Guwahati: Highlighting the importance of consistent leadership and shared responsibility in youth ministry, Archbishop John Moolachira of Guwahati called on Church leaders to ensure orderly transitions that safeguard accountability and continuity in engaging with young people. The Archbishop, also President of the North East India Regional Bishops’ Council (NEIRBC), spoke at the formal transition ceremony of the North Eastern Regional Youth Commission (NERYC) held at the NEIRBC Secretariat in Kharghuli on Tuesday.
Archbishop Moolachira emphasised that structured leadership changes are crucial for keeping youth initiatives focused, inclusive, and responsive to the evolving needs of the younger generation. He noted that collaborative leadership fosters stronger coordination among dioceses, ensuring youth programmes remain relevant to the aspirations, challenges, and social realities faced by young Catholics in the North East.
The ceremony marked the appointment of Fr. Cletus Sebastian, SDB, as the new Regional Secretary of NERYC, succeeding Fr. John Barman, MSFS, whose tenure concluded after several years of dedicated service. The handover was attended by representatives of the regional bishops’ conference, diocesan youth directors, and youth leaders from across the North East.
During the event, Archbishop Moolachira acknowledged the significant contributions of the outgoing secretary in strengthening regional youth structures and programmes. He formally entrusted Fr. Sebastian with the responsibility of coordinating key initiatives of ICYM (Indian Catholic Youth Movement) and YCS–YSM (Young Christian Students–Young Students Movement) across the region.
The transition reflects NERYC’s ongoing commitment to sustained youth formation, inter-diocesan collaboration, and active participation of young people in the Church’s mission. Archbishop Moolachira underscored that stable leadership, combined with shared responsibility, is vital for nurturing a generation of faith-filled, socially conscious, and mission-oriented youth capable of responding to the dynamic pastoral needs of the Church.
The ceremony concluded with prayers and blessings for Fr. Sebastian as he began his tenure, reaffirming NERYC’s dedication to guiding, mentoring, and empowering youth across North Eastern India.