6 GIVE HIM

YOUR BEST 8 AEXPOSURE

DEEPER
11 DARE
4 MORE 17 GLOBAL
NEWSWATCH
SEPTEMBER 2010

Looking
Beyond
a missionary movement at the service of the church

Discovering a higher reality within suffering and death

It is 9.30 pm. I am waiting for a video chat to begin. Unlike other chats, I notice that I am a
bit anxious as I sit before my computer. In a few minutes, a friend in the Jesus Youth movement
will login from Dubai. I am not sure what to say or how to start. Tapping my fingers idly on the keys,
I wait. Then I notice that his name, Shibu, has popped up on my friends’ list.
Four months ago, on the 22nd of May 2010, his wife Rosily, and two daughters Godwina and Gloria died
in the fateful Air India Express Flight 812 that crashed in Mangalore airport killing 158 people. After
a joyful vacation, he had seen them off from Dubai airport only to hear the devastating news in the
morning. During the next few days, I had heard about the trauma he had to go through - identifying

CONTD. ON PAGE 3
 Heart Talk
Change is essential for growth. And as I travel to different countries in this Jubilee
year, meeting families, youth, teens and kids, I see the great change the movement
has been bringing about, especially in the area of faith formation in this short span
of 25 years. Our many ministries and dynamic programmes, our elders, leaders and
fellow JYs, have been the hands of God touching the lives of people and facilitating a
Jesus Encounter, inviting them to a deep fellowship, helping them tread the path of
discipleship. Jesus Youth have carried their precious formation and lifestyle wherever
they have gone, giving rise to missionaries and evangelists in the process and
enabling our movement to grow and spread to more than 25 countries.

Faith formation in youth: In this era of globalisation, youth are exposed to a variety
of cultures from around the world and acquiring information is within easy reach
through e-communication. The movement is striving to create a safe place for them
not only in the physical world with its many fellowship groups but also in the virtual
world with its surprisingly contemporary nature. Many elements of the borderless
world influence the thinking and development of youth, but nothing is as strong as
one youth influencing another with his JY lifestyle. Activities outside the Church are
always marketed as more appealing and attractive. The idea that what the world
has to offer is ‘better’ is a misconception prevalent among many Catholics as well.

‘‘
Dear brothers and
sisters, we are always
in need of hearing the
While society upholds success, performance and productivity, our young fulltimers
show the world that we need to first seek the Kingdom of God and all the rest will
be added. The movement is thus constantly at the service of the Church to enhance
initiatives and encourage activities that enrich and rekindle the faith of young
people. A complete cycle of growth can be seen when a youth experiences Christ in
Lord Jesus tell us what this joyfully Charismatic movement; they not only change themselves but also create
he often repeated to his a ripple of change in their life situation.
friends: “Be not afraid”.
Like Simon Peter and the Faith formation in families: This is a growing reality of the movement. Formation
others we must allow begins in the family and children grow up to form new families. In this cycle of
his presence and his events, JY families are playing a significant role with many willing to take a long-
grace to transform our term commitment to help in the faith formation of youth and young adults. Such
heart, which is always decisions speak of how the movement is challenging families to be a mission in
themselves. People can be influenced in their faith development at three levels -
subject to human
the immediate family, the extended family or small group and the greater society.
weakness. We must I see, for example, definite possibilities of developing a strong ministry in countries
know how to recognise like South Africa where a group of newly married JYs are praying for their dream of
that losing something building a ministry that will change the lives of people.
indeed, losing
ourselves for the true Faith formation in children: Recently, while on a mission trip, a courageous girl aged
God, the God of love nine walked 10 kilometres with me to attend a prayer meeting and she shared of
and of life is actually how she chooses to lose everything to gain God in her life. I had a similar encounter
gaining ourselves, at a JY conference for kids. I heard one of them say, “I will do great things for God
because when the Big God comes into the Small Me, I can do Big Things!” I now meet
finding ourselves more
more and more kids who say, “I want to be a Jesus Youth when I grow up” rather than,
fully. Whoever entrusts “I want to be Superman or Spiderman”. Their developing faith can be nurtured by
himself to Jesus already giving them a place where Christian principles can take root in their lives; a need that
experiences in this life JY is responding to. Certainly, this insight is a work of the Holy Spirit to make sure
the peace and joy of that the deposit of JY lifestyle is effectively passed on to the next generation through
heart that the world the earnest hands of these children.
cannot give, and that
it cannot even be taken In the area of faith formation JY is growing deeper and higher, augmented by
away once God has migration. As migrant JYs have grown stronger and more rooted in their faith, they
are planting ministries in varied geographical areas and life situations. For instance,
given it to us. So it
we have countries in the Middle East reaching out to Africa, crossing all cultural and
is worthwhile to let social barriers in order to support and build the faith of their brethren in Christ. What
ourselves be touched is also a miracle is that though we are involved in so many areas of faith formation,
by the fire of the Holy when we come together as a co-ordinating team or for common gatherings, we pray
Spirit! and work with a unified vision. It is so evident from this unity in vision, lifestyle and

’’
HOMILY OF HIS HOLINESS BENEDICT XVI
ON THE SOLEMNITY OF PENTECOST,
St. Peter’s Basilica,
variety of initiatives that we were meant to be together in this work of the Holy Spirit.
Let us pray in love that we may live fully this call to be a Jesus Youth.

Sunday, 23 May 2010.

George Devassy
Jesus Youth International Co-ordinator
Cover STORY Contd. from page 1

Looking Beyond
From: Teema Thomas
Sent: Tuesday, September 15, 2009 8:58 PM
I had an appointment this morning with an
otolaryngologist (head and neck surgeon).
He went through my ultrasounds and biopsy,
and suspects papillary thyroid cancer. I trust
in the great plan the Lord has for me! Thank
you for walking with me through all of this. I
love you! God bless you abundantly!
From: Teema Thomas

Sent: Wednesday, October 07, 2009 11:51 PM
The doctors made two incisions, one to
remove my thyroid and another to remove
19 lymphnodes on the left side of my neck.
Both lobes of my thyroid were confirmed to
the bodies and completing the legal
have papillary carcinoma.
procedures. Yet, I also heard about how their
funeral became a time of experiencing God’s
Before I left for surgery my sister asked,
presence for many; about how Shibu himself
“How do you feel telling people that you
was busy helping and consoling others who
have cancer?” And when I was in the
had lost their loved ones.
hospital, while the nurse was checking me,
I had never met him after the accident and she asked, “Did you ever think you would
was anxious. Even as I wondered about what be in hospital at such a young age?” No, I
to say to a person who has gone through never imagined any of this to happen to me,
such pain, I noticed his status message: but I also never imagined the amount of
‘The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; grace that has been flowing through these
may His name be praised’. In a moment, the wonderful few weeks. I see God’s hand in
chat window opened up and his smiling face each and every instance, and even in times
came on screen. He began speaking about when I wanted to give up, He held my hand
how he and everyone around were blessed even tighter to help me continue. I am
constantly by Rosily, Godwina and Gloria sure that this time in my life has a special
when they were around. He spoke of how he purpose, not only for me, but for all those in
feels their presence even after their death. my life, and for the whole Church, as we are
I listened with astonishment as he spoke of one body.
how deep a spiritual relationship he shared
From: Teema Thomas

