India: Youth-Led Manipur Convention Reignites Faith in the Eucharist

The Manipur Catholic Youth Organisation (MCYO) organized a mega Eucharistic Convention under the theme “Do This in Remembrance of Me” from December 12 to 14 at St. John Bosco Parish, Senapati, in the northeastern Indian state of Manipur. The three-day convention brought together over 700 Catholic youth from different tribal communities and parishes across the Archdiocese of Imphal.

This was the first-ever Eucharistic Convention organized by the youth of the archdiocese. In the months leading up to the event, young people actively prepared through various spiritual initiatives, including the recitation of 1,000 Hail Marys, continuous intercessory prayers by the Jesus Youth movement, and the daily celebration of the Holy Eucharist offered by designated priests. The youth also organized a raffle lucky draw to generate financial resources for the event.

The gathering of youth from different tribal communities held special significance, as it marked one of the first major inter-tribal Catholic events following the recent ethnic violence that had swept through the state, causing deep divisions among communities.

The three-day program began with the hoisting of the convention flag and featured many catechetical sessions on the Eucharist led by speakers from different parts of the country. Cultural performances, musical skits, and guest addresses creatively highlighted the meaning and importance of the Eucharist in Christian life.

Addressing the gathering, Archbishop Linus Neli of Imphal encouraged the youth to live their faith with greater conviction and commitment. The heartfelt reflections offered by the speakers invited participants to encounter Jesus in the Eucharist with deeper reverence, helping them grow in faith and devotion to the Holy Sacrament.

Fr. Gilbert De Lima, Executive Secretary of the CCBI Commission for Theology, delivered a session on how young people can grow closer to the Eucharist. Responding to a question during the Q&A session, he explained that when believers participate in the Holy Eucharist with faith, they begin to recognize that God speaks to them through the Word and the Sacrament. “At times, a single line from the Scripture readings or the homily may deeply touch our hearts, this becomes God’s personal message to us for the day,” he said. He emphasized that faith in the living presence of Jesus transforms every Eucharistic celebration into a meaningful encounter with Christ.

The convention featured several spiritually enriching moments, including a soulful Taizé prayer service accompanied by a melodious choir, creating an atmosphere of deep contemplation and drawing the youth closer to the Lord. Joyful dances of praise also expressed the delegates’ gratitude and love for God.

One of the most moving moments was the Healing Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, led by Fr. Dinny Paul, Director, Divine Glory prayer Tower, Maram Khunou, Senapati, which deeply touched many hearts and led to moments of prayer, healing, and renewal. A powerful testimony by Jingsngur Khongkhlad from Meghalaya who shared her experience of Eucharistic miracles in her own life, left the delegates in awe and significantly strengthened their faith.

Fr. Jacob Darsongam, Director of MCYO, who guided the youth in the organization of the convention, echoed the sentiments of Pope Francis, calling the youth not the future but the “now” of the Church. The priest called for greater active involvement of young people in the everyday life and mission of the Church.

Mr. Peter Panmei, President of MCYO, addressed the youth, saying: “We gather as one body in Christ, drawn by the profound theme, ‘Do This in Remembrance of Me.’ These words spoken by Jesus on the night before His Passion are not merely an instruction, but an invitation, to remember, to renew, and to recommit ourselves to the love He poured out for humanity. May this convention ignite in you a deeper love for the Eucharist, strengthen your faith, and empower you to live as witnesses of Christ in your daily lives.”