ICYM National Conference Empowers Youth Leaders to Build a Faith-Driven Future

Jalandhar, October 28, 2024: The Indian Catholic Youth Movement (ICYM) hosted its Sixth National Youth Conference from October 21 to 25 in the Jalandhar Diocese, Punjab, where 653 youth leaders from 132 dioceses across India gathered to strengthen their faith, connect with peers and explore their roles in building a more hopeful future. Among them, 104 participants from Northeast India made a historic impact as the region’s largest-ever delegation, engaging actively in choir, Taize prayer and Adoration services.

Held at Trinity College in Jalandhar, the conference theme, "The Role of Youth in the Synodal Church," encouraged youth leaders to embrace hope, inspired by Isaiah 40:31, “Those who hope in the Lord will run and not be weary.” Ms. Thounaojam Kereni Prisca from Imphal Archdiocese shared that this verse offered profound encouragement, underscoring the resilience that faith instills.

The conference awarded two dedicated youth delegates from each region, recognizing Ms. Daisy Zomuankimi from Aizawl Diocese, Mizoram, and Mr. Paul Magh from Kohima Diocese, Nagaland, for their contributions. Fr. John Barman MSFS, ICYM NE Regional Youth Director, lauded the Northeast delegation’s commitment, describing their involvement as a “testament to their passion and devotion.”

Apart from faith-based activities, cultural exchanges brought Northeast traditions to the fore, with stalls displaying clothing and foods that piqued the interest of attendees. After the conference, participants visited sites in Amritsar and the Wagah border, with some experiencing travel outside their region for the first time. Sr. Wansuk Lungdoh MSMHC coordinated the trip, ensuring a seamless experience for all.

ICYM, founded in 1999 under the CCBI Commission for Youth, champions youth empowerment and community-building across Latin rite parishes in India. As the organization celebrates its silver jubilee, the conference underscored ICYM’s mission to cultivate a youth-led Synodal Church that fosters mutual respect and inclusivity, with participants leaving empowered to make transformative contributions within their communities.

By Fr. Kampan Chinnam