9 CANONICAL

AND BEYOND
RECOGNITION
10 JYTEAM
INTERNATIONAL
MEETING 12 ASTORY
SOUTH SIDE
13 GLOBAL
NEWSWATCH

JESUSYOUTH
JANUARY 2009

International Newsletter
A MISSIONARY MOVEMENT AT THE SERVICE OF THE CHURCH

MOULDING LAY MISSIONARIES FOR TODAY’S WORLD

A FEW DECADES AGO, AN ELDERLY NEIGHBOUR OF MINE WAS SPEAKING ABOUT HIS DESIRE TO
SET ASIDE SOME PART OF HIS LIFE TO SHARE THE GOOD NEWS OF JESUS WITH OTHERS. “Maybe
after my retirement,” he said proudly, “when everything in life is settled, I will try to find time
for voluntary missionary work in a retreat centre.” This expression, in a sense, sums up the
attitude that the laity had towards mission. At best, for most of us, mission had become
optional; like garnishing in cuisine, it was something external that could be added on to life
when it suited our convenience. Besides, the arrival of modernity and its accompanying fast
paced lifestyle left no time for missionary activity in our lives.

CONTD. ON PAGE 3

‘‘
SO IT IS GOD, WHO IS LOVE,
WHO LEADS THE CHURCH
TOWARDS THE FRONTIERS OF
HUMANITY AND CALLS THE
EVANGELIZERS TO DRINK
“FROM THE ORIGINAL SOURCE,
WHICH IS JESUS CHRIST, FROM
WHOSE PIERCED HEART
FLOWS THE LOVE OF GOD”
(DEUS CARITAS EST, N. 7).
ONLY FROM THIS SOURCE CAN
CARE, TENDERNESS,
COMPASSION, HOSPITALITY,
AVAILABILITY AND INTEREST IN
PEOPLE’S PROBLEMS BE
DRAWN, AS WELL AS THE
OTHER VIRTUES NECESSARY
FOR THE MESSENGERS OF THE
GOSPEL TO LEAVE EVERYTHING
AND DEDICATE THEMSELVES
COMPLETELY AND
UNCONDITIONALLY TO
SPREADING THE PERFUME OF
CHRIST’S CHARITY AROUND
THE WORLD.
’’
MESSAGE OF HIS HOLINESS
POPE BENEDICT XVI
FOR THE 82nd WORLD
MISSION SUNDAY 2008
HEART TALK
The last few months were glorious days for our movement as we were officially
recognized by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India and gifted the paternal
care and guidance of Archbishop Abraham Viruthukulangara. It is amazing to
see how the movement has been blessed so immensely in a short span of 23
years. And when a few of us of the Jesus Youth International team had a private
audience with His Holiness Pope Benedict in Rome, one thing was very clear –
“Jesus Youth was not built in a day!”
As my service in this work of the Spirit saw me journeying through various
countries across continents, I was struck most by the Jesus Youth lifestyle and
mission. As I see it, commitment is an integral element of what we usually refer
to as the JY lifestyle. Whenever I have meetings with Church leaders it is a joy
to tell them that we are active and present in many countries. And each time I
say this, I have in mind not an organization, but committed Jesus Youth who
prioritise the Kingdom of God above everything else. I have been inspired by
such committed persons from all walks of life, like Siju Cherayil a successful
business man in Rome always on the move to build JY, or Jojo a senior manager
who thinks only about what next for JY in Salalah, or Timmy in USA who studies
for JY whether awake or asleep, like Binu (Ireland), Tony (Oman), Sunil (USA),
Jose (UK), Santhosh (Sharjah) whose residences are like a JY office, or Abhi in
UK who works day and night to bring Jesus to the youth, or Nimmi Paul who is
the godmother of a Thai Buddhist Jesus Youth who was baptized a few months
back, and Manoj Sunny whose hard work and vision is not shaken by the most
difficult challenges ... The list is endless. These uncompromising individuals are
committed to being on the move particularly when times are tough. I know well
that it is possible for all of them to do so thanks to the committed support of
their families. There are so many spouses of active leaders who compromise
their family time, so many children who choose not to complain, so many
parents who joyfully let their children be part of ministries, so many youngsters
who prioritize ministry over bright careers, so many religious who live with us
like one of us and many more contributors whom we have never seen or heard
of that deserve a tribute for the success of our mission.
A strong missionary zeal has always been evident wherever Jesus Youth has
sprouted and taken root. As every flight with a Jesus Youth in it takes off,
whether he is travelling for work, business, family or ministry, I see the take-off
of a MISSION. These travelling missionaries, irrespective of the mode of
transport, language or culture, have taken this JY lifestyle rooted in Christ to so
many countries. The support/fellowship groups in labour camps in the Middle-
East, the JY initiatives that enable prisoners to see their families, the JYs in first
world countries challenging society with their Catholic lifestyle, the JY prolife
ministry that has saved so many precious lives, etc., are some of the living
examples of active JY missions at the service of the Church.
The breath of the Spirit has powerfully propelled us into so many areas of
society, different age groups and varied life situations, with the JY lifestyle
rooted in Christ and dynamic expressions of spreading God’s love. So much so
that Jesus Youth is no longer just a movement expressing the external signs
typical to the Charismatic Renewal but a lifestyle and spirituality which is
unique and effective in the Church. Let us pray that through the intercession of
Mother Mary and the blessing of God Almighty we may continue to be a strong
force witnessing “IT’S NO LONGER WE THAT LIVE BUT CHRIST WHO LIVES IN US!”
George Devassy
Jesus Youth International Co-ordinator
COVER STORY
Mission Possible
The Church has always spoken emphatically about
the mission of the laity. As early as 1965, His
Holiness Pope Paul VI spoke of the pivotal role of
the laity in The Decree on the Apostolate of the
Laity (Apostolicam Actuositatem): “There are
innumerable opportunities open to the laity for the
exercise of their apostolate of evangelization and
sanctification. The very testimony of their Christian
life and good works done in a supernatural spirit
have the power to draw men to belief and to God;
for the Lord says, ‘Even so let your light shine before
men in order that they may see your good works and
give glory to your Father who is in heaven’ (Matt.
5:16).”
Almost as if in response, Vatican Council II led to the
sprouting of many lay movements in its wake.
From the early 80s, the Jesus Youth movement, with
its focus on leading young people to a personal
encounter with Jesus, began to draw many young
people. Young people who experienced the Lord felt
a burden for those around them who had not yet
experienced this great love. They wanted to set
aside the most active, most vibrant and most
productive time in their lives to share the Good
News with others. Thus out of this simple desire was
born the Jesus Youth Full Time Volunteer project.
“I knew that the tithe from my salary as a
Marketing Executive at that time was too little” says
Santhosh Joseph, one of the initiators of the Jesus
Youth Full Time Volunteer project who today heads a
Human Resource Consulting Company in Singapore.
“So I decided to set aside two of the best years of
Contd. from page 1
my life for the Lord.” The very gesture of
setting aside an year at that point in life
was quite a radical decision for many
young people. At a juncture when the
focus on building careers was most
intense and opportunities like campus
recruitment and interviews were
happening all around, setting aside time
for something as intangible as mission
seemed suicidal to many of their families
and friends. This daring gesture
challenged the existing world order itself
where career, money and social
advancement were paramount.
Despite the struggles, doubts and
uncertainty that all of them faced, 27
young graduates came forward in 1992 to
set aside a year to be trained as
missionaries for life. Inspired by the
commitment of young people like
Santhosh and impelled by the love of
Christ they were experiencing in their
everyday lives, they came together as the
first batch of Jesus Youth Full Time
Volunteers.
With no existing formats for lay
missionary training available, the training
team spent time in prayer and put
together a 40-day format with the help of
the School of Evangelization team, a part
of Evangelization 2000. The Jesus Youth
team further added, updated and created
a comprehensive training package that is
presently being used for the Jesus Youth
Full Time Volunteer trainings worldwide.
Besides a special time for an encounter
with Jesus, the training includes modules
of Scripture study, Church teachings,
behavioural training, skills development,
personality development and training in
music, theatre and the basics of media.
“Though the stress is on spiritual
formation and evangelization training,
they get an all round experience that
equips them for life itself. Forty days’
training is an intense group living
experience that is monitored on the
individual level through a set of spiritual
exercises,” says Rev. Fr. P. C. George
Mudakkampuram, one of the driving
forces of the project who set aside many
years to pastor, train, counsel and
support Jesus Youth Full Time Volunteers
across several batches.
The transformation that the Holy Spirit
brought during this forty-day training was
simply unbelievable. Dexon J. Netto, a 5th
JANUARY 2009 PAGE 3
batch volunteer who later went on to
initiate a Jesus Youth ministry in
Singapore says: “Those were some of
the most beautiful days of my life
during which the Lord moulded me in
every sense. It was also a formation
time for me to take this lifelong
commitment to serve the Lord all of
the days of my life and to inspire
others to be committed.”
These young people with diverse
outlooks, tastes, and perspectives were
now united in a common mission for
life. In the process, the volunteers too
grew in maturity, honed their skills and
above all, deepened in prayer and
constants, drawing closer to the Lord
every day. At the end of their one year
as full time volunteers, none of them rued
the fact that they were one year behind
their friends in college. In fact, all of them
went on to do so well in their careers that
they acknowledge their swift growth in
professional life to this one year training.
The 17 batches that followed successively
over the the last 17 years affirms that this
initiative of the Holy Spirit is here to stay.
The participants grew and gradually, even
groups of seminarians, nuns and deacons
began to join the youth in the yearly
trainings. After their 40-day formation,
volunteers are now being placed in
mission centres in North India, North East
India and many places around the world. Today
the project has grown into three batches every
year - in different languages depending on the
placement regions of the volunteers. The spark
that started in a corner of the world has now
become an international project.
The direct impact of such an initiative is quite
obvious from the figures themselves. In the 17
batches, over 1000 young people have gone
through this process. Over 300 of them are
married and settled in different parts of the
world with around 600 kids - most of them
active in their own environments. Seventy
priests, six deacons and twelve nuns have
passed through this formation process. Many a

