Kohima to host 5th Regional Youth Convention

Meghalaya CM Conrad Sangma to attend the inaugural prog.

KOHIMA — The fifth Regional Youth Convention is scheduled to be held from June 27 to the 30th. It is being organised by the North Eastern Regional Youth Commission of the Indian Catholic Youth Movement North Rast (NERYC-ICYM NE) and will be hosted in Kohima.

The event is being hosted by the Nagaland Catholic Youth Movement (NCYM) and Mary Help of Christians Cathedral, Kohima.

This was informed during a press conference held at Bishop’s House in Kohima, addressed by Rev. Dr. James Thoppil, Bishop of Kohima; Rev. Fr. John Burman, director of ICYM NE; Rev. Fr. Kokto Kurian, director of NCYM; Rosou Pohena, president of NCYM; Rev. Sr. Wansuk Mary Lyngdoh, regional lady animator; and Dr. Jonny Raungmei, president of the Catholic Association of Nagaland (CAN).

Rev. Thoppil on the occasion said that the Kohima Diocese is under the metropolitan archdiocese of Imphal. In the Northeast, there are three archdioceses and 15 dioceses spread across all seven states. Despite the different tribes, languages, and cultures, the Catholic Church considers the region as one unit. Hence, this year’s Northeast Catholic Youth Convention is scheduled to be held in Kohima.

He expressed joy that this is the first time the convention is being hosted in Kohima and hoped that youth from across the region will come together to foster and propagate friendship and commitment as Christians and as youth and to celebrate and live their faith together.

Rev. Burman stated that the countdown to the special event has begun, with youth from the 15 dioceses expected to gather at the pilgrimage site—St. Mary’s Cathedral, Kohima—on the theme “Pilgrims of Hope”. He noted that the Catholic Church has already designated this year as a special jubilee year.

He informed that on the inaugural day, June 27, the Chief Minister of Meghalaya, Conrad K Sangma, along with cabinet ministers from the Government of Meghalaya and other dignitaries, will attend the function.

He highlighted that Archbishop Victor Lyngdoh of Shillong; Archbishop Dr. Linus Neli of Imphal, who is also the chairman of NERYC; and Archbishop John Moolachira, D.D., of Guwahati, who is also the president of the Northeast India Regional Bishops’ Council (NEIRBC), will be present during the convention.

Rev. Burman added that on June 28, there will be a Holy Mass to be presided over by prominent bishops. The Director of Youth Resources and Sports, Nagaland, Kethosituo Sekhose, will be the guest of honour, while the former Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, Nabam Tuki, will also attend.

On the following day (June 29), Elias T Lotha, Commissioner of Transport, Government of Nagaland, will attend the function as special guest, along with other eminent speakers addressing various youth-related topics.

Rev. Kurian said the event is going to be a mega event for the Kohima Diocese—the first of its kind, hosting a youth movement. He informed that over 2,000 delegates have registered. Female delegates will be accommodated at Little Flower Higher Secondary School, while male delegates will be hosted at St Mary’s Cathedral Higher Secondary School, Kohima.

Dr. Pohena said hosting such a mega event in the state and diocese is a huge responsibility, supported by leaders from the Catholic Association of Nagaland (CAN), Nagaland Catholic Women Association (NCWA), and the diocese.

On the inaugural day, the Bishop of Kohima will bless the stalls set up by the 15 dioceses and will begin the Holy Mass at 5 pm, followed by a felicitation programme at the Golden Jubilee Memorial Hall.

The Regional Youth Convention is held every three years.

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