Northeast Hosts 13th National Catholic Youth Directors’ Meet

DIBRUGARH, August 20, 2026: Youth Directors and animators from across India gathered at the Boniface Pastoral Centre, Mancotta, in the Diocese of Dibrugarh, for the 13th National Catholic Youth Directors’ Meet, focusing on strengthening youth ministry through prayer, collaboration and a deeper relationship with Christ.

Organised by the CCBI Youth Commission, the two-day gathering, held on August 19 and 20, is themed “Rooted in Christ, Leading Youth Towards the Light.” The meeting brings together Regional and Diocesan Youth Directors, women youth animators and representatives of youth movements from religious congregations to reflect on the changing realities and aspirations of young people.

The gathering opened with Lauds, followed by the inaugural Mass presided over by Archbishop John Moolachira of Guwahati, President of the North East India Regional Bishops’ Council (NEIRBC).

In his homily, Archbishop Moolachira underlined prayer as the foundation of effective youth ministry and urged those involved in accompanying young people to deepen their relationship with Christ.

“Rootedness comes from spending time in prayer. The depth of our ministry depends on the depth of our rootedness in Christ,” he said.

The inaugural programme, hosted by the North East region, included the felicitation of dignitaries and delegates. The meeting is being held in Dibrugarh following floods that recently affected parts of the diocese.

Bishop Ignatius D’Souza of Bareilly, Chairman of the CCBI Youth Commission, attended the gathering along with Archbishop Linus Neli of Imphal, Chairman of the North East Regional Youth Commission (NERYC), and Bishop Albert Hemrom of Dibrugarh, Coadjutor Archbishop of Guwahati.

Also participating were Fr John Barman MSFS, Executive Secretary of the CCBI Youth Commission; Fr Vishal Mal, Associate Executive Director; Sr Celina Surin, Associate Executive Director; and Fr Timothy Saldana, Director of Boniface Pastoral Centre.

In his keynote address, Bishop D’Souza called for a more creative and collaborative approach to youth ministry in response to the changing circumstances, needs and aspirations of young people.

He encouraged dioceses to conduct surveys among young people to ensure that pastoral programmes are informed by their experiences and concerns. He also stressed the need for closer coordination between Regional and Diocesan Youth Directors and greater collaboration at parish and zonal levels.

Addressing employment concerns among young people, Bishop D’Souza proposed the organisation of regional-level job fairs. He emphasised unity, cooperation and shared responsibility as essential to building a more effective and responsive youth ministry.

The afternoon session featured a report of the CCBI Youth Commission, along with presentations on the activities and initiatives of the Indian Catholic Youth Movement (ICYM) and YCS/YSM India. An interactive question-and-answer session enabled participants to seek clarifications and share experiences from their respective regions and dioceses.

The gathering continued with prayer, reflection and fellowship, with participants exploring ways to strengthen the Church’s accompaniment of young people and renew youth ministry across the country.

Sr. Monica Khangchian FMA