Guwahati, Assam, October 25, 2023 (CCBI): The 5th National Youth Conference of the Indian Catholic Youth Movement (ICYM) is currently underway in Guwahati, Assam. A total of 450 diocesan leaders from 132 dioceses across India are actively participating in this significant event.
The inaugural ceremony, a vibrant and colourful procession, took place on October 23rd at 4:00 pm. The procession was led by delegates representing 14 regions of India, with the National Flag and the ICYM Flag being hoisted by Most Rev. John Moolachira, the Archbishop of Guwahati, and Most Rev. Ignatius Dsouza, the Chairman of the CCBI Youth Commission, respectively.
Rev. Dr. Stephen Alathara, Deputy Secretary General of CCBI, inaugurated the regional stalls, where various regions showcased their unique traditions and cultural diversity.
The event continued with the Inaugural Mass, celebrated by Most Rev. John Moolachira, alongside Most Rev. Ignatius Dsouza, Rev. Fr. Sabu Francis, Provincial MSFS, Rev. Dr. Stephen Alathara, Fr. Chetan Machado, Executive Secretary CCBI Youth Commission and Fr J.P. Amalraj, Deputy Secretary, Nrotheastern Regional Bishops’ Council. Following the Mass, the official inaugural programme began with the unveiling of the ICYM National Conference theme song by the ICYM North East region.
The inaugural programme also featured a showcase of the rich cultural diversity of 15 dioceses from the North East region. The event was honoured by the presence of distinguished chief guest Smt. Dolly Reang, Honourable Executive Member of the Department of Social Welfare and Education of the Tripura Tribal Area Autonomous District Council (TTAADD). She was accompanied by Smt. Nandita Debarma Reang, Honourable MLA of the TLA Government of Tripura. Adv. Judy Antony, ICYM National President, extended a warm welcome to the delegates, and Ms. Angela, the Secretary, proposed a vote of thanks. The Northeastern Regional team, under the guidance of Fr. John Barman, MSFS, efficiently hosted the Conference.
The focus of the National Conference is the theme, “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right!” (Eph 6:1). Rev. Dr. Stephen Alathara delivered the keynote address, followed by the division of the 450 delegates into 30 groups. These groups will engage in various sessions centered around the conference’s theme. The 5th National Conference is scheduled to conclude on Friday, October 27, 2023.
Fr. Chetan Machado
Executive Secretary, Commission for Youth.