North East took active participation at the continental and world level Seminars and Assemblies held at Colombo and Uganda this year. Biswanath Borguary of Bongaigaon Diocese and Juliana Mary Nongrum of Shillong Archdiocese represented the MIJARC North East.
MIJARC ASIA met from 3 – 8 May at Basilica of Our Lady of Lanka, Colombo and discussed about the possibilities and problems in Agricultural section. The Assembly was inaugurated by Mr. George Dixon, MIJARC World President. Mr. Frank Niranjan, Senior Research Officer, Sri Lanka Council for Agricultural and Research Policy gave a session on Possibilities and Problems in Agricultural Section and general realities of South Asian Countries and Mr. Arockiam Chief Co-ordinator for Tsunami and Representative of caritas International spoke on “The Young People:- Actors of Sustainable Rural Development”. Discussions were held on MIJARC History Structure and Identity, Food Sovereignty, Solidarity Economy, Political participation, Climate Change and Gender equity. Group discussions, plenary sessions and planning were part of the entire programme.
MIJARC World Assembled at Pope Paul VI Memorial Hotel, Kampala, Uganda from 15-27 May. The Assembly had the participation of 105 delicates from various countries. Mr. Geroge Dixon, World president inaugurated the seminar and delivered the key note address. The World Chaplain, Fr. Florencio, gave the welcome speech and highlighted the main objectives of the assembly. “Daring to Build up Rural World” was the theme of the seminar. Analyzing the situation of the territory, rural communities and youth, Agriculture and employment, Education, Gender equality and Education and Political Action were the topics dealt with. Mr. George Dixon was re-elected as world president and Ms. Caroline from Germany elected General Secretary of MIJARC.
Fr. Johnson Parackal, was present at the programme held at Colombo while Sr. Shiji James at the Uganda meeting.
Aizawl Hands over NYC Cross to Bongaigaon
The ICYM National Youth Convention Cross reached the Diocese of Aizawl from Agartala on April 18, 2008. It was received at the Bishop House from the youth of Agartala Diocese by the Youth Representatives of the Diocese in the presence of Bishop Stephen Rotluanga, Youth Director, Fr. Augustine C.L.Biaksanga, Bishop Secretary, Fr. Praveen and the Youth Leaders.
The Cross is carried to the 10 parishes, starting from the Cathedral Parish. At Cathedral Parish the youth from various places gathered and held special function to venerate the Cross. At St. Thomas Parish, Aizawl, the youth celebrated their Silver Jubilee at the arrival of the Cross. Holy Cross Parish, Champhai united the entire faithful with a procession on the street.
The journey of the Cross has led the faithful at various places to greater devotion and love. At St. John's the Apostle Parish, Khawzawl, a faithful who fell from a tree claims that he got healed after his mother’s prayer before the cross. Parishes of St. Peter's The Apostle, Chhingchhip and Assumption, Serchhip had a joint programme while handing over the cross to Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish, Lunglei which is the second Capital of Mizoram.
Every parish of the Diocese was given guidelines and instructions to make the journey of the Cross meaningful and the message from the Youth Director at the arrival of the Cross explained its importance. Each place made the handing over function eventful with the get-together of the entire faithful of the parish.
Augustine Biaksanga, DYD, Aizawl
Chaplains’ Animators’ Training
The XIV Chaplains’ and Animators’ Training (CAT) was held at Shanti Sadhana, Bangalore from the 1-11 June. Out of 50 participants, including two delegates from Bangladesh and one from Nepal ten were from North East. The entire 10 days program was packed with a lot of group activities, group sharing, study sessions and prayers. The training programme aimed at enriching the participants with the knowledge to be efficient in youth ministry.
