Kohima gears up for NE Catholic Youth Convention

Nagaland Catholic Youth Movement (NCYM) is all set to host the 5th Regional Youth Convention (RYC) of the North Eastern Catholic Church from June 27 to 30, at the Mary Help of Christians Cathedral, Kohima.
Organised by NE Regional Youth Commission and Indian Catholic Youth Movement North East (ICYM-NE) under the theme “Pilgrims of Hope”, the event will mark the silver jubilee of ICYM and is expected to draw over 2,000 youth delegates from across the region.
Addressing the media, Most Rev. Dr James Thoppil, Bishop of Kohima and chief patron of the youth movement expressed delight that Kohima would be hosting this year’s youth convention, calling it a moment of grace and spiritual renewal where young people from across the region can come together to celebrate, live, and share their faith.
Bishop Thoppil emphasised that although dioceses were created for administrative and ecclesiastical purposes, the spiritual unity of the Church in the Northeast remains strong. With over 1.5 million Catholics in the region, he said the convention would serve to deepen the youth’s sense of fellowship, faith, and shared identity.
He also reflected on the Catholic Church’s rich legacy in Northeast India, which began with the arrival of missionaries in 1890.
He also noted the inclusion of the Kohima Cathedral as one of the 100 official pilgrim centres in India, recognised by the Government of India, and highlighted its unique Stations of the Cross as a spiritual and artistic landmark.
Rev. Fr. John Burman, Director of ICYM Northeast, described the upcoming convention as a “spiritual rebirth” for the youth, aligning with the jubilee year of the ICYM. He said the event would be a profound time of grace and renewal, not only for young participants but for the Church as a whole. Fr. Burman emphasised that the gathering would offer a deeply spiritual and personally transformative experience, nurturing faith, inspiring change, and strengthening the spiritual journey of every participant.
The convention will also feature participation from three archbishops– Most Rev. Victor Lyngdoh (Shillong), Most Rev. John Moolachira (Guwahati), and Most Rev. Dr Linus Neli (Imphal) who is also the chairman of NERYC– along with dignitaries including Meghalaya chief minister Conrad K Sangma and former Arunachal CM Nabum Tuki.
Fr. Kokto Kurian, Director of NCYM, said delegate response has exceeded expectations, prompting early closure of registrations. He informed that the convention would feature distinguished speakers and resource persons who will lead sessions tailored to the concerns of today’s generation. Beyond the spiritual celebrations, the event seeks to engage young participants in meaningful discussions on contemporary issues such as leadership, the impact of social media, and the growing challenge of substance abuse—an area of serious concern among youth in the region.
Johnny Ruangmei, President of Catholic Association of Nagaland (CAN), emphasised the inclusive and unifying role of the Catholic Church, saying the event would reflect the region’s diversity and unity. He called the convention a symbolic vision of “heaven on earth” for its bringing together of multiple tribes, languages, and cultures under one faith.