Dibrugarh, August 19, 2026: The 13th National Catholic Youth Directors’ Meet, organised by the CCBI Youth Commission, commenced on August 19 at Boniface Pastoral Centre, Mancotta, in the Diocese of Dibrugarh, with the theme “Rooted in Christ, Leading Youth Towards the Light.” The two-day gathering, being held on August 19 and 20, brings together Youth Directors and youth animators from across the country for prayer, reflection, sharing and renewed commitment to youth ministry.

The programme began with Lauds, followed by the inaugural Holy Mass presided over by Most Rev. John Moolachira, President of NEIRBC and Archbishop of Guwahati. In his homily, Archbishop Moolachira expressed gratitude to the Youth Directors serving young people across the country and emphasised the importance of being rooted in Christ for fruitful youth ministry.

“Rootedness comes from spending time in prayer.  The depth of our ministry depends on the depth of our rootedness in Christ,” he said, inviting the participants to strengthen their prayer life as they accompany young people in their journey of faith.

The inaugural ceremony, hosted by the North East Region, included the felicitation of dignitaries and delegates. The event is being held in Dibrugarh following recent floods that affected parts of the Diocese.

Other Church leaders present included Most Rev. Ignatius D’Souza, Chairman of the CCBI Youth Commission and Bishop of Bareilly;  Most Rev. Dr Linus Neli, Chairman of NERYC and Archbishop of Imphal; Most Rev. Dr Albert Hemrom, Bishop of Dibrugarh and Coadjutor Archbishop of Guwahati. 

Also present were Rev. Fr John Barman MSFS, Executive Secretary of the CCBI Youth Commission; Rev. Fr Vishal Mal, Associate Executive Director of the CCBI Youth Commission; Rev. Sr Celina Surin, Associate Executive Director of the CCBI Youth Commission; and Rev. Fr Timothy Saldana, Director of Boniface Pastoral Centre, Mancotta.

The Meet brought together Regional Youth Directors, Regional Youth Lady Animators, Diocesan Youth Directors, Diocesan Lady Animators and Directors of youth movements from religious congregations across the country, providing an opportunity for sharing experiences and strengthening collaboration in youth ministry.

The keynote address was delivered by Most Rev. Ignatius D’Souza, who urged Youth Directors to respond creatively and collaboratively to the changing realities, needs and aspirations of young people.

He called for surveys among young people in the respective dioceses so that youth ministry may be better informed by their experiences and aspirations. He also stressed greater coordination between Regional and Diocesan Youth Directors and closer collaboration with those involved in youth ministry at parish and zonal levels.

Bishop D’Souza further called for Job Fairs at the regional level to respond to employment concerns among young people. He emphasised unity, collaboration and shared responsibility in strengthening youth ministry.

The afternoon session featured the CCBI Youth Commission Report, with presentations on the activities and initiatives of ICYM and YCS/YSM India. An interactive question-and-answer session followed, allowing participants to seek clarifications and share experiences.

The first day concluded with prayer, reflection and fellowship as the participants continued their deliberations on strengthening youth ministry and accompanying young people in the Church.