Young Catholics from the Diocese of Miao in northeastern India launched a symbolic prayer initiative on May 16 as part of preparations for the Great Jubilee 2033, which will mark 2,000 years since the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
During a diocesan youth convention held at Divine Word School in Roing, around 350 young people from eight districts of eastern Arunachal Pradesh collectively set their mobile phone alarms for 20:33, as a daily reminder to pause and pray.
The alarms were labeled “Thy Kingdom Come,” a short prayer participants pledged to recite each evening.
Bishop George Pallipparambil told the gathering that the initiative connects local youth with the wider global Church as it prepares for the Jubilee year.
“The whole world is looking toward 2033, which marks 2,000 years of the Church and the missionary mandate of the Risen Lord,” the bishop said. “It is important that every young person in our diocese becomes part of this global movement.”
He encouraged the youth to observe the daily prayer wherever they may be, describing it as a simple but meaningful act of spiritual unity.
The convention brought together Catholic youth from remote tribal communities across Arunachal Pradesh, a mountainous border state between China, Myanmar, and Bhutan that has one of India’s fastest-growing Christian populations.
Among the guests was Mukut Mithi, former chief minister of Arunachal Pradesh and former lieutenant governor of the Union Territory of Puducherry in southern India.
Addressing the convention, Mithi urged young people to contribute to society beyond career ambitions.
“You carry the power and imagination to shape the future,” he said. “Arunachal Pradesh’s strength lies not only in its natural beauty but also in its young people.”
He also encouraged participants to preserve Indigenous traditions and cultural identity while pursuing education and scientific advancement.
Khuntang Mossang, the newly elected diocesan youth president, described the alarm initiative as a commitment to spiritual preparation for the Jubilee year.
“This is not merely about setting an alarm,” he said. “It is our commitment to journey toward the Great Jubilee 2033 together.”
Other speakers included Wanglit Mongchan of the Arunachal Institute of Tribal Studies at Rajiv Gandhi University, who said the initiative could help sustain long-term spiritual discipline among young Catholics.
The convention also featured Bible presentations, cultural dance competitions, group discussions, and the election of new office bearers for the diocesan youth commission.
Radio Veritas Asia (RVA), a media platform of the Catholic Church, aims to share Christ. RVA started in 1969 as a continental Catholic radio station to serve Asian countries in their respective local language, thus earning the tag “the Voice of Asian Christianity.” Responding to the emerging context, RVA embraced media platforms to connect with the global Asian audience via its 21 language websites and various social media platforms.
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