ICYM Northeast Youth Convention Opens in Kohima with Call to Be ‘Pilgrims of Hope’

KOHIMA, June 28, 2025: The 5th Regional Youth Convention of the Indian Catholic Youth Movement (ICYM) Northeast Region commenced on June 27 with an inaugural ceremony outside the Mary Help of Christians Cathedral in Kohima, Nagaland.

Organised by the Northeastern Regional Youth Commission of ICYM and hosted by the Nagaland Catholic Youth Movement, the four-day event is being held under the theme 'Pilgrims of Hope'. Over 2,000 Catholic youth from 15 dioceses across the Northeastern states of India are participating in the convention.

Chief Minister of Meghalaya and India’s only Catholic Chief Minister, Conrad K. Sangma, was the chief guest for the inaugural function. He inaugurated the convention by hosting the flag of the ICYM northeast region.

In his inaugural keynote address, Sangma inspired the youth with a seven-minute testimony from a recovered drug user, highlighting the role of faith in overcoming addiction and life's challenges. He urged the youth to embody the convention’s theme by becoming proactive agents of change. He emphasised that hope should be active, grounded in action, purpose, and resilience. "Set a goal and work towards it," he said.

Sangma emphasised the importance of entrepreneurship and innovation among the youth, warning, "If you aren't enterprising, you'll be left behind."

He urged the youth not to fear failure and shared his personal experience of losing his first election and the lessons it taught him. "You may fall, but rise up again," Sangma said. He expressed hope that more Catholic youth would rise as leaders and icons in the region.

After the inauguration ceremony, the congregation then moved to the Cathedral for the celebration of the Holy Eucharist , presided over by Most Rev. Linus Neli, Archbishop of Imphal and Chairman of the Northeast Regional Youth Commission.

In his homily, Archbishop Neli described the gathering as a "Sea of Youth" and thanked the participants for being living testimonies to the unity and strength of the Catholic Church. He lauded Catholic youth of the Northeast as the "light and soul" of the region and symbols of hope for the future of the Catholic Church in India.

The Bishop of Kohima, Most Rev. James Thoppil, warmly welcomed the delegates of the convention and described the young participants as the “salt that gives taste”. He highlighted their essential role in enriching both the Church and society. He expressed hope that the convention would lead them to a meaningful encounter with the Lord. Bishop Thoppil also encouraged the youth to recognise and cherish the beauty of the Church's universality.

The Archbishop of Shillong, Most Rev. Victor Lyngdoh, also addressed the youth, urging them to be true "Pilgrims of Hope" and live their lives according to the Gospel of the Lord. He also encouraged them to take pride in their cultural identity and to be instruments of peace in their communities. 

The evening concluded with “Host Night, ”a cultural showcase organised by the Northeast Catholic Youth Movement, celebrating the rich diversity of the region.

By Tungthang Zou