Northeast Diocesan Youth Directors' Meet Held in Barapani, Meghalaya

Barapani, Meghalaya, 31 May 2025: The Northeast Diocesan Youth Directors' Meet 2025 was held on 28 and 29 May at the Bethel MSMHC Prayer Centre in Barapani, Meghalaya. The event brought together 27 participants, including diocesan youth directors (DYDs), assistant DYDs, and diocesan youth lady animators (DYLAs) from across Northeast India, alongside national and regional youth leaders. Organised by the CCBI Commission for Youth, the event aimed to strengthen youth ministry through collaborative discussion and planning.

The two-day meet commenced on 28th May with a solemn Holy Mass celebrated by Rev. Fr. John Barman MSFS, Regional Youth Director and Associate Executive Secretary of the CCBI Commission for Youth. Ms. Daisy Zomuankimi (Regional Youth Secretary) and Mr. Jaunt P. Bora (Regional Youth Treasurer) hosted the inaugural ceremony, while the aspirants of Grace Villa MSMHC welcomed delegates with an uplifting choir and traditional dance performance.

Rev. Fr. Chetan Machado, National Youth Director and Executive Secretary of the CCBI Commission for Youth, led the Holy Mass on the second day of the event and also conducted key sessions on synodality, youth, and media. He elaborated on the Youth Commission’s vision and mission and the outcomes of the 36th Plenary Assembly, highlighting both the positive impact and challenges of media in youth ministry.

Fr. John Barman also guided participants through the regional strategic plan, shedding light on the functioning and goals of the Regional Youth Commission. The session paved the way for a detailed dialogue on the upcoming 5th Regional Youth Convention (RYC), where youth directors actively shared insights and finalised major decisions.

National Executive Council (NEXCO) member Miss Hulang Magdelene Anal provided updates on the forthcoming National Youth Convention (NYC) and outlined the current status of fundraising activities. A key highlight of the meeting was the launch of the Youth Empowerment Project, introduced jointly by Mr. Onnesimos Shangdiar, Regional Youth Editor of ICYM NE, and Fr. John Barman. The initiative aims to enhance the skillsets and opportunities for young people across the region.

Concluding on a high note, the North East Diocesan Youth Directors’ Meet 2025 served as a vital platform for strategic dialogue, knowledge sharing, and reaffirmation of commitment to the growth and empowerment of young people throughout Northeast India.

By Tungthang Zou