with Rosily when she was alive - of how
Sent: Monday, November 09, 2009 12:57 AM
they were constantly sharing about the Word
of God and asking each other about their During this time I was also overwhelmed
prayer, drawing strength from each other’s with how much my family and friends
experiences. The most difficult part, he felt, showered me with love, care, and prayers.
was to continue living among the things they I am so blessed. So, I began to offer all my
touched, the books they read, the rooms pain and prayers for all those who were
they lived in. To live in a world where every suffering or lonely and had no one to pray
memory evokes a million tender experiences. for them, no one to visit them, no one to care
The pain was definitely deep and palpable. for them...
Yet as he spoke, he spoke with a voice of
Naturally, we consolation and assurance. It was clear that
Over the last year, I also remember two
relegate eternity he could see something beyond.
incidents of great loss suffered by families
to the back of I personally know. One of our friends, an
our minds. But the Last December, as part of the Jesus Youth active Catholic employed in a school, lost
ones who respond Assembly, we were working on collecting his young wife to cancer. With two young
positively to crises inspiring experiences of young people. We children in his care - the younger one, barely
six months old, he has a long journey ahead.
were all deeply moved by the story of one of
in life often seem our very young friends, a Jesus Youth Fulltime Yet during the funeral Mass, as he made the
to be more aware Volunteer and student in the United States, reading, what emanated was not despair or
of the fragments Teema Thomas. Diagnosed with Thyroid disappointment, but a great assurance and
of eternity hidden cancer, her journey through the valley of pain faith. Today, always serene, he carries on his
in our day to day can be traced through a series of emails sent challenging life with great trust, even more
experiences. to her friends. involved in ministry and work.

SEPTEMBER 2010 PAGE 3

More recently, another of our friends
lost his younger brother to a flash
flood. Smart, brilliant and handsome,
he was the life of the family at 24. It
would never be easy for any family to
come to grips with what has happened.
The only difference was perhaps that
this family is exceptionally open to
prayer and God’s will. While meeting
them a few days back, I realised that
they had, like the others, clearly begun
to see beyond the immediate events.

Knowing all of them closely, as they

have been part of the Jesus Youth
movement for a long time, I began
to perceive certain common patterns
within their seemingly diverse lives.
Firstly, all of them had, at one point
or another opened themselves to a
personal experience of Jesus. Secondly,
growing through prayer, Scripture
and the Sacraments, they seem to be
united by a desire to organise their
lives according to the heart of Jesus.
Shibu spoke of a regular life of prayer
and spirituality that he shared with Yet, all around us, we see people
Rosily and the kids. Teema was one succumb to troubles that seem much
of the young volunteers who dared lighter in comparison. Many vent their
to set aside one year to share her anger on the world, on the systems
experience of Jesus with young people around, on their loved ones, on religion,
as a part of the Jesus Youth Fulltime on God and most often on themselves –
Volunteer Trainings. The others I very often living a life of bitterness and
spoke of were always involved in the fear. This brings us to the question about
movement - serving the Church with what these people see in suffering and
great enthusiasm. Put quite simply, what some others don’t.
their radically different responses
to suffering and death seem to have An awareness about
emerged not from an instant, epiphanic
revelation, but from a continuous eternity and our mortality
lifestyle built over several years. The tangible world around us always seems Often though, the physical is magnified and
more present and palpable. Often, perceiving idolised, blinding us to the putrefaction that
the outlines of eternity through the fabric of awaits our bodies. Jonathan Weiner, the Pulitzer
our everyday lives is strenuous. Naturally, we prize winning scientist, speaks of how our bodies
Often though, relegate eternity to the back of our minds. are designed to be mortal. The first half of life
the physical But the ones who respond positively to crises is orderly, a miracle of “detailed, harmonious
is magnified in life often seem to be more aware of the unfolding” beginning with the embryo. What
and idolised, fragments of eternity hidden in our day to comes after our reproductive years “is more like
the random crumpling of what had been neatly
blinding us to the day experiences.
folded origami, or the erosion of stone. The
putrefaction that Eternity is defined by Boetius as withering of the roses in the bowl is as drunken
awaits our bodies. “possession, without succession and disorderly as their blossoming was regular and
and perfect, of interminable life” precise.”
(interminabilis vitae tota simul et perfecta In Murakami’s ‘Landscape with Flatiron’, a
possessio). The definition implies four character called Miyake speaks of how our lives
things: that eternity is a life, without are guided by our deaths. In other words, it is our
beginning or end, or succession, and of the perception of our deaths that directs our decisions
most perfect kind. It is a life, moreover, in life. Without a meaningful perspective about
not only without beginning or end but also our mortality, we can neither make sense of the
without succession — tota simul, that is dry leaves that rustle on quiet evenings nor of the
without past or future; a never-changing cars that scream by at noon.
instant or “now”. This is the hope we have
in Jesus, not a hope for immortality that A profound writer and a renowned lyricist
comes from prolonging our physical life on Fr. Thomas Edayal, put it beautifully while
earth. Which is why St. Paul emphatically speaking at a funeral Mass of a young man that I
says that “If only for this life we have hope attended some time ago. Like the young Joseph of
in Christ, we are to be pitied more than all Arimathea who had already constructed a tomb for
men.” 1 Corinthians 15:19. himself while living an active life, Fr. Edayal urged
...there is a different
kind of answer to the
question “Why do we
suffer?” That answer
takes us directly
into the heart of
the Church, which is
Jesus Christ.

