CCBI National Youth Directors’ Meet Held in Dibrugarh, Assam
Dibrugarh: The Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI) Youth Commission’s National Youth Directors’ Meet took place at the Boniface Pastoral Centre, Mancotta, Dibrugarh, Assam, from August 18 to 20. The theme of the three-day meeting was “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 programme included morning prayer, breakfast and preparations for the inaugural Eucharistic celebration.
The inaugural Holy Mass was celebrated by Most Rev. John Moolachira, Archbishop of Guwahati and President of the North East Regional Bishops’ Conference. In his homily, he reflected on the meeting’s theme and encouraged youth leaders to remain rooted in Christ and to guide young people towards hope and light. The Eucharistic celebration was followed by a group photograph and the formal inauguration of the meeting.
Most Rev. Dr. Ignatius D’Souza, Bishop of Bareilly and Chairman of the CCBI Youth Commission, delivered the keynote address. This was followed by a response to the keynote address and an open question-and-answer session. The CCBI Youth Commission’s report and follow-up actions were presented, along with clarifications. Regional reports and best practices from various parts of the country were also shared.
The second day began with Holy Eucharist, morning prayer and breakfast. The sessions focused on collaboration, reporting and ways to strengthen the functioning of diocesan and regional youth commissions, national youth movements and networking with the National Youth Commission.
Representatives of various youth movements, including Idente, Don Bosco, Focolare, FYM and YU4C, also made presentations and shared their experiences. Matters concerning the commission’s statutes, elections and programme calendar were discussed during the plenary and general sessions.
Those present at the meet included Most Rev. Dr. Ignatius D’Souza, Chairman of the CCBI Youth Commission; Most Rev. John Moolachira, Archbishop of Guwahati; Most Rev. Linus Nelli, Archbishop of Imphal and Regional Chairman of the NERYC Youth Commission; Most Rev. Albert Hemrom, Bishop of Dibrugarh; Rev. Fr. John Barman MSFS, Executive Secretary of the CCBI Youth Commission; office-bearers; and more than 120 Youth Directors and women animators from across the country.
The National Youth Directors’ Meet aims to strengthen youth ministry in India, facilitate the sharing of experiences and best practices, and prepare action plans to accompany and empower young people.
The three-day meeting concluded with midday prayer, Benediction, lunch and local sightseeing before the departure of the delegates.