Indian Catholic Youth Movement (ICYM) & Bethania Centre distributes food among the needy on Christmas.

25 December 2023, Faridabad & Pan India

Faridabad: As an act of kindness, youth across India came forward to help the poor and hungry people on Christmas.

“Feed a Friend” is a Pan-India crowd-funding Christmas Campaign (Rs. 20 for Christmas), initiated by Indian Catholic Youth Movement (ICYM) of the CCBI Commission for Youth in association with Bethania Centre Faridabad. As part of this campaign, a Christmas Langar was organized to feed 2500+ people at Bethania Centre Faridabad on 25th December 2023. Local volunteers from parishes and the Global Peace Foundation interns helped in managing the crowds and the event.

ICYM Volunteers from across India distributed food packets on the same day in different cities. Under the Feed a Friend campaign food was distributed to3000+ needy persons across India thus extending the Christmas meal with our less fortunate brethren and sharing the Christmas message and joy with all.

The CCBI National Youth Commission ran a campaign called 'Feed a Friend'. Third year in a row, young people on Christmas Day distributed hot meals to thousands of people all around the country. The main event was held at Bethania Youth Centre in Faridabad where ICYM and YCS volunteers served meals to over 2500 people.

The World Youth Day was held in Lisbon, Portugal, from August 1–6, 2023. Prior to this, there was a Days in the Diocese (DID) programme from July 25th to July 31st, 2023.

There were approximately 650 participants from India. Out of that, only 243 participants were facilitated by the Youth Commission. The other major organisers were the Archdiocese of Bombay, Jesus Youth, the Tamil Nadu Youth Commission, the Salesian Youth Movement, Magis, the Syro Malabar Youth Movement, etc. There were many other small groups who registered on their own. The National Secretary had to validate the names of even other groups, which was done promptly.

Mr. Antony Judy, the National President, led the Indian delegation and also took part in the papal welcome ceremony. Ms. Jyoti, National Vice President, was chosen to read a prayer during the inaugural ceremony of the WYD 2023. Pilgrims spent a week in Porto prior to the main events and also visited the Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima.

FIMCAP World Council, Germany, 11–20 August 2023

Fimcap is an international parochial organization. The Indian Catholic Youth Movement is a full member of this organization. The 6th General Assembly was held in  Germany from August 11–20, 2023. The National Youth Secretary, Adv. Antony Judy, ICYM President, and Ms. Anushka Teronpi, YCS National Treasurer, attended this meeting. ‘Solidarity’ was the central theme chosen for the next three years, and members discussed climate change in different working groups. Prior to this, there was the Asian Assembly. A team was formed to attend Cop-28 in Dubai to negotiate with world leaders. Adv. Antony was chosen to attend the Cop-28 during this meeting.

National Youth Sunday: August 13, 2023

The 7th National Youth Day was celebrated on August 13, 2023. Young people organized physical activities on this occasion. Young people celebrated this day meaningfully. They distributed meals on this occasion and organised community programmes, recreation, fellowship, competitions, etc., to celebrate their youthfulness and fellowship. The CCBI Youth Commission prepared the liturgy to celebrate the Eucharist, which was translated into many languages. The theme for Youth Day was: “Young children, obey your parents in the Lord; that is right.” (Eph 6:1)

The Most Rev. Ignatius D'Souza, chairman bishop of the commission, congratulated young people and wished them good luck. Fr. Chetan, the National Youth Secretary, also gave a message urging young people to honour their parents and grandparents.

Consultative Body Meeting: August 21, 2023

The Consultative Body of the National Youth Commission met on August 21, 2023, at Pallotine Seminary, Mysore, during the National Youth Directors Meeting. Alison Pereira, Becaremeo Nongtdu, Fr. Anil D’Sa, Anson Nazareth, and Antony Judy attended this meeting. Commission matters were taken up for discussion. A new national center, managing properties, and raising funds for the commission were some of the matters discussed during the meeting. The consultative body met with the chairman bishop, Most Rev. Ignatius D'Souza, to apprise him about the matters, and a tentative plan was made to be submitted to the CCBI Executive Committee.