IT HELPED ME COMMIT MY
WHOLE LIFE TO GOD!
SIMI JOHN, NEW ZEALAND, 13TH BATCH VOLUNTEER
THE ONE YEAR OF FULL TIME COMMITMENT WAS THE
GREATEST MILESTONE OF MY LIFE. RESIGNING MY JOB TO
TAKE UP THE COMMITMENT WAS A BIG CHALLENGE.
DURING THIS PERIOD, I BEGAN TO EXPERIENCE JESUS AS A
PERSON AND TRUE FRIEND AS HE CONSTANTLY GUIDED ME
IN THE MISSION THAT WAS ENTRUSTED TO ME IN A
STRANGE PLACE, WITH A DIFFERENT CULTURE AND AN
UNKNOWN LANGUAGE. IT WAS REALLY A THRILLING
EXPERIENCE AND IT HELPED ME TO COMMIT MY WHOLE LIFE
FOR HIS SERVICE. AS I LOOK BACK NOW, I AM EXTREMELY
THANKFUL TO THE LORD FOR MAKING ME AN INSTRUMENT
IN HIS HANDS TO FULFILL HIS PLANS FOR ME.
I COULD SEE THE JOY IN YOUNG PEOPLE
WHEN THEY EXPERIENCED JESUS!
JECKO T.G., UAE, 1ST BATCH INT’L VOLUNTEER
DURING MY ONE YEAR MISSION, I WAS PLACED IN A COUNTRY WHERE THE
PRACTICE OF OUR FAITH IS FORBIDDEN. I BECAME MORE CLOSER AND MORE
DEPENDENT ON THE LORD BECAUSE THERE WAS ONLY GOD TO HELP ME. IT WAS A
TIME TO EXPERIENCE GOD’S GUIDANCE AND PROTECTION EVERY DAY. I COULD SEE
THE JOY AND HAPPINESS IN MANY YOUNG PEOPLE WHEN THEY EXPERIENCED JESUS
IN THEIR LIVES. AFTER MY TRAINING AND ONE YEAR COMMITMENT, MY VISION FOR
MY MINISTRY AND MY PERSONAL LIFE WIDENED. IT WAS A TIME TO DISCOVER MY
POTENTIAL AND IT WAS A TIME TO LET MY SPIRITUAL AND PERSONAL LIFE BE
MOULDED IN THE HANDS OF MY POTTER.
religious vocation was discovered in the
course of the trainings and many have
become priests and nuns while others are
still under formation for priestly and
religious life.
The impact is also evident in many of the
mission centres and campuses where these
young people have been placed over the
years. Speaking of the Jesus Youth Full Time
Volunteers in his diocese, His Excellency
Bishop Peter Celestine of Jammu once
remarked, “The presence of Jesus Youth was
a great help for our dioceses. Besides, the
prayer life, penance and good behaviour of
Jesus Youth has edified our people”
(Focused Only on the Lord). Through college
visits, village visits, prayer groups, and
retreats, these young people have become
an integral part of the Church’s ministering
in many places in the North and North East
of India. The impact has also reflected back
into the lives of the volunteers - all of them
speak of a deeper personal transformation
in prayer, relationships and personality that
has set in after their training and
placement. Reji Karot, a second batch
volunteer who is currently the Co-ordinator
of Jesus Youth in Kerala speaks of how the
formation helped him give up the desire for
I OWE EVEN THE
DISCOVERY OF MY
VOCATION TO THE FULL
TIME VOLUNTEERSHIP.
BRO. SHYJAN C. J. SDB, DON BOSCO
UTUME, NAIROBI, KENYA, 7TH BATCH
VOLUNTEER
I AM SO GLAD TO SHARE MY EXPERIENCE
AS A FULL TIME VOLUNTEER OF JESUS
YOUTH. TO BE FRANK, I OWE EVEN MY
RELIGIOUS VOCATION TO MY JESUS YOUTH
FULL TIME COMMITMENT. IT WAS THE BEST
YEAR OF MY LIFE WHERE I LEARNED TO
WALK WITH THE LORD IN AN INTIMATE
WAY. FORTY DAYS OF TRAINING AND THE
ONE YEAR FORMATION IN THE MISSION
LAND OF NORTH EAST INDIA (ASSAM)
REALLY PREPARED ME TO COMMIT MY
ENTIRE LIFE TO THE SERVICE OF GOD AND
YOUNG PEOPLE IN THE SALESIAN
CONGREGATION. WHAT I CHERISH MOST
FROM MY COMMITMENT PERIOD IS THE
BOND BETWEEN OUR BATCH MATES AND
OUR ANIMATORS. IT WAS (AND STILL IS)
A GREAT FEELING TO BE A PART OF THIS
FAMILY OF LOVE. I THINK WHAT THE
CHURCH NEEDS TODAY IS ALSO SUCH
GENUINE FELLOWSHIP GROUPS WERE
INDIVIDUALS CAN GROW AND
EXPERIENCE TRUE CHRISTIAN LOVE IN
ALL ASPECTS OF THEIR LIVES. I AM
REALLY CONVINCED THAT THIS PROJECT
IS TRULY AN INSPIRATION OF THE HOLY
SPIRIT. MAY THE SPIRIT OF THE LORD
CONTINUE TO INSPIRE US TO “PUT OUT
INTO THE DEEP.”