us to carry a small tomb somewhere in

the corner of our minds so that we will Jesus Youth
constantly be reminded of our mortality
while making choices in life.
at WYD 2011
Something that emerged from my chat Phase I – YAI Festival
with Shibu was that he and Rosily had 11th-14th August, Gibraltar
clearly discussed death and eternity. They World Youth Day
knew that both of them would have to die 16th-21st August, Madrid
one day and that they would be united in
Phase II – Pilgrimages
eternity. Thus the short life on this earth
21st -23rd August
became a joyful, loving mission with Fatima and Santiago de Compostela
something specific to be accomplished.
This understanding seemed to change 21st -26th August
the priorities of their very lives. He said Fatima, Santiago de Compostela,
he feels his loved ones’ presence around a tradition of the Catholic approach to suffering Lourdes, Pisa
him everyday and he knows that they - offering it up to God - which Pope John Paul 27th -29th August
are praying for him fervently. As we were II profoundly explains in his Apostolic Letter Rome and Assisi
closing the chat, he spoke to me about a Salvifici Doloris.
call that he sees within this experience. 30th-31st August (Optional)
“If the suffering was so great, there must Shrine of Padre Pio and Lanciano
The core of this beautiful exposition is centered
be a call that is deeper. I am waiting for His around Jesus’ conversation with Nicodemus: “For For information on how to be a
directions about this call”, he said, smiling God so loved the world that he gave his only Son part of the event, contact us at
and expectant. that whoever believes in him should not perish [email protected]
but have eternal life”. Man perishes ‘when he
Salvifici Doloris - Salvific loses eternal life’. The opposite of salvation is
Suffering not, therefore, only earthly suffering, any kind of
the question, ‘Why do we suffer?’” That
suffering, but the definitive suffering: the loss of
Teema in one of her emails quoted above eternal life, being rejected by God - damnation. answer takes us directly into the heart
speaks of how she “began to offer all my of the Church, which is Jesus Christ.
pain and prayers for all those who were And this is the suffering that Jesus went through
suffering or lonely and had no one to so that we can exist on earth with the hope of One thing that strikes me while
pray for them, no one to visit them, no eternal life and holiness. And even though His reading about people who respond
one to care for them.” This comes from victory over sin and death does not end physical differently to suffering is their deep,
suffering in human life, it throws a new light intense, joyful personal relationship
upon this dimension and upon every suffering; with Jesus. It is what sets them
the light of salvation. It can be said that this apart and gives them a different
is “substitutive” suffering; but above all it is perspective. Ultimately, more than any
“redemptive”. In bringing about the Redemption understanding or inner strength, it is
through suffering, Christ has also raised human our gaze towards the face of Jesus that
suffering to the level of the Redemption. The makes all the difference. As George
question about the meaning of suffering requires Weigel says, “However elegantly
not a rational argument, but a demonstration constructed, our explanations on
of love. That is what God has given in the cross suffering leave us dissatisfied.
of Jesus Christ. Thus each man, in his suffering, Something seems missing. That
also becomes a sharer in the redemptive missing something, the Pope suggests,
suffering of Christ. is in fact someone: Jesus Christ.”

The face of Jesus

in the heart of suffering Shelton Pinheiro
A Jesus Youth for over a decade,
George Weigel, the author of Pope John Paul and the lead singer, song writer
and the present Co-ordinator
II’s best selling biography ‘Witness to Hope’, of the Rexband, he currently
crystallises the essence of the Pope’s letter. “The works as the creative head
Church has always believed and taught,” he of an advertising agency in India.

says, “that there is a different kind of answer to

SEPTEMBER 2010 PAGE 5

Imagine sitting against a stone
pillar, basking under the sun’s
warmth. A cool breeze sweeps
Give The training days began with a
session by Manoj Sunny, in which
the youth were asked to ‘Give Him

Him
by as you read a letter given to the Best’ in all that they do. Many
you by a special someone. This sessions conducted by renowned
person has given you everything leaders continued through the
that is his and is still pouring out training, ranging from Paradigm Shift
his love for you. He has accepted and Youth Ministry to Audio-Visual

your
you - weaknesses and all. In and Theatrics. The youth were taught
this letter, he has asked you to to respect and cherish the individual
give up everything and live for person and not to have major concerns
him through service to his loved about the agenda. They were also
ones... What would you do? reminded daily through assigned tasks
that the small details of any act make

best
Sixteen Jesus Youth answered a huge difference. One of the main
our Lord’s call by deciding lessons the youth learned was that
to attend the Jesus Youth they are called not to forcefully change
International Fulltime others, but to inspire others to change
Volunteers’ Training 2010. These through the change in themselves.
vibrant youth from twelve
countries arrived at the Garden To start giving their best, it was
of Gospel Peace in Lamlukka, important that the youth first
Thailand on 3rd July 2010 for realised what they as individuals
twenty-nine days of intense should possess. This required a deep
training, which included areas inner healing and a strengthening
of personal prayer, Scripture of the Holy Spirit within themselves.
and people management to The mission was initiated with a
name a few. This training was three-day silent retreat where the
the first step in making a lifetime young participants were able to
commitment to the Lord. A observe themselves and relate to
training team comprising of the Lord. After this retreat the youth
Fr. Ajy Jacob (Pastor), Dony Peter were drilled on evangelisation by
(Co-ordinator), Sr. Thresiamma Jude Antoine, a full time missionary
Garden of GOSPEL Peace,
Philip and Sumol Pious from Malaysia, George Devassy and
FranCiscan Retreat Centre,
accompanied these young people Dony Peter. The group was then sent
Bangkok, Thailand
on this journey. to live in Bangkok for six days and
3rd July - 31st July 2010
share their personal encounters of “I came for the training with the “I was able to spend quality time
Christ and Christ’s story with the objective of learning how to change with the Lord and experience Him in
students at Assumption University others, but the very first session by the a deeper way. The whole programme
and with the local Thai citizens. The training team turned my ideas upside opened my eyes to the importance of
youth forced themselves ‘to get out down. They told us that we had come sharing Jesus with others and made
of their comfort zones and get into there not to change others but to me more open to God through the
their courage zones’. This experience change ourselves. Now my only prayer sessions, activities and challenges. It
was extremely fruitful and the is that others MAY change by seeing the has initiated my spiritual growth for
batch understood small changes in me.” this one year formation.”
the greater value of Rony Dominic, UAE Melphy Paul, Australia
sharing Jesus with
whomever they meet.

The youth returned

to the beautiful
Garden of Gospel
Peace and continued
with sessions led by
Archbishop Thomas
Menamparampil
of Guwahati,
India, on Cultural
Evangelisation,
Dr. Edward Edezhath
on Singing in the
Spirit, Fr. Ajy Jacob on Various Forms
of Prayer, and many others. There
was so much the youth experienced
and learned throughout the training.
Most importantly they learned
about the necessity of having a
clear knowledge of the Word of
God and the necessity of having a
strong, permanent, open, personal
relationship with the Lord. The
training ended with a beautiful
Commissioning ceremony on 31st
July 2010. The participants received
a certificate and a lit candle to “It provided me with a new vision, a new “The training was all about loving.
symbolise the light of Christ’s love focus, a new desire and strength, a new Especially, it helped me to love the
enflamed within them, which they as courage to stand in front of people. movement which is our big family. Now I
Christians need to spread to others Now I can say ‘If not me, who else will will never feel alone. Till I came for the
throughout their lives. tell this world of my Father’s love?’ JYIFt training, I used to think that dreaming
Has been a great blessing for me in this was bad but not anymore. now i dream
Swapna Paippattuthara Jubilee year, to renew my spirit and to about giving support to God’s army to
USA help me become radiant in His holiness.” conquer the world with love.”
Roshan George, Bahrain Isuru Fernando, Sri Lanka

JYIFT’10 participants & training team with Archbishop Thomas Menamparampil of Guwahati, India SEPTEMBER 2010 PAGE 7
 For eleven days, 22 individuals from became players because each individual began
different nations across the world to play his unique role instead of being a
came together to be the first Jesus mere spectator of the programme. As the days
Youth Exposure batch. The Exposure progressed the individuals grew just by doing
Programme was held in the Garden this. On the first day each person searched for
of Gospel Peace Retreat Centre in paradigms at the root of their very existence
Bangkok, Thailand from 12th to 22nd which were ultimately hindering them from
July 2010. The participants came giving God their very best. The decisions made
from the countries of Thailand, to have a paradigm shift were challenging
Vietnam, Cambodia, Bhutan, United but each person set up an action plan that
Arab Emirates, Oman, United States was specific, measurable and could be started
of America, Canada, Australia, New immediately.
Zealand and India. Accompanying
the Exposure batch was a dynamic Over the next two days the group partook in a
training team led by Antony A.J. retreat to help build a solid spiritual foundation.
(Co-ordinator) and Fr. Cheriyan The retreat contained no exploding sessions
Nereveetil (Pastor) with the support about issues that the Church was facing or any
of George Devassy, Sr. Thresiamma deep theological mysteries. Instead the focus
Philip, Manoj Sunny, Dony Peter and was on the fundamental idea of needing to
C.C. Joseph. From the first session have a personal relationship with God. Basic
given to the group, the participants questions such as “Who is your God?” and