Orientation program - Dokmoka
A general orientation program for students and teachers, first of its kind in Christ Jyoti School, Dokmoka, got underway on the 19 and 20 of May 2008. 135 high school students and 25 teachers gained from these two days educational seminar. A team of resource persons from NERYC headed by Fr. Johnson Parackal, Director, facilitated the workshop. To the encouragement of the team, the students and teachers were very receptive and showed immense interest in participating in the seminar. The Principal of the school Fr. Thomas and Headmistress Sr. Rose Jolly too took lots of interest in the program and planned hard to make it happen.
Amrit Sangma
“CHALO Meghalaya”
The Teens’ Ministry of Jesus Youth Movement had a successful mission exposure Programme in the Archdiocese of Guwahati and Shillong from 5-18 May. A Team of 42 members from 10 states, led by Fr. Joe CSSR and Mr. Vinod, the National Co–ordinator of the teens’ Ministry began the training on 5th in Guwahati and on the 11th proceeded to Shillong where they stayed in families. The day time was practically spent to interact with school and college students and the evenings in praying, celebrating the Eucharist which often ended with a get- together in several parishes of the city of Shillong. They also took the opportunity to visit to the Diocese of Jowai and spent the night at Ummulong Parish.
The trip to Cherrapunjee and visit to the historical Mission Station of Laitkynsew and the celebration of Mass with the Youth in the Chapel built 100 years ago by Salvatorian Missionaries and the night stay in the old Mission Home, Still existing were most memorable.
Annual General Council of the ICYM – Shillong
General Council Meeting of Shillong ICYM took place on the feast of Mary Help of Christians, on 24 May at Don Bosco Youth Centre, Shillong. Five delegates from each parish of the Archdiocese attended the Council. Election of the new office bearers was held to fill in the vacant seats and the Council reviewed the Annual general Report and Annual Financial ICYM calendar and chalked out future programmes.
Mr.George P Iawbor Publicity Secretary, ICYM Shillong
Retreat cum Convention - Miao
Miao diocese’s first ever youth convention cum retreat was held at New Man School, Neotan from 17-20 May. About 300 youth from different parts of the diocese participated in the programme. The entire programme was coordinated and guided by the DYLA and DYD of Nongstoin diocese, Sr. Magdalene FMA and Fr. Anthony Kharkongor SDB. They were assisted by Mr. Steve, Mr. Ferly Paul and Miss. Enisha, three active youth of the same diocese. The Nongstoin youth animation team skillfully led the Miao youth through various prayerful and social activities and God experiences. It was a soul awakening experience to see the youth making peace with God during a reconciliation ceremony in which six priests sat for confession.
During the programme several other fathers, sisters and brothers were present. They too contributed to the success of the programme by way of talking to them about different sacraments, various vocations in the Church and by assisting the youth at various places. The highlight of the retreat cum convention was the conclusion of it in which a solemn Mass presided over by Bishop George Pallipparambil of Miao Diocese. During the Holy Mass, Bro Linus was ordained a deacon and about 50 people were given the sacrament of confirmation. Thanks to the vibrant team of Nongstoin Diocese for their wonderful job of animating the youth of our diocese.
Fr. P.T. George, DYD, Miao
Youth Seminars Held - Dibrugarh
Youth seminars were held at Woka parish on 29-30 March, Bogapani T.E, under Digboi Parish on 17-18 May, Bimolapur Parish on 24-25 May and at Rajabari Parish on 31 May to 1 June, organized by the Youth Commission of Dibrugarh. Participants numbering 200 to 300 gathered for each of the programme. “The Youth awakening and Entrepreneurship” were the main theme of the seminars. The topics discussed in all the seminars were faith formation, Education, Leadership, Entrepreneurship, Culture and Socio-politics.
Ruben Dungdung, DYD, Dibrugarh.
Training for Rural Youth- Nongstoiñ
A Rural Youth Development Training for the youth of Nongstoiñ Diocese, West Khasi Hills District was organized from the 24 - 26 at St. Peter’s Parish Hall, Pyndengrei. 41 participants took active part in the entire programme. Resource persons of various competences animated the youngsters. The entire programme was organized and managed by Fr. Anthony Kharkongor,DYD and Ferly Paul, the Assistant Youth Camp Co-ordinator. The youth were taught various ways of preparing reports, expressing their talents and skills, preparing business advertisement, bringing out the value of culture, preparing and using the resources available in the area for self employment.