THE IMPORTANCE OF THIS FORMATION IN MY LIFE IS THAT OF A DOOR.

FR. CHERIAN NEREVEETTIL, SACRED HEART MINOR SEMINARY, KERALA, INDIA, 5TH BATCH VOLUNTEER

THE RELEVANCE AND IMPORTANCE OF THIS FORMATION IN MY LIFE IS THAT OF A DOOR. A DOOR THAT IS THE BEGINNING OF A LONG
JOURNEY THROUGH THE GREENER PASTURES OF EVANGELIZATION AND ONGOING RENEWAL. MANY PEOPLE WHO HAVE ATTENDED THIS
TRAINING HAVE MISUNDERSTOOD IT AS AN END. FOR ME IT WAS AN OPENING, AN INSPIRATION TO LEARN AND TO EXPERIMENT WITH
MANY NEW METHODS OF EVANGELIZATION AND PERSONAL RENEWAL. A SERIOUS CONCERN WHICH STILL REMAINS WITH REGARD TO
THIS TRAINING IS ITS FOLLOW UP. EVERYONE WHO UNDERGOES THIS TRAINING MUST FIND THEIR OWN NEW GROUND TO CONTINUE THIS
MISSION. IT IS NOT ONLY ABOUT BECOMING A JY SERVICE TEAM MEMBER OR A JY PRAYER GROUP LEADER BUT ALSO ABOUT BECOMING A
PARENT, A WORKER, A PARISHIONER WITH A DIFFERENCE.

JANUARY 2009 PAGE 5

worldly recognition and riches. “I
received a conviction that I would not
lose anything if I trusted in the Lord.
That is why, I am able to give up
anything in life for the Kingdom of God
today.” Besides these, the project draws
its relevance from the long lasting
impact of the programme on the culture
and lifestyle of many. A few significant
areas of impact are discussed below.
Spreading a culture of mission in
everyday life
K.G. Mathews, a 4th batch volunteer who
is currently active in ministry in Abu
Dhabi says, “I was an ordinary Christian
in the Renewal when I came for the
training. But after that one year I could
see something deep rooted in my heart -
a desire to give more of myself to Jesus.
The Full Time Volunteers’ training laid a
foundation for me to work more for His
kingdom. The formation convinced me
that I have been called and chosen.”
With hundreds of such full time
volunteers settling all over the world
after their training and placement, the
opportunities to live their missionary call
everyday are manifold. Thus, these
families proclaim that mission is not
something very far fetched but
something that can work in our offices,
our campuses and amidst the bustle of
daily living.
“I would not have set aside 17 years of
my life for this group if I was not
convinced about the fruits of this initiative,”
remarks Baby Chacko (Babychayan), a die-hard,
uncompromising missionary who has been the
mainstay of the Full Time Volunteer project and one
who has inspired countless young people by his
integrity and commitment. He goes on to say,
“Today as I travel around the world and see many of
them in the forefront of Jesus Youth ministries and
the Church as leaders, I am grateful to God. As I
visit their families, I am delighted to see how their
I BEGAN TO DEPEND ON
training has helped them relate lovingly to their THE LORD FOR
spouses and children, often transforming their EVERYTHING.
families into missionary families. Of course there SELMA ROBERT, MADHYA PRADESH, INDIA,
have been ups and downs for some of the 13TH BATCH VOLUNTEER
volunteers as they went ahead in life. But on the
whole, the way they dealt with crises in their I AM FROM KHANDWA (MADHYA
personal lives and the way many of them continue PRADESH, INDIA) AND MY
to be powerful witnesses to Christ is what inspires COMMITMENT PLACE WAS IN SEPPA,
ARUNACHAL PRADESH, KNOWN AS
THE STATE OF THE RISING SUN. I
WAS PLACED IN A VILLAGE WHERE
THERE WAS NO ELECTRICITY, NO
PROPER ROADS AND NO HEALTH
FACILITIES AT ALL. TO MEET THE
PEOPLE AND TALK TO THEM, WE
HAD TO TRAVEL FAR, CLIMBING A
MOUNTAIN. I ASKED GOD “WHY DID
YOU BRING ME HERE? I HAVE
NEVER CLIMBED ANY MOUNTAIN
BEFORE. IT IS SO DIFFICULT TO EAT
HALF BOILED FOOD AND TO LIVE IN
THE DARK WITHOUT ELECTRICITY.”
GRADUALLY I UNDERSTOOD THAT
GOD BROUGHT ME HERE ON
PURPOSE SO THAT I WOULD LEARN
TO DEPEND ON HIM IN EVERY
SITUATION OF MY LIFE. WHILE
CLIMBING UP THE MOUNTAINS,
SOMETIMES AS EARLY AS FOUR IN
THE MORNING, I WAS ALWAYS
STRENGTHENED BY PSALM 91:11. I
CURRENTLY WORK AS A CITY CO-
ORDINATOR IN A CHILDLINE. MANY
PEOPLE WARNED ME THAT THIS
WOULD BE A TOUGH JOB BUT I
REMEMBERED MY EXPERIENCES AS
A FULL TIME VOLUNTEER AND SAID
A BIG ‘YES’!
me to spend time to train, talk, help and
continue to journey with these young
people.”
In fact, many of them have become
initiators of unique and relevant
ministries in their environment. Alice
Mathew, a 6th batch volunteer, talks
about how the missionary zeal she
received from the training inspired her to
pray for a life partner who loved Jesus
and who would share her desire for
mission. As God granted her desire, and
she was blessed with children, she
realised that God was leading her in a
mission for the little ones - a desire that
gradually led her to be one of the
initiators of the ‘Angels’ Army’, a ministry
that today reaches out to over 25,000
children.
Drawing closer to the heart of the Church
Rev. Fr. Cherian Nereveettil, a former Jesus
Youth Full Time Volunteer who is today the
Spiritual Animator of the Minor Seminary of
the Ernakulam - Angamaly Archdiocese
FULL TIME VOLUNTEER TRAININGS -2009
JESUS YOUTH
INTERNATIONAL
FULL TIME
VOLUNTEERS’
TRAINING 2009
8TH JULY – 1ST AUGUST 2009
BANGKOK, THAILAND
remarks how Jesus Youth Full Time
Volunteers are extremely relevant in far flung
mission areas and villages of North India
where the volunteers are actually
accommodated in Diocesan Centres and work
very closely with every activity of the Church.
This is exactly what Pope John Paul II spoke
of when he said that “Lay people are
indispensable partners in proclaiming the
Good News; they are able to take their
share of responsibility in the life and growth
of the Christian communities to which they
belong; they are called to transform the
world in the manner of leaven. They have a
‘specific and indispensable role’ in the life
of the Church” (Second Vatican Council,
Decree on the Lay Apostolate, Apostolicam
Actuositatem, n. 1). Let us pray that each of
the future batches of Full Time Volunteers
will keep drawing even closer to the heart
of the mission of the Church.
Building a spiritual family around youth
One of the greatest miracle and joy of this
initiative has been the innumerable
JESUS YOUTH
FULL TIME
VOLUNTEERS’
TRAINING
IN ENGLISH
APRIL 2009
ERNAKULAM, KERALA
sacrifices of the Full Time Volunteer Family.
A team that literally grew into a close knit
family of participants, elders, priests, nuns,
and animators over the years, setting aside
valuable time, personal comfort, financial
gain and even risking their health to ensure
that the work of the Holy Spirit continues
unabated through these young
missionaries.
In a few months, the next batch of young
people will come together in three
locations - Kerala, Nagpur and Bangkok -
to proclaim to all of us and to the world
once again that a lifestyle of mission is
essential, relevant and above all, possible
in today’s world.
SHELTON PINHEIRO
1ST BATCH FULL TIME VOLUNTEER, INDIA
FROM A FULL TIME
VOLUNTEER, I BECAME A
LIFETIME VOLUNTEER!
SR. RANIS MSMI, NIRMALA RETREAT
CENTRE, KERALA, INDIA, 2ND BATCH
VOLUNTEER
MY ONE YEAR AS A FULL TIME VOLUNTEER
WAS A TIME WHEN THE OMNIPRESENCE OF
GOD, THE BREATH OF THE HOLY SPIRIT AND
THE PRESENCE OF JESUS IN THE EUCHARIST
BECAME TANGIBLE PERSONAL REALITIES
THAT CHANGED MY LIFE. THUS JESUS BECAME
THE CENTRE POINT OF MY LIFE. WITHOUT HIM,
EVERYTHING BECAME COLOURLESS. THE
DEPTH OF HIS BEAUTY AND THE SWEETNESS
OF HIS PRESENCE CAPTIVATED ME. I
REALISED THAT THERE IS A CALL FOR ME
BEYOND THIS ONE YEAR. FROM A FULL TIME
VOLUNTEER, I BECAME A LIFE TIME
VOLUNTEER. MY HEART FILLS WITH
GRATITUDE WHEN I THINK OF JESUS YOUTH
AND MY ONE YEAR COMMITMENT PERIOD.
JESUS YOUTH
FULL TIME
VOLUNTEERS’
TRAINING
IN HINDI
JUNE 2009
NAGPUR, MAHARASHTRA
JANUARY 2009 PAGE 7
 Catholic Fraternity
Jesus Youth was invited by the Catholic Fraternity of
Charismatic Covenant Communities and Fellowships to
participate in their XIII International Conference held at
Assisi from 30th Oct. to 2nd Nov. 2008. The Catholic
Fraternity, a federation of communities and
associations founded in 1990 and currently comprising
of 51 members in 14 countries, strives to identify with
the saving mission of the Church in communion with
the Pope. The International Conference was attended
by representatives of principal Communities of the
Charismatic Renewal Movement in the world. George
Devassy, Manoj Sunny and Jose Mathew represented
Members of the newly reconstituted Jesus Youth Europe Team with Archbishop Abraham Viruthakulangara
the Jesus Youth movement at this event. They made a
presentation on the movement on one of the days of

