Regional Catholic Youth Commission Hosts Directors' Meet in Chhattisgarh

Kunkuri, Chhattisgarh – 17 March 2025 – The Chhattisgarh Catholic Youth Commission convened a regional directors' meet and training programme from 13 to 15 March at Vianney Seva Kendra, Animation & Cathedral Campus in Kunkuri. The gathering aimed to strengthen youth ministry in the region through discussions, training sessions, and resource-sharing initiatives.

The event was led by Regional Chairman Bishop Emmanuel Kerketta and Bishop Paul Toppo of Raigarh Diocese, with guidance from Regional Youth Director Fr. Muktiprakash Minj. A total of 48 youth directors and animators from the dioceses of Ambikapur, Jashpur, Raigarh, and Raipur participated.

Bishop Kerketta emphasised the importance of youth ministry in evangelisation, urging participants to actively engage in spreading God's message while Regional Youth President, Mr. Amos Toppo presented findings from Youth Survey 2025, shedding light on the challenges faced by young Catholics in the region.

Fr. Kalyanus Minj, SJ, served as the resource person, providing historical insights into the Catholic Bishops' Conference of India's (CCBI) Youth Commission and the Indian Catholic Youth Movement (ICYM). He facilitated discussions on youth ministry structures at national, regional, deanery, parish, and institutional levels.

Addressing the gathering, Bishop Paul Toppo spoke on the theme "Being a Good Shepherd for Today’s Youth." He highlighted common struggles faced by young people and urged youth directors to serve as mentors and spiritual guides.

The conference reinforced a renewed commitment to nurturing youth leadership and deepening faith-based engagement within Chhattisgarh’s Catholic community.

By Amos Toppo