Mr. Mark Thongni took the session on the influence of Media on the youth of today, Fr. Anthony on “Qualities of Leadership”, “Group Building” and “Goal Setting” Mr. Genes Thyrniang, on ‘Career Guidance’ and Sr. Melina Kharbani on “Transformative Leadership”.
The evening get together organized and presented by different groups based on given topics like youth and drugs, violence, culture, media and business gave them a learning experience and occasion to share ideas. The most interesting and enjoyable evening was on the day when it organized the Bon Fire.
Ferly Paul, DYPC, Nongstoin
Bible Youth Convention at Bishramganj
Chikhansara village of Bishramganj Parish in the Diocese of Agartala hosted a colourful Bible Convention from 23-25 May. 130 vibrant youth hailing from the entire parish gathered and discussed on the theme, “I am the way to heaven.”
The animators for the important event were, Sr Theresa Kerketta MSMHC, Fr Joseph Pulinthanath SDB, former DYD, Fr Hormis John CSC, Vicar General, Diocese of Agartala, Fr Raphael Tham SDB and his team from Pahtaliaghat including brothers and sisters, Fr Mackley Gomes SDB, DYD, Jivan Tripura, President of TCYM and Ms. Meena Debbarma and team from Sampari Hukumo Bodol. This three-day event was memorable and educative as the participants discussed and contemplated on the topics: The Christian way of living, the role of youth in society and Church, Sacrament of matrimony. Various competitions like Bible quiz, Bible skit, dance and singing in a family atmosphere marked the event.
The 24 of May was solemnized with celebrations of the feast of Mary Help of Christians and Silver Jubilee day of Fr. Joseph Pulinthanath’s profession. He was greeted and felicitated by the youth and others present during the convention.
The enthusiasm of the youth throughout the entire convention was admirable. On the last day, the old committee was dissolved and new one was formed. Plans were made for the coming year.
It was truly a parish event with the pastoral council, women’s committee, catechists and the villagers of the zone giving their helping hand for the success of the programme. The youth under the guidance of Fr Joseph Palamthattel, SDB has done a commendable job to make the event an enriching experience.
Bible Youth Convention
Tura Diocesan youth commission organized a Bible Youth Convention on the theme, “Live the word liberate the world” for the 19 parishes of west zone from 2 - 4 May at Assumption Church, Tikrikilla. Around 350 youth attended the programme. The convention envisioned to impart knowledge on the Bible that would aspire them to lead a liberated life.
‘Infiltration and Custodian of Garo Land’ by Fr. Benoy, ‘Character Formation’ by Fr. Jimberth Marak, ‘Partners Selection and Marriage Preparations by Mr. Sujit sangma, ‘Youth Development’ by Mr. Amrit sangma from NERYC and ‘Live the Word, Liberate the World’ by Fr. Theodore sangma, the DYD. The youth were motivated to think big, act responsibly and live creatively. The former DYD, Fr. Dominic Sangma, one of the main celebrants of the Holy Eucharist, urged the youth to be industrious, enduring, patient and hard working. Chief guest Sir PK Hajong, Inspector of west/south Garo Hills unfurled the flag and released the video CD of 2008 youth convention of Jengjal Agal. It is recorded as the first of its kind brought out by the Youth Commission. The action plans made by the group aimed at empowering rural youth. They made it a policy for every parish to adopt a village for a year, seeking its all round development.
Leadership camp at Dawagre
Leadership camp for Dawagre parish youth was organised on 15-18 May by the Tura Diocesan Youth commission. Though Dawagre is a new Parish, there were more than 130 youth to participate in the programme. Mr. John Clitzer sangma, Miss Merigina sangma, Fr. Philip, the parish priest of Dawagre, Sr. Celine sangma and Fr. Theodore Sangma were the resource persons of the programme. Various workshops, games and songs during each session kept the participants active and interested throughout the programme. On the last day action plan was drawn and new office bearers were elected for the period of two years.
