Kohima, February 27 (MExN): The meeting cum seminar of the Central Executive Committee of Nagaland Catholic Youth Movement (NCYM) came to a close on February 27, 2017. The meeting, which began on February 24, was held at Mount Tabor Retreat Centre, Kohima. It was attended by presidents and secretaries of NCYM units from the centres of the Diocese of Kohima and also the presidents and secretaries of affiliated tribal youth associations.
The programme began with a solemn Eucharistic celebration presided over by Most Rev. Dr. James Thoppil, Bishop of Kohima. In his homily, through an analogy of pineapple, he invited the leaders to root themselves with the values of the gospel and shining example of witness, stated a press release from Regina Kithan, Spokesperson, NCYM.
Different resources persons were roped in to address the youth as well as to challenge them at the programme. Johnny Ruangmei, OSD, NSDMA, spoke on the theme, ‘Catholic youth facing the challenges today.’ He began the session with a portrayal of the explosion of media. He touched upon the vast possibilities for a progress as well as danger attached to it, according to the release. He highlighted the array of challenges the present society is facing. Johnny further asked the participants to venture out on anything with end in mind always. He also exhorted the young people to establish a new culture for NCYM, a culture of love, peace, entrepreneurship, farsightedness etc. Meanwhile, the youth leaders were challenged to play prophetic role in the society by raising out voice for truth and standing for justice.
Fr. Richard Fernandes took a session on “Youth and Liturgy”, where he emphasized the need to know the Holy Eucharist for a meaningful participation in it.
The participant of the World Youth Day, Limasungla, participant of Convention of Indian, Catholic Youth Movement, Noel Mego, participant of Global Peace Summit, Benedict took the stage to share their experiences.
Meanwhile, Rev. Fr. Sojan Xavier, Youth Director of the Diocese of Kohima, invited the participants to be part of the Pope Francis’ dream of having a million young Christians or even the whole generation who are for their contemporaries “walking, talking social doctrine.” He began his session stating that the purpose of every faith formation effort in the Church is oriented towards enabling people to be disciples of Jesus, who are ready to witness him in the world. He then explained the origin, content and purpose of catechism. He particularly focused on the recently published catechism ‘DOCAT’, which he said is the “popular adaptation of the social doctrine of the Catholic Church that draws on Scripture, YOUCAT, the Catechism and the Compendium of Catholic Social Teaching.” Referring to Pope Benedict XVI, he said every youth must put effort to know what the church teaches in order to resist the temptations of the present time and witness Jesus.
On February 26, the participants went on a pilgrimage to Puliebadze and had the Eucharistic celebration presided over by Fr. Sojan Xavier. It was followed by a meeting at the base camp of the Puliebadze peak, during which report of the NCYM and its units were presented, and action plans were choked out. Among the agendas, the most important was the upcoming NCYM Convention at Holy Redeemer, Tobu and Diocesan Level Bible Quiz, the release added.
After their return from Puliebadze, the participants had “meaningful” interactive question-hour session. Fr. Mathew Keemattam, the parish priest of St. Dominic Church, Chiephobozou, Fr. Richard Fernades from Bishop’s House, Kohima and Fr. Sojan Xavier, clarified the queries and doubts of the participants.
In the evening, a team led by Rev. Dr. Anto CP, Richard Korn, and Madeleine Trichel from Columbus, USA addressed the participants. Fr. Anto CP, a well-known peace activist and founder and the director of Peace Channel, triggered the participants to work for peace, while Richard Korn invited them to be practitioners of Gospel in their life. Madeleine Trichel, a renounced person specialized in conflict resolution and working among prisoners, shared her inspiration of working among the prisoners and also shared some mode of addressing conflict situation.
The different sessions were chaired by Zeneikho Benedict, Male Rep. to NERYC, K. Catherine Zumvu, Treasurer, NCYM, Josephine, Editor, Vibes, Regina Kithan, Spokesperson, NCYM, Limasungla Jamir, Female Rep. to NERYC. The programme officially came to close with a campfire.
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