By Kampan Chinnam
Guwahati, Oct 5, 2024: A nun and a lawyer from northeastern India appointed as the council members of the youth commission of the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI) say they are excited to get an opportunity to serve the Church at the national level.
“I see the appointment as a blessing from the Almighty to serve the nation,” Sister Wansuk Mary Lyngdoh, a member of the Missionary Sisters of Mary Help of Christians’ Shillong province, told Matters India.
She is currently the regional youth lady animator and coordinator Young Catholic Students and Young Christian Movement under the North East Regional Youth Commission (NERYC).
The CCBI on October 1 announced the appointment of Sister Lyngdoh and Jimmy Pdang, a lawyer, as the council members.
Pdang hails from Sutnga parish under the Jowai, another diocese in Meghalaya and currently works as an assistant public prosecutor in the District and Sessions Court, East Jaintia Hills district.
“I am happy with this appointment and feel privileged because it is an opportunity to represent the youth in the highest decision-making process of our Church,” the 28-year-old layman told Matters India October 3.
The former Asian coordinator of International Young Catholic Students says the unexpected appointment has made him nervous about the new responsibility. “But I also hope that with God’s providence, I will build up my confidence and have the full commitment towards this new role,” added
He has served as a resource person for many YCS/YSM and youth programs in the diocese, regional and national levels. He was a regular trainer for the annual Animators and Chaplain Training program organized by the CCBI commission for youth.
He served as the national president of YCS YSM India during 2013-2016 and the ICYS Asian coordinator during 2019-2020
In 2020, he served as a national volunteer at the Bethania Centre, Faridabad, under the National Capital Region, for a year.
“So, I have learned more about youth ministry actually when I was the volunteer there. Working with the national team of ICYM and YCS YSM has helped me develop my leadership skills and I grew up with that confidence till now.”
The NERYC has celebrated the appointments. Fransalian Father John Barman, the council director, said the appointments reflected the dedication the council has demonstrated over the years.
He also noted that it is a proud moment for the Indian Catholic Youth Movement, the country’s most prominent Catholic youth movement, and for the youth commission in northeastern India.