Northeast Youth Gather in Dibrugarh to Promote Peace and Mission

DIBRUGARH, October 27, 2026: Young Catholics from four northeastern states have pledged to become agents of peace and love in their communities following a five-day youth festival organised by the Auxilium Youth Movement (AYM) of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians (FMA) in Guwahati Province.

Held at Little Flower School, Dibrugarh, from October 22 to 26, AYM Fest 2026 brought together participants from Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland and Manipur under the theme “Young Missionaries, Agents of Peace and Love”.

The gathering combined spiritual formation, leadership development, media awareness and cultural activities, with speakers challenging young people to translate their Christian faith into everyday acts of kindness, forgiveness and service.

Sr Annie Inchenat, Director of ARO, told participants that mission begins in ordinary settings such as homes and schools, through honesty, compassion and service. Sr Mabel Gothorp, Provincial of ING and chief guest at the inauguration, encouraged the youth to use their talents to contribute meaningfully to the Church and society.

A retreat led by Salesian priest Fr Joachim Adazhio invited participants to deepen their relationship with Christ through prayer, reflection, the Sacrament of Reconciliation and the Eucharist. The sessions also addressed the impact of digital distractions on prayer and personal relationships.

A panel discussion on youth participation in the Church and society, along with Taizé prayer, provided opportunities for reflection and dialogue. Competitions in photography, short-video creation, costume presentation and other activities encouraged creativity, teamwork and interaction among participants from different cultural backgrounds.

Addressing the theme of youth and media, Salesian priest Fr Theotimus Lakra urged participants to use media responsibly and pursue excellence through dedication, determination, devotion, discipline and divinity.

The festival also featured leadership sessions on cooperation, humility and shared responsibility, a cultural evening and an outing to Monohar Tea Estate and the Bogibeel Bridge viewpoint.

The gathering concluded with a Thanksgiving Eucharist celebrated by Fr Philip Purty, diocesan administrator, with Fr William and Fr Theotimus Lakra concelebrating. In his homily, Fr Philip called on the young people to use their abilities for positive change, nurture prayer, respect parents and elders, avoid destructive habits and serve the Church with honesty.

The participants renewed their commitment through a pledge-taking ceremony before Sr Mabel formally declared the festival closed.

The organisers thanked the Province Youth Pastoral Sector, host community and others who contributed to the event, which sought to strengthen bonds among northeastern youth and equip them to witness to peace and love in daily life.

By Catholic Connect Reporter