Garden of Gospel Peace,

Franciscan Retreat Centre,
Bangkok, Thailand
12th July - 22nd july 2010

Exposure
JYIEP’10 participants & training team with Archbishop Thomas Menamparampil of Guwahati, India

A Deeper

For the first time ever, the Jesus Youth International Exposure Programme was
conducted to help young budding leaders from different countries to get a
deeper exposure to the Jesus Youth lifestyle and spirituality.
 “Come as you are...
Do not change a thing... “Our programme ended
Just open your heart and He will with each of us taking a pledge to
walk right in… This is what live for Christ. This was a decision that
JYIEP taught me.” we made from within, something that our
Gavin Besterwich, souls longed to do. going back home, we
Australia all carried a new being in us and a new
mission to live.”
Jaya Rajan, India

“Why did Jesus come?” shook each

participant in a special way. The focus
on the Trinity allowed a discovery to
be made about God the Father, God “The days spent in
programme. An occasion that
the Son and God the Holy Spirit. It Thailand helped me to overcome
touched many of the participants
became clear that everyone is called a lot of my mental barriers, many of which
was the visit to St. Clare’s Aids
to make the journey from a point I was not aware of and others which
Hospice. To see men at the point of
where no one accepts (John 1:11), I thought were right. After the programme I
death was a humbling experience
to one where all come to believe am convinced that God can change
and each member was able to
(John 1:12). Each participant was things even if just one person is ready
appreciate life in a different
overwhelmed by the knowledge that to say ‘yes’ to Him.”
manner after that day. A pillar that
the God who created this universe Anthony Xaviour, India
was most actively experienced
and the countless stars in the sky is throughout the programme
the very same God that calls each of was fellowship. The Exposure
them to have a personal relationship programme brought brothers
with Him. and sisters from eleven different
nations together in one faith.
For a major part of the retreat, the The retreat served as a great beginning but was only The friendships that were formed
members were in silence. It was a a glimpse of the exposure to come. The sessions on ran deep, with Christ as an active
great opportunity for each person to the following days focused on Evangelisation, Basics member. The programme gave all
listen to the voice of the Lord. After of Discipleship, Elements of the Jesus Youth Lifestyle the twenty-two players a fantastic
the programme many committed and its Pillars and An Understanding of the Vision exposure to the Jesus Youth
themselves to spending a certain and Working Style of the Jesus Youth Movement. movement and a life changing
period of time in silence each day. Archbishop Thomas Menamparampil of Guwahati was experience.
Sessions on the Scripture renewed able to join the group and share his experience and
in the members a devotion to wisdom on the Cost of True Discipleship. He made it Rajeev Philip
spend time with the Word of God. clear that to become a true and genuine USA
disciple one would have to work hard and
be disciplined. Each participant realised
that to truly follow Jesus, one would need to
“These ten days have be willing to die to one’s self so that Christ “It was a life changing
made me realise that God will could live in them. experience. It helped me to deepen
always give us the best in my relationship with Jesus and to
everything. Now I am willing The Exposure batch was given an become a true disciple of Christ. I
to give Him my best.” opportunity to experience each pillar of know now that God’s love for me
Kapriel Socheat, the Jesus Youth movement during the is unconditional and nothing can
Cambodia separate me from His love.”
Alvin Povo, UAE

SEPTEMBER 2010 PAGE 9

 15000 JESUS YOUTH Main Speakers

in His Holiness
FROM DIFFERENT l Cardinal Stanislaw Rylko
COUNTRIES l Archbishop Abraham
Viruthakulangara
Programme in
l Archbishop Thomas
7 streams
Menamparampil SDB
l Bishop Rolando Tirona
Vibrant
l Bishop Paul Hinder
evening festivals
l Fr. Eric Jacquinet
l Fr. Gino Henriques C.Ss.R
l Fr. Fio Mascarenhas SJ
l Salvatore Martinez
l Mark Nimo
l Fritz Mascarenhas
l Colin Calmiano

in His Holiness
Inauguration by
Cardinal Rylko
His Eminence Cardinal Stanislaw
Rylko, President of the Pontifical
Council for the Laity (PCL),
will inaugurate the Jubilee
Conference, accompanied by
Rev. Fr. Eric Jacquinet, Director,
Youth Section, PCL.

in His Holiness
Leaders’
Colloquium
1st – 3rd Jan. 2011, Kochi, Kerala.
A gathering of JY leaders to
discern the Spirit’s direction for
the movement and plan for the
future.

in His Holiness

Outreach -
Child Support
Touching the lives of children
by providing financial aid
for education, the project
currently has 1000 benefactors
& 1000 beneficiaries.
Support this cause: www.
outreachchildsupport.com
in His Holiness

Testimonies
on the web
Share your faith story –
proclaim to the world God’s
handiwork in your life.
in His Holiness

in His Holiness

in His Holiness

Journey of the Bible School Gift of

in His Holiness

Jubilee Cross 4th – 8th Jan. 2011, Kochi, Kerala.

Facilitated by renowned
Indulgence for One-month
Fostering prayer and
intercession, the Jubilee
Bible scholars Rev. Dr. Fio the Jubilee mission
Cross continues its journey
Mascarenhas SJ and Dr. Renu
Silvano of the Catholic Bible
His Holiness Pope Benedict
XVI has granted indulgence
commitment
across the countries with Take a leap of faith and
Institute, Mumbai, the focus to all those who participate
JY presence in the last few renew your zeal for mission.
will be on John’s Gospel and in the Jesus Youth Jubilee
months before all the Crosses Make a commitment to work
Pauline Letters along with an Conference with due
are brought together for the for one month in mission
introduction to Dei Verbum and preparation and devotion.
Jubilee Conference in Kerala. areas across the world.
Pentateuch.
 Jesus Youth makes its first outreach to Uganda. A resource team spent more than two weeks
in the different dioceses of Uganda ministering to youth, young adults and families.

