Youth Ministry Must Form Leaders of Integrity, Says Bishop Linus Neli at Northeast Meet in Imphal

Imphal, 27 February 2026 — A renewed call to form young leaders grounded in Gospel values and equipped to face contemporary challenges marked the Northeast Diocesan Youth Directors’ Meet 2026, held from 25 to 27 February at St. Paul’s Retreat Centre, Mantripukhri.

Addressing 17 Diocesan Youth Directors and Lady Animators convened by the North Eastern Regional Youth Commission, Bishop Linus Neli, Chairman of the commission, underscored the urgent responsibility of youth ministers to cultivate leadership rooted in faith, integrity and missionary commitment.

In his inaugural homily, the bishop urged youth directors to serve as “shepherds who accompany young people with courage and conviction,” guiding them toward responsible discipleship. He emphasised that youth ministry must go beyond programmes to become a sustained process of formation that nurtures character, conscience and commitment to the common good.

Leading a thematic session on “Development of Leadership among the Youths,” Bishop Neli stressed that authentic leadership emerges through spiritual formation, personal accompaniment and capacity-building. He called on dioceses to prioritise the holistic growth of young people, equipping them to respond to social realities with moral clarity and resilience. “The Church must invest in youth who can lead with integrity and witness to Christ in society,” he said, encouraging participants to strengthen mentoring structures and collaborative initiatives across the region.

Participants later engaged in planning sessions for regional initiatives under NERY-ICYMNE and YCSYSM NE, focusing on training programmes, leadership development and coordinated pastoral outreach. Diocesan representatives also shared pastoral experiences from their local contexts, fostering a spirit of communion and shared mission.

A visit to churches affected by recent violence in Manipur became a poignant moment of solidarity and prayer. The delegation reaffirmed its commitment to peace-building and healing ministry among young people, echoing the bishop’s call for youth leadership that promotes reconciliation and hope.

The three-day gathering concluded with a Eucharistic celebration presided over by Fr. John, Director of the Retreat House, who encouraged participants to return to their dioceses strengthened in faith and united in mission.

Organisers expressed gratitude to Fr. Jacob Darsongam and the MCYO team for hosting the meeting, describing the encounter as a significant step in renewing youth ministry across the Northeast.

Youth Ministry Must Form Leaders of Integrity, Says Bishop Linus Neli at Northeast Meet in Imphal

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