FLASH NEWS:

NEWS

MAWLAI, September 27

Sacred Heart Theological College Youth Fest Draws 2,000 Young People in Celebration of Faith and Unity

28 September 2026

Animation, Youth,

News reported by: Michael Makri (INS)

Sacred Heart Theological College, Mawlai, hosted its Annual Youth Fest on September 27, bringing together around 2,000 young people from 34 oratory centres served through the Sunday apostolate ministry of the Brothers in various parishes and communities. The fest, held on the theme “Take Courage; I Have Overcome the World” (Jn 16:33), celebrated faith, culture and unity in diversity.

Participants represented a rich tapestry of communities, including Khasi, Hindi, Naga, Kuki, Garo, Mizo, Santhali, Nepali, and Boro, reflecting the region's multicultural character.

The celebration began with the Holy Eucharist presided over by Fr Paul Olphindro Lyngkot SDB, Rector and Novice Master of St Dominic Savio Novitiate, Don Bosco, Sunnyside. Reflecting on the Gospel theme, Fr Paul encouraged the young people to respect and obey their parents and elders and remain faithful to the teachings of the Church. He urged them to resist evil and the various temptations propagated through contemporary culture and media, stressing the importance of courage and closeness to God, who remains ever present in their lives.

Mr Vincent H. Pala, President of the Meghalaya Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC), also addressed the programme. Calling young people the hope and backbone of society, Mr Pala reminded them that they need not wait for the future to make a difference. He encouraged them to dream big while remaining humble and to use social media wisely without letting it control their lives.

During the animation session, participants were divided into Khasi, Hindi and English language groups. The respective sessions were led by Br Quirinus War Khyllew SDB, Fr George Shining Lyngkhoi SDB and Br Ankit Xalxo SDB, who explored the Youth Fest theme in a language and context accessible to the participants.

The afternoon cultural programme featured Shri Gavin Miguel Mylliem, MLA of Sohra Constituency, as Chief Guest, and Shri Pius Ranee, Executive Director of the North East Society for Agroecology Support (NESFAS), as Guest of Honour.

Addressing the gathering, Shri Mylliem described the Youth Fest as a gift from God to be celebrated with joy and gratitude. He observed that such gatherings enable young people to transcend cultural and ethnic differences and strengthen their bonds with one another and with God. He called upon them to participate actively in the development of society and the state.

Acknowledging that challenges and temptations are inevitable in life, Shri Mylliem urged the youth not to lose hope. Referring to the day's theme from John 16:33, he encouraged them to take courage, remain persistent and humble, and pursue their goals with deep faith in God.

Shri Pius Ranee highlighted Meghalaya's youthful population and its wealth of talent. He urged young people to become positive contributors to society rather than becoming dependent on social media. He also encouraged them to discover their inner potential and embrace agroecology as a way to love and protect nature.

Calling agriculture and farming fundamental to human life and food security, Shri Ranee urged the youth to value farmers and work towards protecting the environment from increasing pollution and degradation. He offered five reminders: do not fear, for God is with us; build life on values; respect everyone; listen to and respect elders; use science to protect rather than destroy nature; and become responsible stewards of creation. He said such a way of life would lead to human dignity and a deeper relationship with God.

Youth Fest 2026 was coordinated under the leadership of Fr Sunil Barla SDB, Youth Animator of Sacred Heart Theological College, with Br Firstbornson Jyrwa SDB serving as Coordinator and Br Jeniberth Sangma SDB as Assistant Coordinator.

Held in favourable weather, the fest gave young participants opportunities for faith formation, cultural expression, friendship, and collaboration. It also highlighted their potential to build bridges across linguistic, cultural, and ethnic differences while living out courage, hope, and unity.