Africa, the second largest

Dare
continent in the world, is a
mystery for most of us. The
land, people and the culture,
though made familiar through
the images shown in the media,

More
still remain enigmatic. Many in
Jesus Youth have been praying
for years that the movement to record some songs. During
may make inroads into this the course of their visit, the
mighty land. UAE in particular JY resource team got an
has been praying for Africa, opportunity to meet
as it is their mission Dr. Margaret Bukenya, the
place. In this context, wife of the Vice-President of
Santhosh Mathew and Uganda and several Indian
Julius Antony from Dubai groups residing there.
made a pilot trip to Uganda
in May 2010 to explore the Africa is a beautiful place with
possibilities for mission by Jesus Conference ‘Dare 4 More’ On one of the days, the team also loving people. However, the
Youth there. With the help of with 350 young participants ministered to 120 lively and dynamic aftermath of war, violence,
the contacts made during that was being held. The Jesus Ugandan youth in a hospital. The corruption, poverty and disease
trip, a vibrant and enthusiastic Youth team animated one of JY group was also privileged to cannot be ignored. The land
team comprising of Dony Peter the days of the Conference meet Most Rev. Cardinal Emmanuel thirsts for Jesus and we pray
from India, Roopesh Thomas and handled the music and Wamala and Most Rev. Bishop that the Lord may use the
from Oman and Bibin Solomon, the input sessions. In the Christopher Kakooza of Kampala movement more and more to
Diago Mascarenhas, Bran Patrick, evening, the team, together Archdiocese. Bishop Kakooza also build His Kingdom there.
George Benny and Julius Antony with Fr. Stan Fortuna, the invited the team to a music studio
from UAE set out for Uganda on George Benny, UAE
jazz musician rapper turned
13th August 2010. missionary priest from Bronx,
New York and ‘Anawim’ a
The first stop was at Masaka local band, led praise and
where the Diocesean Youth worship and ministered to
the youth. The team also
went to Kiyunga where they
conducted a session, an
audio-visual presentation
and led the Adoration of the
Blessed Sacrament for 150
youth, young adults and kids
of the parish. Following this,
a five-day Jesus Youth retreat
was organised and conducted
in the afternoons for the
youth at the Vincentian
Retreat Centre in Entebbe.

SEPTEMBER 2010 PAGE 11

 To plan, prepare and commit, with The programme began with the topic
visions and dreams to build the of Paradigm Shift which got the
Kingdom of God, nineteen leaders participants to reflect on their various
from 10 countries gathered together paradigms and get out of their comfort
at the Garden of Gospel Peace Retreat zones. This was followed by a session
Centre, Bangkok, Thailand from 4th on Integrity that gave them an insight
to 16th July 2010 to attend the Jesus into what it means to be a respectful
Youth International Leaders’ Training and honest leader. Some of the other
Garden of Gospel Peace, (JYILT). The JYILT Programme was topics covered included How to be an
Franciscan Retreat Centre, co-ordinated and led by Fr. Bitaju Effective Leader, The Changing Phase
Bangkok, Thailand Puthenpurackal O.Ss.T. and Adv. Raiju of the Jesus Youth Movement and
4th July - 16th July 2010 Varghese. The programme was blessed How to Build a Youth Ministry, which
with many vibrant and gifted speakers challenged the participants to discuss,
like Jude Antoine, Rev. Dr. Fio share and reflect on their role as an
Mascarenhas SJ and Jesus Youth’s very effective leader and how they could
own key leaders like Manoj Sunny, help develop new leaders. A two-day
C.C. Joseph and George Devassy. session by Rev. Dr. Fio Mascarenhas SJ

Alive in
His Spirit
on the Catholic Church and “This training “These days have “The training has “JYILT gave me a
the Bible introduced the group programme has Sharpened my helped me to shift my new conviction,
to the beautiful teachings of helped me to know focus and vision paradigms. It was a leading me to
the Catholic Church and gave about the Church’s as a leader. It very inspiring time recommit my life
them an overview of the Bible. teachings and her has enabled me when I was able to to Jesus. I have
They were also challenged to expectations. It has to become more respond to the call strongly decided
practise short public speaking led me to become pro-active in from God - ‘Whom to follow Jesus;
after a session on Effective more committed as my leadership shall I send?’ I there will be no
Communication Skills. a good leader.” responsibilities.” answered, ‘I will go turning back; no
Bipin Kishore, Ignatius Michael, Lord, send me!!’” turning back.”
Some of the highlights of the India Bahrain Sunil Varghese, Italy Cijo Joy, UK
programme included Holy
Masses conducted outdoors
surrounded by the beautiful
scenery of the retreat
centre, the time of prayer
and reflection, the time of
fellowship, planting trees at
the retreat centre and visiting
the AIDS Hospice.

Two of the most touching

moments during the JYILT
programme was when the
participants were requested to
make a commitment to Jesus
offering themselves as His
Disciples during the Adoration
service and also when they
made their pledge during the
final Commissioning Mass to
be effective missionaries for
the Church as Jesus Youth
servant leaders.

Refined in His fire, Renewed

by His Holy Spirit and Radiant
in His love, the young leaders
have chosen to become
witnesses for Christ and His
Church.

Suzette Morris
Australia

SEPTEMBER 2010 PAGE 13

Channels
of Grace The 3rd Jesus Youth
International Animators’
Training was conducted
Singapore, UK, Switzerland,
Australia, UAE, Qatar, Oman,
Thailand and Cambodia.
from 23rd July 2010 to 4th
August 2010 at the Garden of The training started on the
Gospel Peace Retreat Centre, evening of 23rd July with Holy
Lamlukka, Thailand. Eighteen Mass celebrated by Fr. Sebastian
participants from 10 countries, Arikat (UK), the Pastor for the
including 4 priests, 1 nun training, and a Keynote address
Garden of Gospel Peace, and a deacon, attended this by Jomy Abraham (UAE), the
Franciscan Retreat Centre,
Bangkok, Thailand year’s training. The countries JYIAT’10 Co-ordinator. Right
23rd July - 4th august 2010 represented were India, from the start, the providential
“The two weeks of “Our Lord met me where “The animators’ training “My stay with other
intense training was a I was and He answered gave me an opportunity animators, their way
time of self-discovery. the longings of my heart. to reflect on my life and of life, their way of
Through different inputs He challenged me to see mission and challenged prayer, interactions…
and interactions with my reality and to grow me to grow in personal everything made
animators from various in His grace through holiness. It was amazing a difference. The
countries, I became aware the daily programmes, to see the Spirit move commitment that I
of the greatness of my talks and activities in our midst and build have made to be more
call to accompany the set for us. I also felt us into a family though spiritual and punctual
Youth. The testimonies especially blessed to be we were from diverse for the charismatic
and witnessing lives present at the Fulltimers’ backgrounds. Each prayer group at my
of the speakers and commitment ceremony. I person’s story was parish will continue
my fellow participants am humbled to be called a living testimony of as a result of my Jesus
inspired me to deepen my to walk alongside such God’s loving care and Youth International
commitment.” youngsters.” faithfulness.” Animators’ Training.”
Sr. Jees Maria CMC, Emma Daengsvang, Dr. Julio Kandathil, Fr. Simon Cheruvathur,
Hazaribagh, Jharkhand Thailand Singapore Qatar

care of God the Father and the

love and compassion of Jesus
were manifested through the
powerful move of the Holy
Spirit among the participants.
The next two days were a time
of immense blessings as the
participants went through a
growth retreat led by
Fr. Sebastian Arikat and Alex
Njavally.

