- 21 August, 2025
Verapoly, August 21, 2025: The 12th National Youth Directors Meeting (NYDM) organised by the CCBI Youth Commission began today at Ashirbhavan Pastoral Centre in the Diocese of Verapoly. The two-day meeting, held from 20–21 August 2025, is hosted by the Kerala Regional Latin Catholic Community (KRLCC).
The inaugural Mass was presided over by Auxiliary Bishop Antony Valunkal of Verapoly. It was concelebrated by Bishop Ignatius D’Souza of Bareilly, Chairman of the CCBI Youth Commission; Bishop Jaya Rao Polimera of Eluru, Member Bishop of the CCBI Youth Commission; Auxiliary Bishop Christudas Rajappan of Trivandrum, Chairman of the KRLCBC Youth Commission and Member Bishop of the CCBI Youth Commission; Fr. Chetan Machado, Executive Secretary of the CCBI Youth Commission; Fr. John Barman, Associate Executive Secretary of the CCBI Youth Commission; Fr. Jiju Arkathara, Deputy Secretary of the KRLCBC; and Fr. Anoop, Regional Youth Director of the Kerala Region.
In his homily, Bishop Jaya Rao underlined that Christian leadership is not about privilege but about service and responsibility. He urged youth directors to “bloom wherever they are planted,” avoid becoming “hurting personalities,” and instead serve by nurturing the fruits of faith. He emphasised that people notice authenticity, reminding participants that youth directors are not merely programme organisers but shepherds. He further stressed that courage springs from the Word of God and encouraged directors to embrace inclusive leadership, welcoming all without discrimination as children of God.
The regional team led the inaugural session, which brought together the Chairman Bishop, Member Bishops, the Secretaries and Associate Executive Secretary of the Commission, Regional Directors, Diocesan and Regional Youth Directors, members of the CCBI Youth Commission Council and its Advisers, representatives of the ICYM and YCS/YSM national teams, and members of the Kerala Region’s Regional Executive Committee.
In his presidential address, Bishop Ignatius D’Souza spoke of the mission and responsibilities entrusted to youth directors. He stressed the need to listen attentively to young people and to witness Christ in three ways: through faith, through joy, and through holiness. He acknowledged the challenges of the mission but insisted that true commitment to Jesus Christ makes it possible.
Bishop Christudas Rajappan, addressing the assembly, reflected on the close link between witnessing Christ and undertaking a pilgrimage of hope. He stated that “where there is love, there is hope,” adding that this hope forms the foundation of service in youth ministry.
Bishop Jaya Rao Polimera delivered the keynote address, offering encouragement and sharing valuable insights with the participants.
As a gesture of goodwill, the Kerala Region presented tokens of love to all the directors. With this, the inauguration of NYDM 2025 concluded, and the formal proceedings of the 12th National Youth Directors Meeting began.
The inaugural day also featured a session of questions and interaction with the Chairman and Member Bishops. Afterwards, Fr. John Barman, MSFS, presented the achievement report of the CCBI Youth Commission, while Fr. Chetan Machado presented the minutes of the previous 11th National Youth Directors Meeting.
The two-day meeting will include discussions on commission matters, regional best practices, regional reports, consultative body meetings, action plans, collaboration reports from other youth movements, plenary sessions, and general deliberations.
A total of 121 participants—including regional and diocesan directors, members of the CCBI National Council, Advisory Body, National Team, and coordinators of other youth movements—are taking part in the meeting.
By Supriya Varghese
ICYM Secretary
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