EUROPEAN LEADERS’ TRAINING
The first ever Jesus Youth European
Leaders’ Training Programme took
place in Rome from 9th to 11th Oct.
2008 at Opera don Calabria. There
were 35 leaders from five EU nations.
The sessions, which dwelt on the scope
and challenges of ministry in the
current European context and on how
to prepare youth to be the new
generation missionaries in a highly
secularized Europe, were conducted by
George Devassy, Manoj Sunny, Raiju
Varghese and Navin Bruce Thomas.
During the training days His Grace
Archbishop Abraham Viruthakulangara,
Archbishop of Nagpur visited the
leaders and encouraged them to be the
carriers of hope and courage in the
Church of Europe. On the second day of
the training participants set aside a
the Conference. One of the special moments of the
Conference was a private audience with the Holy Father
Pope Benedict XVI on 31st Oct. 2008. During the
few hours to make a short pilgrimage audience, the Holy Father affirmed that the “ecclesial
to the Basilicas of St. Peter and St. movements and new communities, which bloomed
Paul. Following the training, the new after the Second Vatican Council, are a unique gift of
Europe Team was reconstituted and the Lord and a precious resource for the life of the
Jose Mathew from UK and Rojo Church”. The Pontiff also exhorted the communities
James from Germany were selected present “to render everywhere a living and active
as the Co-ordinator and the Assistant witness of the profound mystery of the Church”.
Co-ordinator respectively.
Fr. Sebastian Arikat is the team’s
Pastor and Bro. Chilton the Animator.
Though 11th Oct. was the last day of
the training programme, the
participants stayed back in Rome on
12th Oct. to participate in the
Canonization Ceremony of St.
Alphonsa of India. Some participants
also joined the Jesus Youth who
came from UK and Ireland for a
pilgrimage to Rome and Assisi.
JOSE MATHEW, UK JY representatives with Prof. Matteo Calisi, President of the Catholic Fraternity