Refreshed and revived, the

participants then plunged
into 10 full days of intense
training. With a right mix of
input sessions, testimonials,
group sharing and silent
reflection, the participants
went through modules such as
Youth Animation, Today’s Youth
& Youth World, Leadership,
Integrity, Developing Leaders,
Ministering to Families,
Communication Skills,
Peacemaking, Knowing
Jesus Youth in Depth, Bible,
Animating Bible Study, etc.
The enthusiasm of the
participants was evident from
the questions put across to the
resource persons during and
after sessions. The daily Jesus
Youth Prayer, Holy Mass and teens and families in the places where they are. The training ended with Holy Mass and a
Eucharistic Adoration, helped All of the sessions and workshops focussed on the Commissioning ceremony with anointing prayer. All
the participants to deepen role of animators irrespective of the positions they the animators came forward with specific mission
their personal relationship hold. The testimonies shared by the participants plans which they made into a prayer and a pledge
with God. were a source of great encouragement for all. during the Commissioning ceremony.

The participants have come to The resource team comprised of Fr. Sebastian The animators have been enriched and blessed
realise the role of animators as Arikat, Alex Njavally, Dr. Edward Edezhath, Manoj immensely through the training and the wonderful
an essential part of the Jesus Sunny, C.C. Joseph and George Devassy. The fellowship and all of them have returned to their
Youth movement and have presence and sharing of Brother Ghislain of Taizé home countries with the firm decision to be with
learned a lot of ways in which and the Taizé prayer he led were moments of and for the youth, accompanying them and being
they could support the youth, inspiration and blessing for the participants. role models, wherever they are.

SEPTEMBER 2010 PAGE 15

 Congress of Asian Catholic Laity

The Pontifical Council for the the Congress of Asian Catholic Laity addressed of the lay faithful in the Church’s mission and
Laity, a dicastery of the Holy See, to Cardinal Stanislaw Rylko, President of develop specific programmes and initiatives to
organised a Congress of Asian the Pontifical Council for the Laity, the Holy assist them in their task of proclaiming Jesus
Catholic Laity at Seoul, Korea Father mentions his “wish to single out with Christ in Asia today”.
from 31st Aug. – 5th Sept. 2010. This gratitude the outstanding work of the many
significant ecclesial event, with the catechists who bring the riches of the Catholic Four hundred delegates from 35 international
theme - ‘Proclaiming Jesus Christ faith to young and old alike”. In this context lay associations, ecclesial movements and new
in Asia Today’, was designed to he highlights the contribution of apostolic and communities in 20 countries attended the six-day
sustain and promote a greater and charismatic movements, which “bring new Conference. Jesus Youth was blessed to be invited
more appropriate participation of life and vigour to the formation of the laity, for this significant event and was represented by
the laity in the life and mission of particularly families and young people”. “I George Devassy and Manoj Sunny. During one
the Church in Asia. In the Message pray”, the Holy Father writes, “that the present of the days, Manoj Sunny presented a paper on
from the Pope for the opening of Congress will highlight the indispensable role ‘Youth Pastoral Ministry and Youth Evangelisation’.

Pilgrimage of Faith Co-ordinator of

COYA (Catholic
Organisations for
Youth in Asia)
Our Int’l Co-ordinator George
Devassy has been elected as the
Co-ordinator of COYA (Catholic
Organisations for Youth in Asia), an
initiative of the FABC (Federation of
Asian Bishops’ Conferences) - OLF -
Youth Desk. We pray that the Lord
may continue to lead him as he
takes up this new responsibility.

In this special year of Jubilee, Jesus Youth On an international level, a pilgrimage to the Holy at the tomb of Jesus in Golgotha, the
around the globe are being encouraged Land was organised by the Jesus Youth International Via Dolorosa where different prayer
to undertake pilgrimages with proper Team from 9th to 19th September 2010. 121 delegates intentions of the Jubilee and prayers
devotion and ardour to places of from 8 countries, including 4 priests and one nun for all the departed from our movement
significance to our faith. In India many participated in this pilgrimage of faith, which was were offered. Two sharing sessions
groups have already made their journeys co-ordinated by Santhosh Mathew, UAE. The group were also organised during the course
to popular pilgrim places like Velankanni began their journey in Egypt before entering Israel of the pilgrimage in which the pilgrims
(Tamil Nadu), St. Francis Xavier’s Shrine and finally Jordan. As you can imagine, every step on could share their experiences and
(Goa), St. Thomas Mount (Malayattoor, this pilgrimage was special as there is no greater joy voice their thoughts on the Jubilee to
Kerala) and Kurisumala (Kerala). A group for a Christian than to visit the places of significance the whole group. This pilgrimage was
from Germany recently went to Medjugorje where our Lord lived, preached, died and rose again. a renewing experience for all and has
and another team from UK went to the Some of the highlights on the way was the climbing helped in strengthening their faith and
Canterbury Cathedral in Kent. of Mount Sinai, Holy Mass at the Nativity Church and commitment.
GLOBAL NEWSWATCH

JY Melbourne Family Retreat, Australia ‘Behold’, Australia

AUSTRALIA filled time when the members recommitted  ‘Crossroads’

 Leadership Training themselves to the Catholic Church and to the From 13th -16th May, ‘Crossroads’ – an initial
From 22nd-24th May 2010, leadership training movement. level retreat was held in Haus Altenberg,
was organised for the JY of Perth at the  ‘Dare to Dive’ Odenthal-Altenberg with the participation
Holy Name Catholic Church. The sessions An initial retreat, ‘Dare to Dive’ was organised of 40 youngsters. The resource persons
were taken by George Devassy and Fulltimer from 30th April to 3rd May in which 30 youth included Fr. Schuster and Michael
Teema Thomas. The programme concluded participated. The camping retreat, held at Papenkordt, ICPE-Mission.
with the formation of the first JY core team Camp Constable, Mt. Glorious, was led by  Family Gatherings
for Perth with Bobby Jacob as Co-ordinator. George Devassy. On 24th April, six couples came together
 Leadership Discipleship Weekend  ‘Splash 2010’ at Cologne for the second young families’
Twenty leaders participated in a training During the school holidays, an initial retreat gathering. Fr. Alex Kizhakkekadavil
conducted by Colin Calmiano at the St. Frances was organised for teens aged between 13 O.F.M. Cap. animated the group. Another
De Sales Parish Hall, VIC on 20th & 21st March. and 16. Thirty participants attended this similar gathering was held on 8th May
 ‘Behold’ programme held from 2nd-4th July at Frederick at Heidelberg in which three couples
A stay-in initiation retreat was organised for Marsden, Kallangur. participated accompanied by
50 youth at the Mt. Evelyn Retreat Centre, Mayrose Pius Fr. Dhanyanand MSJ.
VIC from 23rd-26th April. The resource team  JY Fellowship Day
GERMANY
included George Devassy, Fr. David Reegon, Around 35 Jesus Youth came together
 ‘LichtBleiben’ on 24th May 2010 at Sacred Heart Church,
Fr. Tony McSweeney and Bro. Bony Abraham.
‘LichtBleiben’, a follow-up programme to Cologne, to commemorate the JY Global
 Family Retreats
the first DTP in Germany, was held from Recommitment Day.
Around 25 people participated in the family
26th-28th March at Haus Antonius, Grefrath- Vimal Vattappillil
retreat organised by JY Sydney on 24th and
Mühlhausen. The participants from
25th April at Holy Spirit College Conference NEW ZEALAND
Switzerland, Austria and Germany, were
Centre, Bellambi. Another family retreat
accompanied in prayer and fellowship by  ‘Exult 2010’
organised by JY Melbourne from 30th April-
Fr. Meyer and members of the National Team. ‘Exult 2010’ was held from 5th-8th April to
2nd May at Pallotti Retreat Centre, VIC had
 Pilgrimage to Medjugorje enhance the faith formation of young
about 50 participants. The retreats were
Thirty-seven people made a pilgrimage to people. Held at Chosen Valley Christian
led by Manoj Sunny and Beena Manoj and
Medjugorje, starting their journey on Easter Camp, the programme has helped the
included sessions on parenting.
Sunday from Cologne. The group was blessed youth to come up with various initiatives.
 Reunion Day
with spiritual inputs by Sr. Teresa Benedict  Recommitment Day
On 22nd May 2010, 75 Jesus Youth from around
and Sr. Emmanuela of the Beatitudes Recommitment Day celebrations
Melbourne came together at St. Frances
Congregation besides the visionary Maria. in Auckland started with Holy
De Sales, VIC. The occasion was a Spirit-

