Nagaland Catholic Youth Movement holds Kohima Diocese Youth Leaders Retreat 2026.
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DIMAPUR — The Kohima Diocese Youth Leaders Retreat –cum-CEC Meet 2026 of the Nagaland Catholic Youth Movement (NCYM) on the theme "Courageous witness: Living hope in Christ" was held from February 13 to the 15th at Mount Tabor Retreat House, Kohima.
In a press release, the NCYM stated that the three-day spiritual gathering brought together diocesan youth leaders and central executive council (CEC) members from across the diocese.
The retreat was organised with the objective of fostering spiritual renewal, strengthening leadership commitment, and discerning the future direction of youth ministry within the diocese.
The inaugural Holy Eucharist was presided over by Rev. Fr. Kokto Kurian, Diocesan Youth Director (DYD).
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In his homily, he emphasised that “we are called to lead our fellow youth, and leadership is fundamentally a mission of service.”
He further reminded the gathering that a leader formed by Christ learns to pause, to listen attentively, and to discern before acting, allowing the Lord to guide every decision and action.
The retreat was animated by Rev. Fr. Thomas SDB, Novice Master, who “reflected on Jesus' leadership, our response to emulate his servant leadership and the need for leaders to repent and convert like St. Peter did.”
Dr. Johnny Ruangmei, President of Catholic Association Nagaland (CAN); Dr. John Murry, public leader; and Mhonbeni Florence addressed the youth leaders, focusing on leadership rooted in faith, responsible stewardship, collaborative ministry, and the role of youth as courageous witnesses in today’s Church and society.
Each day Eucharistic celebration and common prayers were special moments of communion with the Lord and one another, the said.
A highlight of the gathering was the presence and pastoral guidance of His Lordship, Most Rev. Dr. James Thoppil, Bishop of Kohima, who presided the Holy Eucharist and addressed the youth leaders and encouraged them to remain steadfast in faith, united in mission, and committed to authentic Christian witness.
The Bishop emphasised that effective leadership must always flow from prayer, integrity, and communion with the Church.
He also called on the youth to resolve issues case by case with objective justice as the standard rather than pulling in groups and tribes.
The CEC meet provided an important platform to review past activities, deliberate on future plans, and strengthen coordination at the parish and diocesan levels.
Constructive discussions and decisions were made to further enhance youth engagement and evangelisation efforts across the diocese, the release stated.
“The retreat concluded with a renewed sense of commitment among the youth leaders to serve with zeal, humility, and hope. Participants expressed gratitude for the opportunity to grow spiritually and to deepen their sense of responsibility towards the Church’s mission.”
The event witnessed the participation of representatives from 24 parishes/centres and four tribal associations across the diocese.
A total of 54 youth leaders attended the Diocesan Youth Leaders Retreat –cum-NCYM CEC Meet 2026, demonstrating active engagement and a strong sense of responsibility towards the mission of youth ministry in the diocese.
Meanwhile, the NCYM extended appreciation to the resource persons and participants for their “dedicated involvement, and prays that the fruits of this retreat may continue to strengthen the youth ministry of the diocese.”