WWW.pocbible.com

CLICKS!
The world’s first Catholic Online Bible in Malayalam was launched by His Grace Mar
George Punnakkottil, Chairman, KCBC Bible Commission, at the Pastoral Orientation
Centre (POC), Ernakulam, Kerala on 24th September 2008. The website -
www.pocbible.com - was created, designed and will be maintained by Jesus Youth.
The site was the result of four years of wholly voluntary hard work done by a team
of Jesus Youth computer and web professionals who work together as the Jesus
Youth Bible Ministry in UAE. Besides creating a website that offers online the only
Malayalam translation of the Bible authorized by the Catholic Church (popularly
known as the POC Bible), they have also put together the first ever Catholic
Malayalam concordance, verse search, etc. This initiative is especially significant for
those Keralites who live and work in countries where even possession of a Bible is
prohibited. Although the English Bible has been available on the web for a long time
now, this is the first time that the Malayalam Bible has become available on the
internet. The JY UAE team had to overcome many hurdles owing to the intricacies of
Launching of the world’s first Catholic Online Bible in Malayalam by
His Grace Mar George Punnakkottil, the Chairman of KCBC Bible Commission
the Malayalam script and the technicalities of converting it
into a format compatible for the internet. Their hard work
and commitment has borne fruit as this website is
undoubtedly a powerful instrument in making the Word of
God instantly accessible to Malayalees around the world.
Any constructive feedback regarding the website is
welcome as the team continues its efforts to improve the
quality of the site.
 THE CATHOLIC BISHOPS’ CONFERENCE OF INDIA HAS FORMALLY APPROVED THE JESUS YOUTH
MOVEMENT. DR. EDWARD EDEZHATH EXPLAINS THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THIS RECOGNITION AND
HOW IT REFLECTS ON THE MOVEMENT’S STRUCTURE AND FUNCTIONING.
CANONICAL
RECOGNITION
AND BEYOND
Jesus Youth began and
developed over the years as an
informal initiative and network.
The Pastors of the Church in India,
after having formally examined
the movement and its statutes,
now acknowledge that Jesus
Youth is a Catholic movement. With
this official recognition Jesus Youth
can clearly find a place in the
Catholic Church of the nation and its
local forums.
The Jesus Youth Statutes, officially
approved by the Bishops of India, are
a set of guidelines that describe and
orient us. It is our responsibility to
know theses guidelines and use them
in our personal journey of holiness and
in our groups to serve the mission of
the Church. The Bishops have
appointed an Ecclesiastical Advisor
for us in the person of Archbishop
Abraham Viruthakulangara through whom they
can now give guidance and correction, and we can
approach them in our Pastoral needs.
IN THE CHURCH
The recognition is surely an encouragment to us
from the successors of the Apostles saying,
‘Jesus Youth, you have a place in the Body of
Christ’ and hence it is a call for greater maturity
as a Catholic Association. However, this is not
just a stamp of our Catholicity, but a renewed
responsibility to reaffirm and nurture the
movement’s Catholic identity; in its teaching, in
the filial love for our Bishops and involvement
in the pastoral life, especially in the parish, and
in nurturing Catholic culture and style in all that
the movement does. We have always said that
ours is ‘a missionary movement at the service of
the Church’ and that we are ‘proud to be
Catholics’ and this phase of the movement calls
us to a deeper search and commitment.
IN THE CCR STRUCTURE
Jesus Youth has been an off-shoot of the
Catholic Charismatic Renewal in India and until
country through this team. While the
Regional and Zonal Teams find their
identity and accountability to the
Church through their close links with
JYNT, the National Team has a special
responsibility to keep in touch with
the regional teams and make sure of
their relationship with the Church and
its teachings.
IN THE LOCAL CHURCH
The Catholic Church in India has eight
ecclesiastical regions and some of
recently, an affiliate of the National Catholic them have already given a Bishop as
Charismatic Renewal Services (NCCRS) of the Episcopal Advisor to Jesus Youth.
country. Recently NCCRS decided that it cannot Many dioceses have appointed a
continue just as an affiliate and hence this Priest-in-charge for the movement. It
formal recognition by the Bishops of India. Now is important that the movement
with this recognition, Jesus Youth is no more an fosters pastoral accountability and
affiliate but will find its place among the close links to the regions and the
ecclesiastically recognised movements and dioceses in all the parts of the
retreat centres that have a special relationship nation.
with the NCCRS. As per the Statutes, in a region
Jesus Youth is an initiative of the Holy
where Jesus Youth remains as an affiliate of the
Spirit to animate the lifestyle of the
Charismatic Renewal, as in Kerala, it will
modern world and today’s generation
continue as a part of the regional Service Team.
with the Good News. And surely His
JESUS YOUTH TEAMS latest precious gift to these devoted
The recognition also brings clarity and greater missionaries, through His own
responsibility to Jesus Youth leadership. The Shepherds, is this gift of the official
Bishops of India recognise Jesus Youth recognition, so that Jesus Youth
National Team (JYNT) as the co-ordinating grows to be more holy, mature,
body of the movement in the country and the faithful and zealous.
Episcopal Advisor guides the movement in the DR. EDWARD EDEZHATH, India
My dear young friends,
I send you warm greetings in this winter season from
Nagpur, which is called the City of Oranges in India. I am
very happy to scribble a few lines, especially in the
context of the coming feast of Christmas. I pray that Baby
Jesus will bless you all with His peace and joy.
We have been asked to have low key Christmas
celebrations this year due to the perturbed situation in
India. All the same, I believe Christmas means much
more at this time than ever before. The coming of Jesus
was heralded by the Angels with ‘Greetings of Peace to men of good will’. Peace and
joy are the need of the hour, more than anything else in our country and the world
over. Let each one of us possess that soothing Spirit ourselves and give others the
same joy and peace. This is my prayer.
Let us turn to the poor and the deprived, especially the children and do something to
alleviate their pain. Let us make small efforts to be messengers of brotherhood
among all people. Then Christmas will be more meaningful to us and others.
Wishing you once again a joyous Christmas and a peaceful New Year,
Yours lovingly,
+ ABRAHAM VIRUTHAKULANGARA, Archbishop of Nagpur
Ecclesiastical Advisor of Jesus Youth India
JANUARY 2009 PAGE 9
REPORT 2008

JY International Team with Bishop Paul Hinder, Vicar Apostolic of Arabia and Fr. Varghese Chemboly, Spiritual Director, JY UAE

JESUS YOUTH INTERNATIONAL

TEAM MEETING 20TH - 23RD NOVEMBER 2008, SHARJAH, UAE

The newly reconstituted Jesus Youth International

Team that was installed in Sydney, Australia, had its
first meeting from 20th - 23rd November 2008 in
Sharjah, UAE - an apt meeting place, for the Middle
East was one of the first areas to which Jesus Youth
initially migrated from India, thereby launching the
movement internationally . The twenty-one team
members gathered together with special invitees -
Dr. Edward Edezhath, Reji Karot and Jomy Abraham,
for a time of prayer and discussion in order to discern
the Lord’s will for the movement. Most Rev.
Archbishop Abraham Viruthakulangara, the
Ecclesiastical Advisor for the Jesus Youth movement
in India, was also present for the meeting. His Grace
inspired and directed the discussions and
gave a clear vision as to what the Church
expects from the movement. On the first
day of the meeting, the International Team
members had an opportunity to meet the
Vicar Apostolic of Arabia, Bishop Paul
Hinder O.F.M. Cap., a well-wisher and
supporter of Jesus Youth. His Excellency’s
encouraging words motivated the members
to be at the service of the Mother Church in
their mission. The team also met over 150
key JY leaders from different parts of UAE
and spent some time with them.

The meeting was centred on various vision

based sharings especially in the context of
receiving the approval from the Catholic
Bishops’ Conference of India. The team Archbishop Abraham Viruthakulangara presenting a memento on behalf of the movement to Bishop Paul Hinder
members shared their personal vision for
the movement and discussed their role and
relevance in the present world. A special
time was also allocated to conceptualising
the Jubilee, which is truly a time to sanctify
the movement and present it to the Lord.
The meeting gave a clear dimension to this
great Jubilee year, as a result of which
many international projects were initiated.