Medjugorje Pilgrimage, Germany ‘Exult 2010’, New Zealand Family Retreat, Singapore

SEPTEMBER 2010 PAGE 17

GLOBAL NEWSWATCH

Family Retreat, Ireland ‘The Light’, Cambodia

Eucharist celebrated by Fr. Mathew Dr. Mathew George (Animators). Fr. William  Leaders’ Training
Vadakkevettukuzhiyil, followed by a time of Goh, the Spiritual Director of the team, led On 16th, 23rd and 30th July, trainings were
praise and worship and the Recommitment the anointing ceremony. organised for selected leaders of the Ghala
Day liturgy. Gatherings were also held in  ‘Spark 2010’ region. Of the 24 participants, eight of them
Wellington and Christchurch. A DTP for teenagers was organised from 23rd- have taken a one-year commitment as ‘Friday
 One-day Retreats 26th June at the Choice Retreat Centre. The fulltimers’ to work with different ministries.
On 16th, 17th and 18th July, one-day retreats were programme, led by Rodney Pereira and Shiji  Teens’ DTP
conducted at Wellington, Christchurch and Varghese from India, has helped to ignite in The Teens Ministry organised a Discipleship
Dunedin respectively. Fr. Joseph Akkara CMI the twelve participants a new love for Christ. Training Programme from 19th-24th March. The
and the JY of Auckland animated the retreats. Shimy Stephen 24 participants from Ghala were guided by
Soji Joseph C.C. Joseph during these days.
IRELAND
Binoy Xavier
SINGAPORE  JY Family Retreat
 Family Retreat Bringing a new zeal and renewing the call SRI LANKA
A retreat for JY Families was held at Choice for missionary families, a family retreat was  Leaders’ Training
Retreat Centre from 15th-18th April. Nearly 15 held from 14th-16th May at the St. Columban’s On 23rd and 24th July, a training was organised
couples together with their children attended Retreat Centre, Magheremore, Wicklow. It was at Subhodhi Retreat Centre, Moratuwa based
this retreat led by Manoj Sunny and Beena led by Manoj Sunny and Beena Manoj and on the theme ‘Live for Christ, Die for Christ’.
Manoj. Since then, a Family Ministry core team attended by thirteen JY families. Fifteen Jesus Youth leaders and six animators
has been formed. Sijo Jose participated. The various sessions were led by
 Jesus Net Anniversary George Devassy, Fr. Daya Darshana and Fr. Gihan
OMAN
On 5th June, about 100 Jesus Youth came Goonatilake. A core team was also formed at the
together at the Catholic Welfare Centre to  Jubilee One-day Gatherings end of the training.
celebrate the 4th anniversary of Jesus Net - During the weekends of April and May, Jesus Ravindha Silva
the central prayer gathering of JY Singapore. Youth in each region came together as a part
of the Jubilee preparations. Nearly 700 Jesus CAMBODIA
 Leaders’ Retreat & JYNT Re-constitution
From 27th May, a three-day residential retreat Youth from across Oman participated in these  ‘Ponleu’ (The Light)
was organised for the leaders of various gatherings. Around 250 youth from the diocese of Phnom
ministries. George Devassy and C.C. Joseph  ‘Epiphany 2010’ Penh came together on 9th May for ‘Ponleu’ at
led the sessions. A new National Team was Around 35 teens from Oman attended a Don Bosco Technical School. The programme
also formed with Shimy Stephen (re-elected summer programme for teenagers - ‘Epiphany was conducted by Dony Peter along with
as Co-ordinator), Shibu Devassia (Asst. Co- 2010’, held at Athmadarshan, Aluva, Kerala fulltimers Renjith Joseph, Hun Saren and
ordinator) and Dr. Julio Chacko and from 26th June to 1st July ’10. Reshma Jerome. Holy Mass by Bishop Emile

New National Team, Singapore Jubilee One-day Gathering, Oman Leaders’ Training, Sri Lanka
GLOBAL NEWSWATCH

