Report of ICYM - CCBI Silver Jubilee held at Divine Retreat Centre, Muringoor, Kerala from October 1 to 5, 2025:

Reports by: Ms Supriya Varghese, Shivamogga, ICYM National General Secretary, Betanya, New Delhi

Photos by: ICYM CCBI National Youth Commission

Report 1:

*”Young People Are the Present and Future of the Church”: Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrão*

Kochi, Kerala, October 5, 2025 – Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrão, President of the CCBI and the FABC and Archbishop of Goa, urged young Catholics to recognize themselves as “the present and the future of the Church” while presiding over the concluding Holy Mass of Witness at the National Youth Conference.

The event, held at the Divine Retreat Centre, Muringoor, Kerala celebrated the silver jubilee of the Indian Catholic Youth Movement (ICYM). More than 2,500 young leaders and 200 priests gathered for the celebration, which marked the culmination of the five-day national youth event.

“You are the bearers of hope for the Church and the world,” Cardinal Ferrão told the youth, urging them to remain close to Jesus and the Church. Citing the example of Saint Carlo Acutis, he encouraged the young leaders to use their talents for proclaiming Christ.

He reminded them that faith must be lived with humility and expressed through action. “Never underestimate the power of prayer. Without prayer, leadership becomes meaningless,” he said. “Your gifts are entrusted not for pride but for the glory of God. You are not passive members of the Church, but missionary disciples.”

The Mass was concelebrated by Bishop Ignatius D’Souza, Chairman of the CCBI Commission for Youth and Bishop of Bareilly; Rev. Dr. Stephen Alathara, Deputy Secretary General of the CCBI; Fr. Chetan Machado, Executive Secretary of the CCBI Commission for Youth; Fr. John Barman, Associate Executive Secretary for Youth; Fr. Anoop Antony, OSJ, Kerala Region Youth Commission Secretary; and Rev. Fr. Maria Antony, National Council member of the Youth Commission, along with more than 200 priests.

Among the dignitaries present were Shri Conrad Sangma, Chief Minister of Meghalaya; Rev. Dr. Augustine Vallooran, VC, Director of Divine Retreat Centre; and Rev. Sr. Shakhila, CTC, Mother General of the CTC Congregation.

Report 2:

*Conrad Sangma, Chief Minister of Meghalaya, Urges Young Leaders to Foster Unity*

Kochi, Kerala, October 5, 2025 – Speaking to more than 3,500 youth leaders gathered for the silver jubilee celebrations of the Indian Catholic Youth Movement (ICYM) at the Divine Retreat Centre, Muringoor, Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma delivered a stirring call to the next generation to become “beacons of hope” by uniting spiritual depth with social impact.

He hailed ICYM for shaping leaders who “build bridges of unity through creativity and courage,” and affirmed that the youth of India have shown the world the power of hope. Describing them as “warriors for solidarity,” Sangma urged the delegates to see challenges as opportunities and polarisation as a chance to build unity.

The Chief Minister underlined the role of the digital era, calling on young people to use technology not for division but for amplifying compassion, truth, and justice. “Hope is not passive; it is a choice we make daily,” he said, encouraging them to root their dreams in prayer, act with humility, and serve inclusively with courage and trust.

Sangma concluded with an appeal to the youth to go forth as change-makers who will transform society with unity, compassion, and bold vision.

Report 3:

*Mega Convention of ICYM Jubilee Concluded and Next, Odisha Region to Host 2026 Youth Convention*

Kochi, Kerala, October 5, 2025 – The year-long silver jubilee celebrations of the Indian Catholic Youth Movement (ICYM) came to a close on Sunday 5 October, with the concluding Mass of the Witness National Youth Conference at the Divine Retreat Centre, Muringoor, Kerala. The Eucharist was presided over by Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrão, President of the CCBI and the FABC, in the presence of 3,500 young leaders and 200 priests.

During the closing ceremony, Fr. Chetan Machado, Executive Secretary of the CCBI Youth Commission, announced that the next national youth gathering will be hosted in Odisha in 2026. Welcoming the announcement, Fr. Prakash Kiro, Regional Youth Director of Odisha, invited delegates to “the land of tribals and temples.”

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma was the chief guest of the ceremony, while Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrão formally declared the Jubilee closed. Bishop Ignatius D’Suza, Chairman of the CCBI Commission for Youth, welcomed the delegates, and Fr. Chetan Machado proposed the vote of thanks. Mr. Raj Bagh, ICYM President, introduced the ceremonies, and Ms. Supriya Varghese, National Secretary of ICYM, led the missionary pledge.

The five-day conference, organised by the CCBI Youth Commission, brought together young leaders from across India to celebrate their faith, deepen their spirituality, and renew their commitment to mission. Participants described the event as a life-changing experience.

“It was spiritually nourishing. These five days gave us an opportunity for self-renewal. It touched my heart and inspired me to do more for Jesus and the Church,” said Ms. Apoorva Xess from Chhattisgarh.

Mr. Kalyan from Andhra Pradesh added, “Witness was a great event with memorable moments. Being with vibrant young leaders from different parts of the country, speaking different languages and belonging to diverse cultures, was truly enriching.”

With the Jubilee year concluded, the ICYM now looks ahead to Odisha 2026, where thousands of young leaders are expected to gather once again in faith and fellowship.