The meeting witnessed a strong presence

of the Holy Spirit who led and guided every
decision. As the four-day meeting
concluded, each team member was inspired
to forge ahead with this renewed vision.
NIMMI PAUL, Thailand
Jesus Youth International Team meeting in progress

INTERNATIONAL TRAININGS 2009

JESUS YOUTH JESUS YOUTH

INTERNATIONAL INTERNATIONAL
LEADERS’ ANIMATORS’
TRAINING 2009
TRAINING 2009
4TH JULY – 18TH AUGUST 2009 19TH JULY – 1ST AUGUST 2009
BANGKOK, THAILAND BANGKOK, THAILAND

JANUARY 2009 PAGE 11

 “INSPIRING TWENTY-ONE THOUSAND
TEENAGERS IN 2008 AND AIMING TO
REACH OUT TO NEARLY ONE LAKH
TEENAGERS IN 2009! DEFINITELY,
POWERTEENZ IS A BLESSING FOR JESUS
YOUTH THE WORLD OVER, ESPECIALLY IN
THE RUN UP TO THE JUBILEE. WITHIN A
FEW YEARS THESE TEENAGERS WILL BE
REACHING OUT TO ALL THE DIFFERENT
PARTS OF THE WORLD TAKING UP THE BIG
COMMAND - ‘GO UNTO THE ENDS OF THE
EARTH’. WAIT FOR THE ROLLING OUT OF
AMBITIOUS PLANS LIKE ‘POWERTEENZ
A formation project for teens initiated by the Kerala Jesus Youth has been gaining momentum FRIENDSHIP NETWORK’, ‘POWERTEENZ
since its launch in June 2008. The project named ‘Powerteenz’, targets students of classes 10th TALENT WEEK’, ‘POWERTEENZ RETREAT’,
to 12th from different Catholic schools of Kerala. Augmenting the crucial role played by ‘POWERTEENZ FESTIVAL’, ‘POWERTEENZ
Christian education in moulding responsible citizens, ‘Powerteenz’ intends “to form strong and SUMMIT’ IN SEVERAL PLACES, AND
responsible individuals, who are capable of making free and correct choices thus preparing EXTENSIVE SCHOOL INTERCESSION
young people to open themselves to more and more reality, and to form in themselves a clear NETWORK IN THE COMING YEAR.
idea of the meaning of life” (Lay Catholics in Schools, n.17). EVERYONE IN JESUS YOUTH SHOULD
IDENTIFY MEANS OF ASSOCIATING WITH
The project, which kicked off with initial level programmes in nearly 72 schools across 22 THIS PATH BREAKING, JUBILEE GIFT FOR
zones of Kerala, has been successful in reaching out to nearly 21000 teens. This was JESUS YOUTH WHICH IS ABOUT TO CHANGE
proceeded by a ‘power series’ of zonal follow up programmes titled ‘VIBGYOR’. The organizing THE FACE OF TEENS AND THE YOUTH”.
team took up the challenge to come up with a whole new approach that breaks away from the
typical style of retreats, encounter programmes and conferences and developed well defined
and contemporary training modules in line with the style relevant to today’s teenagers. The CHACKOCHAN
‘Powerteenz Summit’ held on 8th November 2008 saw nearly 2000 teens from different schools of NJAVALLIL, a
Kerala come together for the mega celebration at Angamaly, Kerala. Inspired by the senior JY leader
celebrations, many students are taking the initiative on their own to bring more friends/schools and one of the
into this endeavour. This project envisaged as a continuous formation programme for teenage initiators of this
students has blossomed under the guidance and patronage of many Bishops of Kerala. unique venture.

