The Nagaland Catholic Youth Movement (NCYM) is set to host the 5th Regional Youth Convention 2025 from June 27-30 at Mary Help of Christians Cathedral, Kohima.

The convention is being organized by the North Eastern Regional Youth Commission-Indian Catholic Youth Movement (NERYC-ICYM) on the theme “Pilgrims of Hope”, aiming to provide a platform for young people to come together, share experiences, and seek to understand the meaning and implications of their faith on their life and explore their role as disciples of Christ. The occasion also marks the Silver Jubilee of ICYM (Indian Catholic Youth Movement), the youth body of Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI) Youth Commission.

Bishop of Kohima, Most Rev. Dr James Thoppil, addressing the media at the Bishop’s House on Tuesday while informing about the church in the northeast, highlighted that the first missionaries came to region in 1890. He said the whole northeast is considered as one unit although ecclesiastically, there are three, named as metropolitan dioceses. He also mentioned that in northeast India, there are three archdioceses and 15 dioceses. Even though they are spread out in all the seven sister-states with the different tribes, languages and cultures, he said the Catholic church is considered as one unit.

Expressing delight and appreciation to be hosting the convention in Kohima for the first time, the Bishop said that the youth from the entire northeast will be coming together as one family, celebrating faith, living faith, and also spread faith.

Rev. Fr. John Burman, Director ICYM-NE in his address stated that this convention is a very special event and this year they have chosen the theme as “ Pilgrims of Hope” and the Holy Mother of the Church, the Catholic church has already designated this year as a special year of Jubilee.

He also highlighted that the convention is for the young people and a time of grace, and renewal. He said that the youth are going to learn lots of affinity on leadership, skills development, and empowerment.

He also informed that the Chief Minister of Meghalaya Conrad K Sangma will be present for the inaugural programme along with the cabinet ministers of the government of Meghalaya flanked by many other dignitaries.
On June 28, the second day of the convention, the Bishops will be celebrating the Holy Mass. And then on June 29, Kethosituo Sekhose, Director of Youth Resources and Sports (DYRS) Nagaland will be the special guest while the guest of honour will be former Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh Nabam Tuki. On the June 30, Elias T Lotha, Commissioner of Transport, government of Nagaland will grace the convention.

Fr. Burman also mentioned that eminent speakers, resource persons will be speaking on topics that will affect the young people while also touching upon the relevance of drug use that is really taking the young people away from the very pivotal of  life.
Rev. Fr. Kokto Kurian, Director NCYM also highlighted that all the preparations are going well and the convention will be all about blessings and celebrations for all the youth of the Northeast India.

Over 2,000 delegates have registered so far to attend the regional youth convention.

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