Kampan Chinnam –
Tura: The Young Catholic Students (YCS) movement is gaining remarkable traction in Northeast India, particularly highlighted by a recent two-day training and animation program held in Tura Diocese on October 5 and 6, 2024. Tura is a municipality in the West Garo Hills district of the Indian state of Meghalaya.
Despite challenging weather conditions, young participants from five parishes—St. Luke’s Walbagre, St. Mary’s Araimile, Sacred Heart Shrine Chandmari, St. Sebastian Danakgre, and St. Dominic Garobadha—came together at the Diocesan Pastoral Centre in Walbagre to engage in this transformative experience.
The YCS movement targets teenagers and adolescents, encouraging them to form small groups of 8-10 members. Its foundational methodology, SEE, JUDGE, ACT, promotes awareness, reflection, action, and evaluation, empowering participants to confront the challenges they face in their daily lives. This approach not only fosters personal growth but also cultivates a sense of community among the youth.
During the training sessions, discussions focused on the myriad challenges confronting today’s teenagers. Esteemed resource persons such as Sister Wansuk Mary Lyngdoh (Regional YCS/YSM Coordinator), Ms. Alva Khyriem (former YCS/YSM Regional President), and Mr. Janseng N Sangma (YCS/YSM Animator for Tura Diocese) led engaging sessions that included group dynamics, activities, role plays, and interactive discussions. These activities encouraged students to share their perspectives, fostering creativity and resilience as they navigated life’s complexities.
Kadisa R Marak from St. Mary’s Araimile expressed her enthusiasm: “This program made me feel confident in myself. It allowed everyone to express their views and improved my social life. I learned to respect everyone.” Similarly, Amasa R Marak from Sherwood Secondary School Tura highlighted the spiritual enrichment she experienced: “I would definitely come here again; there’s a spiritual experience in everything we do.”
The inaugural function featured Bishop Andrew Marak of Tura Diocese, who set an uplifting tone for the event by sharing his personal faith journey. He stressed the importance of regular Mass attendance and Sunday school as vital components for nurturing Catholic faith among teenagers.
On the final day of the program, Father Lyndoh T Sangma conducted sessions on “The Importance of Prayer and the Holy Eucharist.” He motivated students to uphold the spirit of the YCS movement and assured them that more programs would be organized for this often-overlooked age group.
Simultaneously on October 6, 2024, the Kohima Diocese organized its own YCS orientation program at Mary Help of Christians Cathedral Parish, attracting over 65 students. This event aimed to deepen participants’ understanding of the YCS’s essence and significance. Resource person Mrs. Neisevonuo Anna (former YCS coordinator) emphasized the importance of community engagement in her discussions.
Ms. Veronica Nriame remarked that this orientation served as a precursor to a more comprehensive training program scheduled for October 13, 2024, inviting students to actively participate for further insights into the movement.
As the YCS/YSM movement continues to flourish across Northeast India, it holds significant promise for young Catholics in the region. Fr. John Barman, NE Regional Youth Director, articulated this sentiment: “The YCS movement is lighting the path for young Catholics across the region, fostering community, faith, and resilience in facing contemporary challenges.”
Through innovative training programs and a commitment to empowering youth, the YCS movement is not only addressing immediate concerns but also cultivating a generation poised to make a positive impact in their communities and beyond. This momentum signals a hopeful future where young voices are heard and valued within both their church communities and society at large