DTP, Cambodia Fulltime Volunteers’ Training, India ‘Love Revolution’, UAE

Destombes (the current Vicar Apostolic of and the ‘One-month mission commitment’ prayer volunteers. It concluded with ‘Zion
Phnom Penh) and the presence of Mgr. Olivier registration were launched. Night’ - a vigil service including Taizé prayer
Schmitthaeusler (the new coadjutor Bishop of  Fulltime Volunteers’ Training held at the Bishop Tirinanazi Auditorium.
Phnom Penh) was an added blessing. The 19th batch English training commenced on  ‘Kites’
 Discipleship Training 22nd May at Emmaus, Kerala with 30 participants On 1st May, a training programme was held for
From 13th-16th May, the first Discipleship including 4 seminarians. Most Rev. Sylvester nearly 65 leaders of the Malayalam team. Jojo
Training Programme in Cambodia was held at Ponnumuthan (Bishop of Punalur) was the Varkey animated the sessions.
Kep for 50 vibrant Khmer youth from various chief celebrant for the Commitment ceremony  JY Help Desk
dioceses. The presence of Fr. Leo Ochoa, held on 21st June 2010. The Hindi batch training Jesus Youth have started putting up a counter
Don Bosco Phnom Penh Rector, was a great was held from 7th June-5th July at Red Building, in the Sacred Heart parish compound before
encouragement for all. The programme Nagpur. The 14 participants from 11 states have and after all obligatory Masses. Started in July,
concluded with Holy Mass celebrated by now been placed across 7 states of India. the initiative provides required assistance to
Mgr. Olivier Schmitthaeusler.  ‘Chalo Jharkhand’ the parishioners and carries information about
Renjith Joseph The mission trip - ‘Chalo Jharkhand’ - the parish, pious movements, etc.
organised by the National Teens Ministry  Movie Night
INDIA With the aim of spreading Christian values to
was held from 29th April to 20th May. Following
 Kerala Nurses’ Conference a retreat, the 24 participants were given a deepen the Catholic faith especially among
‘Healing Touch 2010’ saw nearly 1000 mission training at Ranchi. Village stay, visits, youngsters, a movie night is being conducted
nurses, more than 40 tutors and close to 25 social outreach, small scale programmes and on the last Saturday of every month at Bishop
principals from different nursing schools/ personal interactions formed the major part of Tirinanazi Auditorium.
colleges across Kerala, gather at S.H. College, the group’s stay at Jharkhand. Siby Varghese
Chalakudy from 9th-11th July. Most Rev. Pauly  ‘Campus Vibes 2010’
Kannookadan (Bishop of Irinjalakuda) visited QATAR
With over 20 participants from 8 regions of
the participants on one of the days.  Recommitment Day
India, the annual training for campus leaders
 Annual Evaluation Meeting With weekly spiritual reflections and active
was held from 26th May-3rd June at the Alpha
From 4th-6th June, the Annual Evaluation participation in the Novena to the Holy Spirit,
Pastoral Centre, Edakochi.
Meeting of Jesus Youth India was held at the ‘100 Days of Grace’ was a time of spiritual
Siljo Thomas
Snehadaan, Bangalore with over 200 leaders revival for JY Qatar. The Recommitment Day
from across the country in attendance. On BAHRAIN celebrations included an anointed Adoration
the final day of the meeting, the new website  ‘We Love Our Priests!’ and a talk by Fr. Simon, the JY Pastor.
of JY India - www.jesusyouth.in - and other On 17th May, a special one-month prayer  ‘Year for Priests’ Exhibition
international Jubilee projects like the Jubilee campaign ‘Pray for 2010 Priests’ was initiated To honour the beloved priests of the parish,
Registration System, ‘Slice of Life’ portal in which 2530 priests were prayed for by 253 an exhibition was conducted on 17th and 18th

‘Healing Touch 2010’, India ‘Kites’, Bahrain ‘Tribute to the Priests’, UAE

SEPTEMBER 2010 PAGE 19

 GLOBAL NEWSWATCH

Teens’ National Retreat, USA Family Training Programme, UK

June by the Parish Church. Jesus Youth was Rev. Paul Hinder, Vicar Apostolic of Arabia, Rev. Bishop Malcolm McMahon (Bishop of
in charge of putting up the Missionaries of concelebrated Holy Mass with 22 other priests Nottingham) then concelebrated Holy Mass with
Charity stall. Jesus Youth’s newly formed from different parishes in the UAE. several other priests. Around 450 Jesus Youth
music team also rendered the theme song Jojo Varkey were present on the occasion.
during the felicitation ceremony.  Outreach to Loughborough University
KUWAIT An outreach was organised to Loughborough
Rijo John
 Reunion Day Celebration University on 19th May 2010 to interact with
USA Reunion Day was celebrated on 22nd May the youth who attend the weekly Mass at the
 ‘Kids Kamp’, NE region with Holy Mass and the Recommitment Day University Chaplaincy.
From 13th-16th July, children ranging from Liturgy. Jesus Youth from all four parishes  ‘Spirit in the City’
five to ten, attended ‘Kids Kamp’ and actively participated in this event. Jesus Youth UK took part in the annual festival of
developed their faith through a variety of  Conclusion of the ‘Year for Priests’ faith, ‘Spirit in the City’ held from 3rd-5th June in
activities - prayer, action songs, storytelling, To mark the conclusion of the ‘Year for Priests’, the West End of London. They had the privilege
crafts, games, videos and most importantly, Jesus Youth organised a special Adoration for of leading an Eucharistic procession with the
Adoration and Holy Mass. priests. Gatherings were held separately in Jubilee Cross during one of the events at the
 Teens’ National Retreat each parish. festival.
Forty-five JY teens from all regions came together Mano Mathew  Youth Formation Programme
at Bishop Lane Retreat Centre, Rockford, Illinois Close to 30 youth from different places across
UK
from 12th-16th June. The annual teens’ retreat was UK and Germany came together at Bridgettine
led by the JYNT under the guidance of Fr. Vinod  ‘Awakening’ Guest House in London for a formation
Madathiparambil, the National pastor. Called to In connection with the ‘100 Days of Grace’, programme from 29th July to 1st August. His
Holiness, Conversion, Life in the Church and Life ‘Awakening’ - perpetual Adoration from Easter Grace Abraham Viruthakulangara, Archbishop
and Mission in the Movement were the guiding Monday to Pentecost Sunday - was organised of Nagpur and Ecclesiastical Advisor of JY India,
themes of the retreat. at the Mother of God Church. Over these 50 also spent two days with the group.
Sunil Nadarajan days, more than 500 people came to spend  ‘The Change’
time with the Eucharistic Lord. A retreat called ‘The Change’ was organised for
UAE  Service Team Trainings 22 youth of Birmingham and surrounding towns
 ‘Love Revolution’ The first Service team training took place of Burnt-on-Trent, Coventry and Telford from 25th
In April, a three-day teens retreat, ‘Love in Birmingham from 10th-11th April. The next to 27th June at the Alton Castle.
Revolution’ was organised at St. Mary’s training for the teams of North West region Abhy Thomas
Church, Fujairah for 200 teenagers from the was held on 17th and 18th April at Liverpool.
different emirates. The retreat was led by  Journey of the Jubilee Cross
Fr. George Kumblumoottil and Dony Peter. The Cross has travelled to most of the North-
 ‘Ammayodoppam’ West and East of UK and has brought people
The Jesus Youth of Mussafah, Abu Dhabi together in prayer everywhere it travelled.
organised ‘Ammayodoppam’ on 27th and Small prayer gatherings were held at all the
28th May. During the 32 hours of continuous houses that the Cross visited.
intercession, 101 Holy rosaries were offered  Family Training
for different intentions. More than 200 people Thirty Jesus Youth families came together for
participated in this event. a family training programme from 28th-31st
 ‘Thiruvachana Yathra’ May at Barnstondale Centre, Liverpool, led by
More than 365 people participated in Manoj Sunny and Beena Manoj.
‘Thiruvachana Yathra’, a continuous four-day  Recommitment Day Celebrations
Bible reading organised in Dubai. The day began with fellowship over lunch O blessed Mary, Mother of God,
 ‘Tribute to the Priests’ followed by the Recommitment Day Liturgy turn your eyes of mercy towards
To conclude the ‘Year for Priests’, a ‘Tribute and concluding Adoration of ‘Awakening’, us, that we may love God with all
to the Priests’ was organised on 28th June May Day procession along with the deanery our heart on earth and enjoy Him
at St. Francis Assisi Church, Jebel Ali. Most and an input session by Manoj Sunny. Most forever in heaven. Amen.

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 www.jesusyouth.org  Editor-in-charge: Shelton Pinheiro  Editorial Team: Beena Manoj, Anu Pinheiro, Jubie John & Liss Thomas  Layout: Sanil C.A.  Printed by SR Graphics, Kottayam, Ph:+91 481-2301142