Diocese of Kohima to Host North East Catholic Youth Convention

Kohima, June 25, 2025: The Nagaland Catholic Youth Movement (NCYM) is set to host the 5th Regional Youth Convention (RYC) from June 27 to 30, 2025 at the Mary Help of Christians Cathedral, Kohima. The event, themed “Pilgrims of Hope”, is expected to draw over 2,000 delegates from across the 15 dioceses of the region.

The four-day event is being organised by the North Eastern Regional Youth Commission (NERYC) Indian Catholic Youth Movement North East (ICYM-NE). The occasion also marks the Silver Jubilee of the Indian Catholic Youth Movement (ICYM), the youth body of the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI) Youth Commission.

The announcement was made during a press conference held on Tuesday at the Bishop’s residence in Kohima, addressed by a panel of Church and Youth Leaders including Most Rev. Dr James Thoppil, Bishop of Kohima; Rev. Fr. John Burman, Director of Indian Catholic Youth Movement (ICYM) Northeast; Rev. Fr. Kokto Kurian, Director of NCYM; Dr. Rosou Pohena, President of NCYM; Rev. Sr. Wansuk Mary Lyngdoh, Regional Lady Animator; and Dr. Johnny Raungmei, President of Catholic Association Nagaland (CAN).

Most Rev. Dr James Thoppil, Bishop of Kohima, reflected on the historical and spiritual journey of the Catholic Church in Northeast India. He noted that the Church’s presence in the region dates back to 1890 with the arrival of the first missionaries, and its centenary was celebrated in 1990.

At present, he said that the Church in the Northeast comprises three archdioceses and 15 dioceses spread across all seven states. Despite the diversity of tribes, languages, and cultures, he emphasised that the Catholic Church in the region functions as a unified body, symbolising the universality of the Church.

He expressed joy at Kohima hosting this year’s youth convention, describing it as a moment of grace where young people from across the region can gather to celebrate, live, and share their faith. Bishop Thoppil reiterated that while the dioceses were formed for administrative and ecclesiastical efficiency, their spiritual unity remains intact. With over 1.5 million Catholics in the region, he believes the convention will strengthen the youth’s sense of fellowship and faith.

The Bishop informed that many youth across the Northeast region have also heard about the recent renovation of the Mary Help of Christians Cathedral in Kohima and have expressed keen interest in visiting the pilgrim centre. He described the cathedral as a significant asset for Nagaland and an embodiment of Naga culture and Catholic faith.

He said that one of its new notable features is the unique depiction of the Stations of the Cross through life-size statues which is a first of its kind in the state and the region. Recognising the religious and cultural significance, he said that the Government of India has also listed the cathedral as one of the 100 official pilgrim centres in the country.

Rev. Fr. John Burman, Director of ICYM Northeast, described the upcoming convention as a “spiritual rebirth” for young people, coinciding with the Jubilee Year of the ICYM. He said that the convention would serve as a time of grace and renewal not just for the young people, but for the entire Church. He described that the gathering would be a moment of spiritual rebirth, emphasising that the event would be both deeply spiritual and personally transformative for the participants.

He explained that the young people would have the opportunity to grow in faith, develop leadership skills, build a sense of community, and experience empowerment. According to him, the convention is aimed to be a confluence of many important elements such spiritual enrichment, personal development, and collective fellowship.

Prominent leaders from the North East, including Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma and several cabinet ministers from Meghalaya, and former CM of Arunachal Pradesh, Nabum Tuki, are expected to attend the event.

The convention will witness the participation of three archbishops including Most Rev. Victor Lyngdoh, Archbishop of Shillong; Most Rev. John Moolachira, Archbishop of Guwahati and President of the Northeast India Regional Bishops’ Council (NEIRBC); and Most Rev. Dr. Linus Neli, Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Imphal and Chairman of NERYC.

He informed that distinguished speakers and resource persons will lead discussions that are relevant to today’s generation. Beyond spiritual celebrations, the convention aims to engage young participants in critical conversations on leadership, social media influence, and pressing challenges like substance abuse, which continues to affect youth in the region.

Fr Burman informed that since last year, it was decided that the convention would be held as a triennial event, taking place once every three years.

Rev. Fr. Kokto Kurian, Director of NCYM, expressed gratitude for the overwhelming response to the convention, sharing that registrations had to be closed early after exceeding the expected number of participants. He informed that female delegates would be accommodated at Little Flower Higher Secondary School, while male delegates would be housed at St. Mary Higher Secondary School. He noted that hundreds from within Kohima district are also expected to commute daily to attend the event.

Johnny Ruangmei, President of the Catholic Association of Nagaland (CAN), highlighted the inclusive nature of the Catholic Church, saying it is one institution that brings people together regardless of caste or colour. He described the upcoming convention as a significant moment for uniting the diverse tribes, cultures, and languages of Northeast India, offering a glimpse of what “heaven” might look like in its diversity and unity.

He further emphasised that such gatherings provide an opportunity to study the social teachings of the Church and engage young people in reflecting on the role and identity of the Church.

By Medolenuo Ambrocia