Diocesan Secretaries and Movement Directors’ Meeting, August 22–24, 2023

The 10th Annual Diocesan Youth Secretaries and Youth Movement Directors Meeting was held at Prabodhan, Pallotine Seminary, Mysore, from August 22–24, 2023. The two-day meeting was inaugurated by Most Rev. Bernard Moras, Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Mysore, in the presence of Most Rev. Ignatius D'Souza, chairman of the youth commission, Rev. Fr. Stephen Alathara, deputy secretary general of the CCBI, and Fr. Chetan Machado, executive secretary of the youth commission. A total of 102 youth secretaries and animators participated in this meeting. The Most Rev. Bernard Moras celebrated the inaugural Eucharist. He quoted Pope Francis in his homily and asked the youth directors to help young people come forward and take care of the church. Soon after the Eucharist, a brief inaugural ceremony was held where Archbishop Bernard Moras spoke about the responsibilities of youth directors. Most Rev. Ignatius D’Souza, Chairman of the Commission, spoke on the theme, "Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right." Fr. Stephen urged the youth secretaries to expand the scope of youth ministry.

On the second day of the meeting, Most Rev. Ignatius D'Souza chaired the plenary session. Fr. Chetan Machado addressed the concerns of the participants. At the end of the plenary, Most Rev. Ignatius D’Souza addressed the youth directors and appreciated the work done by them. He celebrated the Eucharist on August 24th, 2023.

Heads of the other youth movements were invited to this meeting. The national leaders of ICYM and YCS were also invited to this meeting. All the reports (national and regional) were sent to the participants in advance.

Fr. Chetan Machado, National Secretary, CCBI Youth Commission, welcomed the participants and the other invitees. He presented the national report of the commission. The national leaders of ICYM and YCS/YSM presented their activities and financial reports. All the regional secretaries present also presented their regional reports. After each report, there was a brief discussion.

Meeting concluded on August 24, 2023. Fr. Chetan thanked everyone and asked for their continuous support to carry on this ministry at the national level. He thanked Most Rev. William, Bishop of Mysore; Most Rev. Bernard Moras, Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese; Fr. Avinash, Youth Director of the Diocese; and Fr. Baros and their team for all the arrangements and hosting the meeting.

National Youth Conference, Guwahati, October 23–27, 2023

The 5th National Youth Conference of ICYM was held at the St. Francis De Sales School Campus in Guwahati, Assam. The inaugural ceremony took place on October 23rd at 4:00 p.m. with a colourful procession led by delegates from 14 regions of India. The national flag and the ICYM flag were hoisted by Most Rev. John Moolachira, Archbishop of Guwahati, and Most Rev. Ignatius Dsouza, Chairman of the CCBI Youth Commission, respectively. Rev. Dr. Stephen Alathara, Deputy Secretary General of CCBI, inaugurated the regional stalls, which showcased the unique traditions and diversity of different regions of India.

The event proceeded with the Inaugural Mass, celebrated by Most Rev. John Moolachira, Archbishop of Guwahati, alongside Most Rev. Ignatius Dsouza, Chairman of the CCBI Youth Commission, and Rev. Fr. Sabu Francis, Provincial MSFS. Following the mass, the official inaugural program commenced with the unveiling of the ICYM National Conference theme song by the ICYM North East region. The inaugural program showcased the cultural diversity of all the dioceses in the North East region. The event was graced by Smt. Dolly Reang, Hon'ble Executive Member, Department of Social Welfare and Education, Tripura Tribal Area Autonomous District Council (TTAADD), who was accompanied by Smt. Nandita Debarma Reang, Hon'ble MLA, TLA Government of Tripura.

Smt. Dolly addressed the youth, saying, "Stand together and conquer using the Bible as a weapon."

Adv. Judy Antony welcomed the delegates, and Ms. Angela proposed a vote of thanks. The North Eastern Regional team, under the guidance of Fr. John Barman, hosted the program.

On the first day of the conference, the Annual General Body Meeting of ICYM was held. The National President welcomed the members, and Ms. Angela thanked everyone after presenting the annual report. Mr. Suman presented the annual accounts.

The conference centered around the theme "Children obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right" (Eph. 6:1). Delving into this subject, the conference attendees consisted of a total of 440 delegates hailing from 56 dioceses across India. Among these delegates, there were 347 youth leaders, 25 lady animators, and 68 priests in attendance. Throughout the duration of the conference, the delegates were organized into 18 groups, each with their respective moderators. These groups engaged in fruitful discussions not only revolving around the main theme but also addressing 15 additional questions that were carefully curated by the national office to hold significance in the realm of youth ministry.

The conference gracefully came to an end on October 27th, with the closing mass celebrated by Most Rev. Jayarao Polimera, Bishop of Eluru and member bishop of the commission. Throughout the sunlit days, the regions mesmerized the audience with their captivating cultural showcases that unfolded like enchanting evening tales. This 5th National Youth Conference served as a transformative experience for the ingenious youth leaders and spirited animators, weaving together the threads of camaraderie and fostering a profound sense of connection. The air was abuzz with wisdom exchanged and bonds forged as they embarked on a delightful journey of understanding and kinship.

