By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Jan 11: The three-day Zonal Youth Convention of the Shillong Archdiocesan Catholic Youth Movement (SACYM), Zone II, concluded on Sunday at the Cathedral of Mary Help of Christians, Laitumkhrah, with a renewed call for faith-based living, moral formation and leadership among young people.
The concluding day of the convention brought together over 1,000 youth delegates from five major parishes—Nongthymmai, Laitumkhrah, Laban, Upper Shillong and Mawnianglah.
The programme focused on moral formation, catechism and leadership development, with an aim to nurture spiritually grounded and socially responsible youth.
The final day of the convention began with a Holy Mass celebrated by SACYM Zone II Zonal Youth Director Fr Rister Malngiang. Youths who had excelled in academics and sports were also felicitated on the occasion.
Addressing the valedictory function, SACYM Pastoral Secretary Damily Massar reflected on the challenges faced by young people in the present generation, marked by struggles and temptations.
He stressed that drawing closer to Christ and making Jesus the centre of one’s life would provide strength, victory and hope. “As young people journey through a world filled with struggle, sorrow and hopelessness, turning to God gives us hope and enables us to become the fragrance of Christ,” Massar said, drawing an analogy with flowers that attract attention through their fragrance.
He added that the closer one comes to Jesus, the stronger this “fragrance” becomes, enabling young people to spread the message and values of Christ to others.
Massar further cautioned against placing hope solely in worldly pursuits, describing them as temporary and ultimately unfulfilling. He said true and lasting hope comes from faith in Jesus, which helps young people become committed Christians, lights in the midst of darkness, and bearers of peace and joy.
He expressed confidence that youths from different parishes and zones, through such conventions and teachings, could strengthen their spiritual lives and contribute positively to the Church and society while building a brighter and more peaceful future.
Earlier, during the inaugural function on Friday, Archbishop of Shillong Victor Lyngdoh urged the youth to remain rooted in faith, purpose and service. He encouraged them to draw strength from Christ in their daily lives by building a deep and personal relationship with God through prayer and reflection on Scripture.
The Archbishop emphasised that true fulfilment comes from living a Christ-centred life rather than being distracted by fleeting worldly attractions.
He called upon young people to cultivate virtuous friendships and to become steadfast lights of hope and commitment, reminding them of their vital role as the future of both the Church and society.
