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The 12th National Youth Directors Meeting, organized by the CCBI Youth Commission, was convened at Ashirbhavan, Kerala.

Cochin, August 22, 2025: 12th National Youth Directors Meeting (NYDM) of the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI) was held at Ashirbhavan, Verapoly Archdiocesan Pastoral Centre, Cochin on August 20th and 21st, 2025.

On August 20th, NYDM was inaugurated with an inaugural Holy Eucharist by Most Rev. Dr. Antony Valunkal, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Verapoly, together with Most Rev. Dr. Ignatius D’Souza, Chairman of the CCBI Youth Commission, Bishop of Bareilly, Most Rev. Jayarao Polimera, member Bishop of the CCBI Youth Commission, Bishop of Eluru, Most Rev. Christmas Rajappan, member Bishop of CCBI Youth Commission, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Trivandrum, Rev. Fr. Chetan Machado, Executive Secretary of the CCBI Youth Commission, Rev. Fr. John Barman, Associate Director of the CCBI National Youth Commission, Rev. Fr. Anup OSJ, Regional Youth Director of KLCYM, and Fr. Jiju George, KCBC Secretary, together with Regional Youth Directors and Diocesan Youth Directors.

A meaningful homily was preached by Most Rev. Jayarao Polimera; the day was the feast day of St. Bernard. He spoke on leadership in the church in the Indian context. He said that St. Bernard’s vision of leadership emphasizes humility, service, and dedication, reflecting Jesus’ own approach to guiding others. As a leader, one should prioritize serving others rather than seeking power or personal gain. This approach is rooted in biblical teachings and encourages leaders to foster a sense of community, compassion, and shared purpose.

The CCBI Youth Commission plenary session officially commenced at 10:30 am with the keynote address delivered by Most Rev. Ignatius D’Souza, Chairman. He began his address by saying, "Open your hearts to the guidance of the Holy Spirit with prayer and faith." He continued by saying what way we could witness Christ in modern times. He proposed seven ways of witnessing: witness through faith, joy, service, integrity, digital presence, unity, and holiness. Followed by responses from the member bishops. Subsequently, Fr. John Barman presented the minutes from the 11th NYDM held in Ranchi, the ICYM General Secretary presented the ICYM activities report, and Mr. Anson Nazareth presented the YCS/YSM report.

Following these presentations, the Regional Youth Directors shared their respective Regional reports. Reports were also delivered by Jesus Youth by Mr. Sunny Gudinho, National Coordinator of Jesus Youth, Youth United For Christ (YU4C) by Mr. Ajin Joseph, National Coordinator, and Communio by Sr Margarita Dias, Associate Director of Communio.

On August 21st, Chairman Bishop Most Rev. Ignatius D’Souza presided over the Holy Eucharist, delivering a homily centered on the day’s Gospel, emphasizing the importance of a positive response to the divine invitation. The plenary session concluded at 1 p.m. Fr. John Barman expressed gratitude to all contributors for the successful culmination of the NYDM, with special acknowledgment to RYD Fr. Anup and his team. He also acknowledged and thanked Most Rev. Dr. Joseph Kalathiparambil, Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Verapoly, for hosting the 12th NYDM in his Diocese.

The Kerala region subsequently hosted games for the participants in anticipation of the Onam celebration. 

The CCBI Youth Commission has launched the YCS/YSM India campaign, which includes the initial planting and maintenance of 3,000 trees. Further initiatives of this nature are planned across various states within India.

Report and Photos by Ms Supriya Varghese, ICYM National General Secretary, New Delhi