National Student Leadership Training, Lucknow, 9–14 November 2023

The National Students Leadership Training Programme (NSLTP) was held at Navintha Pastoral Centre, Lucknow, from November 9–14, November 2023. There were 68 student participants from all over the country.

The NSLTP commenced with registration. Group dynamics were conducted by Nexco's, creating an atmosphere of warmth and familiarity. The orientation and dynamics of the program were explained to the student delegates by Rev. Fr. Chetan Machado, the National Chaplain of YCS/YSM India. After dinner, games and activities were organized for the delegates to interact with each other.

During the NSLTP, students were given formation and training on leadership skills through various activities and also focused training on the theme, “Gen Z for a self-sustaining world." Students were sent out for the exposure. The entire training was based on the see-judge-Act methodology. Fr. Dominic Pinto. Mr. Jimmy Pdang, Fr. Pius, Mr. Abhishek, and Fr. Dominic were the main resource persons, along with the National Chaplain and Coordinator.

On the last day of NSLTP, Fr. Chetan celebrated the Thanksgiving mass and thanked Fr. Dominic, Director of the Center, and all the participants. All were given a participation certificate. After breakfast, all departed from Navintha Pastoral Center for sightseeing and from there to their regions.

Green India campaign: G-India (on-going)

The Green India Campaign is an ongoing program that focuses on raising awareness about the environment and providing the youth with a platform to showcase their love for the environment while nurturing it. The Green India campaign is being carried out in parts. Some activities have been conducted, and others are planned. The youth received tremendous support throughout the country.

Indian Catholic Youth Movement (ICYM) National Council Elects Office Bearers

Kathgodam, Jan 24: Indian Catholic Youth Movement (ICYM), the National Parochial youth movement of the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI) held the National Council Meeting & elections of the National Executive Committee (NEXCO) for the tenure 2024-2026 to lead the Catholic Youth of India from 22-24 January 2024 at Suchetana, Kathgodam.

The Executive Secretary, Rev. Fr. Chetan Machado, and the Chairman of the CCBI National Youth Commission, Most Rev. Ignatius Dsouza, presided over the assembly of 68 delegates from 13 regions of India.

With a quorum of 39 members, 7 office bearers were elected together with 15 other Executive Committee members. Mr. Raj Bag of West Bengal-Sikkhim was chosen as National President to succeed Adv. Antony Judy of Kerala. Along with fifteen other members of the executive committee, Ms. Supriya Varghese from Karnataka was elected as the General Secretary, Mr. Nelson Macwan from Western as the Treasurer, Mr. Snel Ekka from Jhaan as the Media Secretary, Ms. Anusha from Telegu as the Liturgy Secretary, Mr. Biraj from Odisha as the Joint Secretary, and Ms. Niharika from Madhya Pradesh as the Vice President. For the next two years, this group of twenty-two young leaders will steer the nation's Catholic youth movement and carry out policies and initiatives aimed at improving the lives of youth.

The National Youth Director, Fr. Chetan Machado, reminded the young leaders of their duties and the need for servant leadership while focusing on the three Ds: discipline, determination, and dedication. In addition, he conveyed his gratitude to the outgoing National team, all Regional Youth Directors, and the young leaders who have walked this path to help this movement flourish.

The National election of ICYM was preceded by the National Council meeting of the movement for two days. It was chaired by the outgoing President – Adv. Antony Judy along with the Chairman, Director and the other office bearers who completed their term on 23 January 2024. Adv. Antony Judy encouraged the new leaders to push the movement to new heights by expressing gratitude to it for all of the support it has received over the previous two years.

The three-day meeting brought together the regional & National ICYM leaders under one roof to discuss needs of the hour, challenges and thus create a vision and mission for the Catholic youth of India in particular as well as all the youth of nation in general.

NEXCO Members 

1. Albin Robin - Agra region

2. Teresa David - Agra region

3. Prince David - Bihar region

4. Kamlesh Beck - Chhattisgarh region

5. Apurva Xess - Chhattisgarh region 

6. Anuska Sneha - Jhaan region 

7. Awkil Fernandes- Karnataka region 

8. Akash Ninama - Madhya Pradesh region

9. Innocencia Kujur - Northern region 

10. Sylvester - Northern region 

11. Alan Rinawma - North East region 

12. Helen Nirmala - Tamil Nadu region

13. Leonardo R - Tamil Nadu region 

14. G Kalyan - Telegu region 

15. Shyla Mary - West Bengal and Sikkim region