A SOUTH SIDE STORY

It was a cold winter evening when a few
Jesus Youth drove out to the South Side of
Chicago after a long day of work. “Put on
your belt and your sandals… Put on your
cloak and follow me” (Acts 12:8). This was
the Scripture passage that was revealed to
them in a time of prayer on the evening of
26th February 2008. Little did they know,
that the verse was being fulfilled through
this journey.
Mark Nimo - the well known speaker who
is a powerful presence at JY conferences
worldwide, and leaders of the JYA Midwest
Region were led by the Spirit to dream for
the growth of the Lord’s kingdom in
Chicago’s South Side. A spark that began
less than two months ago at the Love
Beyond Borders North American
Conference was spreading like wildfire.
A few Jesus Youth visits to the parish
gradually grew into outreach ministries
like clothing drives and food pantry
distributing groceries to more than 300
people every week. After interceding for a few
months, an idea arose of having one-day
programmes for the students of the schools at
both parishes: St. Columbanus and St. Dorothy.
The kids were in tears after the Adoration,
wanting more experiences like this in the
coming years. Several Jesus Youth ministered
at the one day programme for adults where
Mark Nimo led the teaching.
While love seeks to flourish, hate and violence
continues to have its effects on the community.
In a recent incident, five people lost their
lives through gang violence at a home few
blocks aways from where the group
regularly meets. As a response, the parish
priest at St. Dorothy conducted a rally where
people walked the Stations of the Cross,
ultimately concluding at the scene of the
crime. Jesus Youth participated in the walk,
bringing their whole families - making it a
powerful time of solidarity with their
brethren. Over time, the bond between the
community and Jesus Youth grew to a point
where JY could sponsor three young people
from the community to participate in the
World Youth Day Celebrations in Australia.
One young gentleman, Joseph Saunders also
attended the International Full Time
Volunteers’ Training in Bangkok. By
journeying through life together with the
African-American community of Chicago’s
South Side, this has truly become a journey
beyond borders.
The Jesus Youth Midwest region now plans
to conduct weekly Bible Studies at one of
the parishes in the new year. As the youth
and families think about more and more
ways to get involved in these two parishes,
please keep them in your prayers.
BINU ABRAHAM, USA
GLOBAL NEWSWATCH
‘Christ Café 2008’, India
INDIA
Campus Meet, Mumbai
The first ever campus meet in the history of
JY Mumbai, took place from 24th -27th
October 2008. Blessed by the presence of
Most Rev. Abraham Viruthakulangara-
Archbishop of Nagpur, Most Rev. Dr. Thomas
Dabre-Bishop of Vasai and Most Rev. Dr.
Agnello Gracius-Auxiliary Bishop of Bombay,
the Meet was an unique experience for the
200 participants who came in from different
parts of Mumbai.
National Teens Conference, Chennai
Setting aside hectic school schedules, a
vibrant group of 600 teens from across India
came together in Chennai from 8th to 11th
October 2008. With the central theme of
“Colouring the Future”, the National Teens
Conference inspired the young crowd to
boldly share His Love in their schools. The
gathering also saw the participation of 250
teen leaders as volunteers.
Mission Nurses’ Training 2008
Twelve nurses from across India attended
the Mission Nurses training at Athma
Darshan, Ernakulam, Kerala from 15th to 26th
October 2008. All the participants committed
to proclaiming Christ through their year long
mission at various hospitals across India.
‘Christ Café 2008’, New Delhi
A desire to create a youth hangout where
youngsters could encounter the love of
Leaders’ Training, Ireland
Mission Nurses’ Training, India
Christ gave birth to Christ Café. Held from
24th -28th October 2008 at Jesus and Mary
College, Chankyapuri, the event had 340
participants. The resource team for the
event included V.J.Antony, Reena Antony,
Tomas Michael and Jose Kurian. The event
concluded with Holy Mass celebrated by the
Archbishop of Delhi - Most Rev. Vincent M.
Concessao, along with 12 priests. The online
community created continues to help the
members stay strong in their pledge to
Christ Café – “We serve Christ!”
Discipleship Training , Andamans
A Discipleship Training Programme
organized in Andamans was attended by 30
youth from 11 different parishes. The DTP
commenced on 30th October with a
Eucharistic Celebration by Fr. Almeida, Vicar
General, Diocese of Port Blair, and
concluded on 7th November with an
Anointing Ceremony for the Service Team
led by Most Rev. Alex Dias, Bishop of Port
Blair.
Siljo Thomas
IRELAND
Training & Service Team Reconstitution
A 3-day leaders’ training programme and
Service Team reconstitution took place in
Millrace Lodge, County Meath from 25th - 27th
October 2008. The training with 36 participants
was conducted by George Devassy, JY Int’l Co-
ordinator and Jose Mathew, Co-ordinator, JY
‘Splash’, Ireland
‘Reunion 2008’, UAE
Europe. The new Service Team was
reconstituted on 26th October with Sijo Jose as
the Co-ordinator, Alexander Kuruvilla as the
Asst. Co-ordinator and Fr. Sony Sebastian C.M.I.
as the team’s Pastor.
‘Splash’, Dublin
Youth Festival in Christ - ‘Splash’ was
organized on 16th Nov. 2008 at St. Anthony’s
Parish Hall, Dublin. Eighty-three teenagers
and youngsters including 17 Irish attended
this programme which was the first outreach
programme for the Music ministry and
Audio-Visual ministry of Ireland. Fr. Jim
Campbell S.S.S. celebrated Holy Eucharist
along with Fr. Anthony Nallukunnel O.F.M.
and Fr. Sony Sebastian C.M.I.
Sijo Jose
UAE
‘Reunion 2008’ Forerunners’ Gathering
Over 40 Jesus Youth forerunners from across
UAE came together along with their families
for reflection and fellowship in Sharjah
from13th to 15th November 2008. Fr. Cherian
Nereveettil and Baby Chacko who were the
main resource persons for the event, led the
participants through a personal evaluation of
their lives in the light of the formation and
commitment they had received.
ME Prayer Group Leaders’ Training
Over 40 prayer group leaders from Kuwait,
Oman and UAE participated in a training
conducted by C.C. Joseph, Siljo Thomas and
‘The Flame’, UAE
SEPTEMBER
JANUARY 2008
2009 PAGE 13
GLOBAL NEWSWATCH
Middle East Prayer Group Leaders’ Training, UAE
Dony Peter in Dubai. It was held from 27th to
29th November 2008.
‘The Flame’ National Day Programme
‘The Flame’ JY UAE National Day programme
was held on 2nd December 2008 at St. Francis
of Assisi Church, Jebel Ali with nearly 1000
participants. This annual programme was
held for the first time in two streams – youth
and families. The first JY UAE National
Newsletter was also released during the
event.
Bejoy Cherian
KUWAIT
JY Festival Day
More than 200 leaders across Kuwait
participated in the Festival Day celebrations
held on 1st Oct. 2008. Baby Chacko, JY
International Animator and Julius Antony,
Middle East Co-ordinator led the sessions.
Holy Mass was celebrated by Monsieur John
John Kallarackal, First Secretary, Nunciature
of Kuwait.
Training Programmes
Over 200 Jesus Youth underwent various
trainings for a month under the guidance of
Baby Chacko. These trainings covered a
number of teams like volunteers,
intercession, families, nurses, etc.
Chain Rosary & Jericho Prayer
To mark the Rosary month of October, JY
families in Kuwait participated in a month-
Training Programme, Kuwait
Retreats & Formation Programmes, Oman
long chain rosary. Discipleship Formation
Programme volunteers also initiated Jericho
Prayer in all the camps and hostel areas of
Kuwait.
Mahesh Peter
OMAN
‘ Peniel 2008’
An initial retreat in Malayalam was organized
for the youth from 2nd to 5th Oct. at the Ghala
Parish Hall. Nearly 250 youth from around 50
labour camps were mobilized. Following the
retreat, the participants have joined smaller
fellowships in their own camps.
All Oman Leaders’ Gathering
The first all Oman Leaders’ Gathering took
place at Ghala Parish Hall on 16th and 17th
Oct. 2008, with leaders from Salalah, Nizwa,
Sohar, Ruwi and Ghala. With the objective of
building a National Vision for Jesus Youth in
Oman, 100 leaders participated in several
meetings and trainings handled by Renny
Njarakkulam from Kerala and Julius Antony
from UAE. Fr. John, Spiritual Director, JY
Oman was also present on both the days.
Retreats & Formation Programmes
Regional Service Teams with the support of
Renny Njarakkulam organized a series of
retreats and formation programmes from 1st-
21st October 2008. In all, 75 participated from
Salalah, 50 from Sohar and 100 from Ruwi
participated in these programmes.
JY Festival, Kuwait
‘Teens Grace 2008’
Sixty students studying in Classes 8 to 12
participated in ‘Teens Grace 2008’. Held on
13th and 14th Oct. at the Ghala Parish Hall,
the days were filled with vibrant inputs by
George Devassy and Dony Peter. The
programme helped reach out to teens,
especially the English speaking community.
Binoy Xavier
AUSTRALIA
Workshop & St. Alphonsa Feast Day
Celebrations, Melbourne
A three-hour workshop was held to give
current and potential leaders a time to
discuss and share their future plans for JY
Melbourne. The gathering held at St. Francis
De Sales, Oakpark was attended by 15
people. In a joint celebration by JY Sydney
and Sydney Catholic Malayalee Association,
over 800 people came together on 12th Oct.
2008 to celebrate the feast day of St
Alphonsa.
Mayrose Pius
SINGAPORE
Rosarium Fiesta
Celebrating October as the Intercession
Month for Singapore, a Holy Mass and Rosary
procession was organized on 1st October at
the Choice Retreat Centre. Consecrated
statues of the Blessed Virgin were passed
through homes and Jesus Youth gathered
Anointing Ceremony, Singapore
GLOBAL NEWSWATCH
JY National Team & Youth Core Team, Canada
daily in these places to recite the Holy
Rosary. In addition, rosary cells were
formed, rosary walks were conducted in
public places and chain fasting held. The
Intercession month culminated on 25th
October with the Rosarium Fiesta. The
thanksgiving Mass was celebrated by His
Grace Archbishop Nicholas Chia at St.
Joseph’s Church, Bugis.
Leadership Training Programme 2008
The National Team of JY Singapore
organized a Leadership Training Programme
from 21st - 23rd Nov. 2008 at the Choice
Retreat House, Singapore. About 60 leaders
from 7 ministries attended this training led
by Colin Calmiano from Bangalore and Dr.
Julio from the UK.
Anointing Ceremony
The Anointing Ceremony of all the new
ministry core teams was held on 16th August
2008 at the Risen Christ Church, Toa Payoh.
The new leaders stepped forward in prayer
to be blessed by their Spiritual Director, Fr.
William Goh.
Ann Pius
CANADA
‘Amazing Grace’
Fired-up with ‘power from above’ after WYD
2008, the Youth Core Team put together a
one-day programme for teens called
‘Amazing Grace’ on 23rd August 2008. This
Leadership Training Programme, Singapore
was the first time that this team planned and
conducted a full scale programme almost
entirely on their own.
Service Team Re-constitution
The JY Canada Service team was re-
constituted on 13th Sept. 2008 under the
guidance of Sunil and Dr. Sindhu Nadarajan
from Chicago. The day also saw the official
constitution of the first Canadian Youth Core
Team.
Meeting with JY Families & Youth
During the week spanning 14th- 22nd October,
Dr. C.C. Alicekutty met up with several Jesus
Youth in Toronto, Canada. This included
meeting with the newly elected Service Team,
a special ‘Ladies Meet’ and a one-day
programme on the 18th based on the theme
‘Living out our call to mission in Canada for
Families and Youth’.
Prayer for ending Christian persecution
A combined vigil service to pray for the end of
Christian persecution in India and Vietnam
was held on 22nd November at the McMaster
University, Hamilton. Two core team members-
Sebin and Mimi worked behind this initiative
along with Fr. Peter Tuyen Nguyen.
Roy David
NEW ZEALAND
‘Come and See’ Workshops
One-day workshops were conducted in
Auckland (4th Oct.) and in Christchurch (9th
‘Come and See’, New Zealand
Pilgrimage, UK
Nov.) with the theme of “deepening the
personal relationship with Jesus”. Held
mainly for the prayer group members of
Auckland, Hamilton and Christchurch, nearly
20 people participated in each of these
programmes.
Soji Joseph
UK
Discipleship Training Programme
Thirty new disciples of Jesus were trained in
the second DTP held from the 25th- 31st
August 2008 at the Savio Retreat Centre,
Macclesfield. With the theme ‘Dare to be
Different’, the seven days helped the
participants who came from across UK to
build a very strong relationship with each
other and become one big family in Jesus.
Fun and Fellowship Day
Over 200 Jesus Youth gathered for a Fun and
Fellowship Day organized at Blessed Robert
Grissold Catholic Church grounds on 27th
September 2008. The different games,
fellowship meal and Holy Mass were an
experience of joy and bonding for all.
Leaders’ Training & Retreat
The first in the series of a year-long leaders’
training programme was conducted on 18th
and 19th October 2008 at Erdington,
Birmingham by Raiju Varghese and Navin
Bruce Thomas. C. C. Joseph and Navin also
led an initial level retreat organized jointly
by the Syro-Malabar Community and Jesus
Discipleship Training Programme, UK
JANUARY 2009 PAGE 15
 GLOBAL NEWSWATCH

