On June 27, 2025, the vibrant city of Kohima witnessed the opening of the 5th Catholic Regional Youth Convention for the Northeast, inaugurated by India’s only Catholic Chief Minister, Conrad Sangma, at the Mary Help of Christians Cathedral, India.
With the uplifting theme "Pilgrims of Hope," the event was graced by Chief Minister Conrad Sangma, who attended as a special guest.
This four-day spiritual and cultural gathering was organized by the Northeastern Regional Youth Commission of the Indian Catholic Youth Movement Northeast, drawing over 2,000 youth from 15 dioceses across the region.
In his inaugural keynote address, Sangma inspired the youth by sharing a powerful seven-minute testimony from a recovered drug user, highlighting the role of faith in overcoming addiction and life’s challenges.
Connecting the testimony to the convention’s theme, he urged the youth to become true “Pilgrims of Hope” and agents of change in an increasingly challenging world.
He emphasized that hope should not be passive but rooted in action, purpose, and resilience. “Set a goal and work toward it,” he encouraged.
Sangma also stressed the importance of entrepreneurship and innovation among young people. “If you are not enterprising, you will be left behind,” he cautioned while encouraging youth not to fear failure.
He shared his experience of losing his first election and the valuable lessons it taught him, stating, “You may fall, but rise again.”
He expressed hope that more Catholic youth would rise as leaders and icons in the region.
Earlier in the program, Sangma hoisted the flag of the 5th Regional Youth Convention, officially declaring the event open.
The congregation then moved to the cathedral for the Holy Eucharist celebration, presided over by Linus Neli, Archbishop of Imphal and chairman of the Northeast Regional Youth Commission.
In his homily, Neli described the gathering as a "Sea of Youth" and thanked the participants for being living testimonies to the unity and strength of the Catholic Church.
He praised the Northeast's Catholic youth as the region's "light and soul" and as symbols of hope for the Church in India.
James Thoppil, Bishop of Kohima, referred to the young people as the "salt that gives taste," emphasizing their vital role in enriching both the Church and society.
He expressed hope that the convention would serve as a meaningful encounter with the Lord. Welcoming the delegates, Thoppil urged the youth to appreciate and cherish the beauty of the Church’s universality.
The Archbishop of Shillong, Victor Lyngdoh, also addressed the youth, encouraging them to be true “Pilgrims of Hope” and to live according to the Gospel of the Lord. He urged them to take pride in their cultural identity and be instruments of peace in their communities.
Following the spiritual sessions, the convention featured the “Host Night,” organized by the Northeast Catholic Youth Movement.
The 5th Regional Youth Convention also celebrates a major turning point in Catholic youth engagement in the region, coinciding with the Jubilee Year of the Indian Catholic Youth Movement.
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