Archbishop of Guwahati Calls for Stable Youth Leadership

Guwahati, December 16, 2025 — Emphasising the need for stable leadership and shared responsibility in youth ministry, Archbishop John Moolachira of Guwahati on Tuesday said that orderly transitions are essential to ensure accountability and continuity in the Church’s pastoral engagement with young people.

Addressing the formal transition ceremony of the North Eastern Regional Youth Commission (NERYC) at the NEIRBC Secretariat, Kharghuli, the Archbishop, who is also President of the North East India Regional Bishops’ Council, said structured leadership changes help keep youth priorities focused, inclusive and responsive to contemporary realities. He noted that collaborative leadership strengthens coordination among dioceses and enables youth ministries to remain relevant to the aspirations and challenges faced by young people in the region.

The event marked the assumption of office by Fr. Cletus Sebastian, SDB, as Regional Secretary of NERYC, succeeding Fr. John Barman, MSFS, whose term concluded after several years of service. Representatives of the regional bishops’ conference, diocesan youth directors and youth leaders were present at the handover.

While acknowledging the contributions of the outgoing secretary in consolidating regional youth structures and programmes, the gathering formally entrusted Fr. Sebastian with the responsibility of coordinating ICYM and YCS–YSM initiatives across the North East. The transition underscored NERYC’s commitment to sustained youth formation, inter-diocesan coordination and active participation of young people in the mission of the Church in the region.

By Sr. Wansuk Mary Lyngdoh MSMHC

Regional Youth Lady Animator