Fun & Fellowship Day, UK Most Rev. Felipe de Jesus Estevez‘with JY, USA Youth Night, Italy

Youth from 24th -26th October 2008 at the ‘Elohim’08’ led by Fr. George and Dony Peter Training & Family Programme
Blessed Sacrament Parish Hall, Liverpool. had 82 participants. His Excellency Most Rev. The first JY prayer group in English was
Pilgrimage to Rome, Assisi and Padua Felipe de Jesus Estevez, Bishop of the initiated during a programme held on 29th and
A pilgrimage to Rome, Assisi and Padua was Archdiocese of Miami celebrated the 30th Sept. at Our Lady of Rosary Church with
organized by the JY of UK from 11th – 16th concluding Mass. about 10 youth under the guidance of Fr.
October 2008. About 100 people participated Family Retreats Abraham Pallivathukal SJ. On 2nd October,
in this pilgrimage which included attending With the hope of establishing missionary potential JY leaders were invited to hear Fr
the canonization ceremony of St. Alphonsa families, a series of retreats for families Abraham speak in depth on spiritual issues,
of the Immaculate Conception on 12th were conducted by Fr. Dheeraj Sabu of the lifestyle and our basic call. A JY family
Santvana Community and Dr. C.C. Alicekutty retreat was also organized on 3rd October
October at Rome.
in different parts of the continent (Toronto, 2008 in which family cell groups were formed
Sibi Joseph and Jaison N.M. was selected as its Co-
Chicago, New Jersey, Philadelphia, Houston,
USA and Florida). ordinator.
Reconstitution of the National Team Binu Abraham Jibin Steephen
From 17th -19th October 2008, Jesus Youth of
USA reconstituted three national-level ITALY
teams: the national team, the national youth Youth Night, Rome
team, and the national family team. The Piazza Navona, a place famous for its
process was facilitated by George Devassy evening gatherings recently saw a youth
and Manoj Sunny. The Co-ordinator of the programme of the diocese of Rome, co-
new National Team is Sunil Nadarajan and ordinated by Shaloam - a movement of
the Pastor is Fr. Vinod Madathiparambil. The Brazilian origin. Jesus Youth presented two
new Family Team is headed by Georgee and songs with choreography at this event held
Sunitha and the new Youth Team by Thomas on 27th September 2008.
Pulickal. ‘Foundation in Christ’ Retreat
‘Ephphatha Retreat’, California Twenty youth participated in a retreat
The much awaited Ephphatha, the first JY organized by the Nurses Ministry of Rome on
programme at St. Alphonsa Syro-Malabar 1st Nov. 2008. The participants were guided
Catholic Church, Los Angeles, California was by Fr. Davis Kizhakkumthala and the local JY.
held from 28th -30th November for around 75 Manu John
youngsters between the ages of 8 and 17.
QATAR
SPOT Intercession
‘Ephphatha 2008’ Initial Level Retreats
The JYA Intercession Ministry has launched a
JY Qatar organized a series of retreats and
new initiative - SPOT intercession – which
trainings from 15th Sept. – 5th Oct. 2008. The
enables you to pray with the movement
retreats were led by Fr. Abraham
through a few short prayer intentions. The
Pallivathukal SJ. Julius Antony also
prayer intentions can be found at O BLESSED VIRGIN MARY,
supported the team with his constant
www.jesusyouth.us/SPOT or downloaded on HELP US TO LIVE OUT TODAY THE
presence. About 120 youth from various
your iPhone or Gmail. MISSION OF EVANGELIZATION
camps of the Industrial Area attended the
Penuel & Elohim Retreats retreat from 15th - 19th Sept. while the WHICH YOUR SON HAS GIVEN US.
Fr. George Kumblumootil conducted a series residents of Doha came together from 20th - MINDFUL OF YOUR ROLE AS THE
of initial retreats and formation retreats for 22nd Sept. The first-ever retreat held at the HELP OF CHRISTIANS, WE ENTRUST
youth and adults throughout the United Ras Laffan area camp from 23rd - 26th Sept. OURSELVES TO YOU IN THE WORK OF
States. The youth retreat at Miami, Florida - was attended by over 300 youth. CARRYING THE GOSPEL EVER
DEEPER INTO THE HEARTS AND
LIVES OF ALL THE PEOPLE.

Printed and Published by Mr. Manoj Sunny on behalf of Jesus Youth International Office, 6F Thadikaran Centre, Palarivattom P.O., Cochin-682 025, Kerala, INDIA, Ph: +91 484-4054870, 4054371, Fax: +91-484-2346084, Email: jyglobal@jesusyouth.org
Website: www.jesusyouth.org Editor-in-charge: Shelton Pinheiro Editorial Team: Beena Manoj, Anu Pinheiro, Jubie John & Deepa Sabu Layout: Sanil C.A. Printed by SR Graphics, Kottayam, Ph:+91 481-2301142