NERYC–ICYM Northeast Hosts Three-Day Youth Meet at Lamka, Manipur

Lamka, Manipur, September 22, 2025 — The North Eastern Regional Youth Commission–India Catholic Youth Movement NorthEast (NERYC–ICYM-NE), in collaboration with the Manipur Catholic Youth Organisation (MCYO), successfully held a three-day Catholic Youth Meet in the riot-affected Churachandpur District from 20 to 22 September.

Centred on the theme “Pilgrimage of Hope,” the gathering drew 380 young people along with priests, religious sisters, and lay faithful from six Kuki-Zo community parishes, hosted at Good Shepherd Parish, Lamka.

The opening day featured the formal introduction of leaders, a cultural exchange, choreographed performances, and vocal presentations that celebrated the rich heritage of the region through traditional dances from different tribes.

Serving as the main resource person, Fr. John Barman, Regional Youth Director and General Secretary of the Indian Catholic Youth Movement, reminded participants: “With Christ, we can do all things; without Christ, we can do nothing.” Stressing the importance of scripture, he said, “Unless we have the Bible, we cannot live a meaningful life or have a bright future.” He encouraged youth to embrace their role as “messengers of the Holy Spirit,” urging them to use digital tools for evangelisation, declaring that “youth are social missionaries.”

Despite heightened tensions following the ambush of an army convoy that killed two soldiers and injured six, the inaugural programme went ahead the following evening. The ceremony began with the lighting of lamps by priests, sisters, MCYO leaders, and invited guests, setting a solemn tone.

The main Eucharistic celebration was led by Fr. Lourdhusamy, Parish Priest of St. Mary’s Parish, Tuibuang, concelebrated by Fr. John Barman, Fr. Jacob Darsongam, Director of MCYO, Fr. George Ginsei Baite, and Fr. Dr. Paul Lelen. In his homily, Fr. Lourdhusamy urged young people not to become enslaved to money. “Don’t become a slave to money, but be a slave to God,” he said, warning that selfishness and corruption follow when money becomes life’s focus. He called on the youth to avoid negative influences, cultivate hope, and pursue purposeful lives.

The second resource person, Chris Leonard Barnard, a career guidance professional and professor from Bangalore, addressed youth leadership and civil careers. He highlighted the historic role of Indian Christians in education and voiced concern over growing hostility. “The Christian population, which was 2.8 percent in 2014, has decreased to 1.9 percent,” he noted, pointing to the rise in attacks since 2014—from 14 reported cases before to more than 834 incidents since.

Across the three days, participants engaged in choreography and singing competitions, cultural dance, adoration, prayer, and seminars. The programme closed with a solemn Holy Mass celebrated by Fr. John Barman, marking a spirit-filled conclusion to the “Pilgrimage of Hope.”

By Tungthang

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