By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Oct 5: Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Sunday attended the closing ceremony of the Silver Jubilee celebrations of the Indian Catholic Youth Movement (ICYM) at the Divine Retreat Centre in Kerala.
The occasion marked 25 years of the ICYM’s journey in nurturing faith, leadership, and social commitment among young Catholics across India.
The event began with a solemn Holy Mass celebrated by Cardinal Felipe Neri Ferrão of Goa, who also serves as the President of the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI). The Mass set a reflective tone for the day as delegates, clergy, and youth representatives gathered from various states to commemorate the movement’s milestone.
Addressing the gathering, Sangma lauded the ICYM for its enduring service and leadership, describing it as a movement that has “forged leaders of integrity, built bridges of compassion, and inspired a culture of service.” He urged the youth to live courageously and stand as “beacons of hope” in times of uncertainty.
“The world needs your light. Stand tall in the face of challenges and use your platforms to amplify truth, justice, and compassion,” Sangma said, reminding the youth that faith should be lived out “in every sphere of life.”
He called on young people to focus on wellness and practical skills, and to harness technology as an instrument of truth and kindness rather than division. “Let this Jubilee be the fire that reignites your spirit, the challenge that sharpens your purpose, and the call that sets your feet in motion. Lead with boldness, serve with humility, and shine with the light of Christ,” he told the participants.
Sangma also emphasized the role of the youth in bridging divides and serving inclusively, saying that leadership rooted in integrity, courage, and compassion was essential for building stronger communities.
Encouraging them to make responsible use of digital platforms, he added, “Use the digital era to build, not break. Harness social entrepreneurship to uplift the marginalized. Leverage global connections to think big and act locally.”
As the celebrations concluded, the Chief Minister congratulated the ICYM on its Silver Jubilee and urged the young faithful to become change-makers within the Church, the nation, and the world.
The ICYM, founded in 1999, serves as the national youth movement under the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India, focusing on youth empowerment, social outreach, and faith formation across dioceses in the country.
