A youth animation programme and a series of meetings were conducted in different parishes of the Diocese with the aim of initiating the Young Catholic Students (YCS) movement and creating greater awareness among young people about youth associations and their role in the Church. The programme was animated by Sr Teresa Phephot Wangsu FMA, Diocesan Youth Director (DYD).
Don Bosco, Mintong: On 9th September, the programme began with the initiation of YCS at Don Bosco, Mintong, during the morning hours. In the evening, a meeting was held with the youth of the parish, during which around 90 young people participated.
The youth were introduced to the importance and purpose of youth associations and their functioning at different levels. They were informed about the Miao Diocesan Youth Association (MDYA) at the diocesan level and the Indian Catholic Youth Movement (ICYM) at the national level. The gathering also provided an opportunity for interaction, discussion, and sharing with the young people.
Longding: On 10th September, a youth meeting was conducted at Longding at 4:00 p.m., where around 20 young people were present. The same topics concerning youth associations, MDYA, and ICYM were discussed with them.
Special attention was given to encouraging the youth to take an active role in the Church and society. They were also given advice and encouragement, particularly in relation to their lives as students, their future, responsibilities, and personal growth. The meeting was an enriching opportunity for the young people to understand the importance of unity, participation, and commitment in youth ministry.
Deomali: On 11th September, Sr Teresa Phephot Wangsu FMA arrived at Deomali at 9:40 a.m. and met with 18 young people. During the meeting, discussions were held regarding the proposed College Students' Meet. The youth were also animated on the importance of youth associations and were given information about the functioning of MDYA in the Diocese and ICYM in India.
A meaningful time of discussion and sharing was also held, allowing the young people to express their thoughts, concerns, joys, and suggestions.
One of the important initiatives taken by the college students of Deomali was to come together every Sunday evening. During these gatherings, the young people will animate a prayer moment, share and reflect on the Gospel, and have an opportunity to share the joys and struggles of their lives. This initiative will help the college students to grow together in faith, friendship, unity, and mutual support.
Conclusion: Overall, the youth animation programmes and meetings held at Mintong, Longding, and Deomali were fruitful and encouraging. A total of around 128 young people participated in the meetings across the three places. The young people showed interest and actively participated in the discussions and sharing.
The programme served as an important opportunity to strengthen unity among the youth, create awareness about organized youth movements, and encourage them to become responsible, active, and committed members of the Church and society. The initiative of the Deomali college students to gather regularly on Sunday evenings is also a positive step towards strengthening their faith and fellowship as young people.
Sr Teresa Phephot Wangsu FMA, Diocesan Youth Director (DYD)