Theodore T. Sangma DYD Tura
YSC/YSM Ferrando Memorial School
Refreshers Programme was conducted for YSC/YSM Students of Ferrando Memorial School, Williamnagar on 19 May. Fr. Theodore Sangma, the DYD and his team led the programme. The day’s programme focussed on: ‘Dynamic leadership’ by Mr. John Clitzer A. Sangma, DYP, ‘Mature Relationship’ by Miss. Merigina Sangma, Core Team Member and ‘Together we build’ by Fr. Theodore Sangma. The movement helps the students to be rightly motivated and united to strive for a better society.
Theodore T. Sangma DYD Tura
YCS /YSM at Rangblang
The Students of St. Mary’s School Rangblang, West Khasi Hills District, had a wonderful time in at the YCS/YSM Camp from 7-8 June. The launching of YCS/YSM creates a unique history in the school of Rangblang. 130 participants were present in the camp organized by the YCS/YSM Animators. Input sessions were taken by different animators; among them were Sir Pascal Nongtnger, YCS/YSM Coordinator, Veronika Khriam Assistant Coordinator, Fairly Paul, Steven Dkhar, Banri, Bakenti and Alfred, the staffs of the youth Commission. The climax of the programme marked at the election of the Office Bearers.
Seminars for Students at Umdang
Youth Commission of Nongstoin Diocese organized a Seminar for the students of Umdang Parish on 10 -15 June. The objective of the seminar was to make the students aware of their student life and to be prepared to take up responsibilities in future. ‘Education in Students’ Life’, ‘Goal Setting’, ‘Career Planning’, Education to Love, Career Counseling, Developing Skills in Reading etc. were the topics dealt with. Ferly Paul, DYPC, Nongstoin
‘Infiltration and Custodian of Garo Land’ by Fr. Benoy, ‘Character Formation’ by Fr. Jimberth Marak, ‘Partners Selection and Marriage Preparations by Mr. Sujit sangma, ‘Youth Development’ by Mr. Amrit sangma from NERYC and ‘Live the Word, Liberate the World’ by Fr. Theodore sangma, the DYD. The youth were motivated to think big, act responsibly and live creatively. The former DYD, Fr. Dominic Sangma, one of the main celebrants of the Holy Eucharist, urged the youth to be industrious, enduring, patient and hard working. Chief guest Sir PK Hajong, Inspector of west/south Garo Hills unfurled the flag and released the video CD of 2008 youth convention of Jengjal Agal. It is recorded as the first of its kind brought out by the Youth Commission. The action plans made by the group aimed at empowering rural youth. They made it a policy for every parish to adopt a village for a year, seeking its all round development.
Leadership camp for Dawagre parish youth was organised on 15-18 May by the Tura Diocesan Youth commission. Though Dawagre is a new Parish, there were more than 130 youth to participate in the programme. Mr. John Clitzer sangma, Miss Merigina sangma, Fr. Philip, the parish priest of Dawagre, Sr. Celine sangma and Fr. Theodore Sangma were the resource persons of the programme. Various workshops, games and songs during each session kept the participants active and interested throughout the programme. On the last day action plan was drawn and new office bearers were elected for the period of two years.
Refreshers Programme was conducted for YSC/YSM Students of Ferrando Memorial School, Williamnagar on 19 May. Fr. Theodore Sangma, the DYD and his team led the programme. The day’s programme focussed on: ‘Dynamic leadership’ by Mr. John Clitzer A. Sangma, DYP, ‘Mature Relationship’ by Miss. Merigina Sangma, Core Team Member and ‘Together we build’ by Fr. Theodore Sangma. The movement helps the students to be rightly motivated and united to strive for a better society.