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The 6th National Youth Conference of the CCBI Youth Commission convened at Trinity College within the Diocese of Jalandhar, Punjab.

Jalandhar, Punjab, October 26, 2024:The 6th National Youth Conference of the Indian Catholic Youth Movement (ICYM) was held from October 21st to 25th, 2024. The conference brought together 653 youth leaders from 132 dioceses across India to discuss the theme "The Role of Youth in the Synodal Church," with a particular focus on the virtue of hope.

The ICYM General Body Meeting convened on October 21st from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Mr. Raj Bagh, ICYM National President, extended a warm welcome to the delegates, while Ms. Supriya Varghese, ICYM National General Secretary, presented the report. The meeting was graced by the presence of CCBI Chairman Bishop Ignatius D’Souza. The proceedings adhered to the predetermined agenda, guided by CCBI Executive Secretary Fr. Chetan Machado and the Executive Committee.

The conference, held at Trinity College, Jalandhar, highlighted the significance of optimism, drawing inspiration from the biblical verse, "Those who trust in the Lord will persevere and not grow weary" (Isaiah 40:31). The event commenced on October 21st at 5:30 p.m. with a Holy Mass officiated by Bishop Agnelo Gracias, who serves as the Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Jalandhar.

On October 22nd at 7 am, Bishop Ignatius D’Souza conducted the Holy Eucharist. At 9 am, Bishop Ignatius D’Souza, Chairman of the CCBI Commission for Youth and Bishop of Diocese Bareilly, delivered the keynote address. During the plenary session, Rev. Dr. Stephen Alathara, Deputy Secretary General of the CCBI, elaborated on the conference’s theme, encouraging deeper reflection on the role of youth in shaping a synodal Church.

On October 23rd, at 7 am, Bishop Ivan Pereira, Bishop of Jammu and Kashmir, led the Holy Eucharist. At 9 am, Fr Cedric Prakash SJ, a human rights activist, led the plenary session.

On October 24th, Bishop Deepak, Auxiliary Bishop of Archdiocese of Delhi, celebrated the Holy Eucharist. In his homily, he emphasized the importance of peace and how to achieve it. During the plenary session, ICYM Alumni shared their experiences.

ICYM - National YOUTH CONFERENCE 2024, Workshops:
1. Faith and Innovation, by Fr. Varghese C.
2. Living the Faith, by Fr. Jacob M.
3. Resilience, by Ms. Shirley Coutinho
4. Social Media Superheroes, by Fr. Renold
5. Kindness Cascaded, by Fr. Kanauj Roy
6. Revolutionaries, by Mr. Jimmy and Ms. Shilpa Ekka
7. Social Media, by Ms. Jenny Joy
8. Guardians of the Galaxy, by Fr. Ballarmin
9. Roman Empire, by Mr. Geo Bobby
10. Building Authentic Relationships, by Fr. Charles Menezes
11. Work-Life Balance, by Mr. Percival and Mr. Alison
12. The Relief Ministry - Discernment, by Fr. John M.
13. Is Faith Education Relevant - Catechism Today? by Fr. Vijay Machado
14. Exploring Intimacy, by Fr. Peter Hans

The participants were divided into 22 study groups, each focusing on various subtopics related to the main theme. The study sessions were moderated by several esteemed religious leaders and lay leaders, including Mr. Raj Bagh, Ms. Supriya Varghese, Fr. Chetan Machado, Fr Dominic Pinto, Sr. Althiya Raj, Fr Nilu Murmu, Fr Edwin Anand, Fr Amos Nazary, Sr. Lidiwn Fernandes, Fr. Vijay Machado, Fr Roshan Bamin, Fr Augustus Ekka, Fr John Minz, Fr Franklin D’Souza, Fr Cyril Pariong, Ms Shirely Coutinnho, Mr. Jimmy Pdang, Sr Wansuk Lyngdoh, Mr. Sagar Gabbeta, Ms Shilpa Ekka, Fr. Joji Thambi, Mr Percival Holt, Adv. Antony Judy, Fr Maria Anthony, Fr Lourde Raj, Fr Crispin Tamang Mr. Alison Pereira and Mr Saurav Praveen.

On October 22nd, a Rosary Procession was held. On October 23rd, a Taize prayer was led by Fr. Chetan Machado, the CCBI Youth Commission Executive Secretary. On October 24th, at 6:00 p.m., Fr. Franklin D’Souza, Diocesan Youth Director of the Diocese of Shimoga, led the thanksgiving adoration.

Morning prayers were led daily at 6:30 a.m. by the regions.

The conference concluded on October 25th, with the final statement presented by Ms. Supriya Varghese, ICYM National General Secretary. Additionally, the conference featured an exhibition with stalls from CCBI’s 14 regions, showcasing the distinct culture and traditions of each area. Evenings were marked by vibrant cultural performances, highlighting the diversity of the Church across India.