and follow-up actions were presented, along with clarifications. Regional reports and best practices from different regions were also shared during the sessions.

The second day included Holy Eucharist, morning prayer and breakfast. Sessions focused on collaboration, reporting and discussion on ways of strengthening the functions of diocesan and regional commissions, national youth movements, and networking with the National Youth Commission. There was also a presentation by representatives from other movements including Idente, Bosco, Focolare, FYM, YU4C and others. Matters related to the commission, statutes, elections and the programme calendar were taken up in the plenary and general discussion.

Present for the meet are Dr Ignatius D'Souza, chairman of CCBI Youth Commission, Rev John Moolachira, archbishop of Guwahati, Rev Linus Nelli, archbishop of Imphal and regional chairman of NERYC Youth Commission, Rev Albert Hemrom, bishop of Dibrugarh, along with Fr John Barman MSFS, executive secretary of CCBI Youth Commission, office bearers, and more than 120 youth directors and lady animators from across the country.

The National Youth Directors’ meet aims to strengthen youth ministry in India, share experiences and prepare action plans to accompany and empower young people. The final day will conclude with mid-day prayer, benediction, lunch and local sightseeing before the departure of delegates.