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

‘‘
Dear brothers and
sisters, we are always
in need of hearing the
Lord Jesus tell us what
he often repeated to his
friends: “Be not afraid”.
Like Simon Peter and the
others we must allow
his presence and his
grace to transform our
heart, which is always
subject to human
weakness. We must
know how to recognise
that losing something
indeed, losing
ourselves for the true
God, the God of love
and of life is actually
gaining ourselves,
finding ourselves more
fully. Whoever entrusts
himself to Jesus already
experiences in this life
the peace and joy of
heart that the world
cannot give, and that
it cannot even be taken
away once God has
given it to us. So it
is worthwhile to let
ourselves be touched
by the fire of the Holy
Spirit!
’’
HOMILY OF HIS HOLINESS BENEDICT XVI
ON THE SOLEMNITY OF PENTECOST,
St. Peter’s Basilica,
Sunday, 23 May 2010.
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.
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
this joyfully Charismatic movement; they not only change themselves but also create
a ripple of change in their life situation.
Faith formation in families: This is a growing reality of the movement. Formation
begins in the family and children grow up to form new families. In this cycle of
events, JY families are playing a significant role with many willing to take a long-
term commitment to help in the faith formation of youth and young adults. Such
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 -
the immediate family, the extended family or small group and the greater society.
I see, for example, definite possibilities of developing a strong ministry in countries
like South Africa where a group of newly married JYs are praying for their dream of
building a ministry that will change the lives of people.
Faith formation in children: Recently, while on a mission trip, a courageous girl aged
nine walked 10 kilometres with me to attend a prayer meeting and she shared of
how she chooses to lose everything to gain God in her life. I had a similar encounter
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
more and more kids who say, “I want to be a Jesus Youth when I grow up” rather than,
“I want to be Superman or Spiderman”. Their developing faith can be nurtured by
giving them a place where Christian principles can take root in their lives; a need that
JY is responding to. Certainly, this insight is a work of the Holy Spirit to make sure
that the deposit of JY lifestyle is effectively passed on to the next generation through
the earnest hands of these children.
In the area of faith formation JY is growing deeper and higher, augmented by
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,
we have countries in the Middle East reaching out to Africa, crossing all cultural and
social barriers in order to support and build the faith of their brethren in Christ. What
is also a miracle is that though we are involved in so many areas of faith formation,
when we come together as a co-ordinating team or for common gatherings, we pray
and work with a unified vision. It is so evident from this unity in vision, lifestyle and
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.
George Devassy
Jesus Youth International Co-ordinator
Cover STORY
Looking Beyond
the bodies and completing the legal
procedures. Yet, I also heard about how their
funeral became a time of experiencing God’s
presence for many; about how Shibu himself
was busy helping and consoling others who
had lost their loved ones.
I had never met him after the accident and
was anxious. Even as I wondered about what
to say to a person who has gone through
such pain, I noticed his status message:
‘The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away;
may His name be praised’. In a moment, the
chat window opened up and his smiling face
came on screen. He began speaking about
how he and everyone around were blessed
constantly by Rosily, Godwina and Gloria
when they were around. He spoke of how he
feels their presence even after their death.
I listened with astonishment as he spoke of
how deep a spiritual relationship he shared
with Rosily when she was alive - of how
they were constantly sharing about the Word
of God and asking each other about their
prayer, drawing strength from each other’s
experiences. The most difficult part, he felt,
was to continue living among the things they
touched, the books they read, the rooms
they lived in. To live in a world where every
memory evokes a million tender experiences.
The pain was definitely deep and palpable.
Yet as he spoke, he spoke with a voice of
Naturally, we consolation and assurance. It was clear that
relegate eternity he could see something beyond.
to the back of
our minds. But the Last December, as part of the Jesus Youth
ones who respond Assembly, we were working on collecting
positively to crises inspiring experiences of young people. We
were all deeply moved by the story of one of
in life often seem our very young friends, a Jesus Youth Fulltime
to be more aware Volunteer and student in the United States,
of the fragments Teema Thomas. Diagnosed with Thyroid
of eternity hidden cancer, her journey through the valley of pain
in our day to day can be traced through a series of emails sent
experiences. to her friends.
Contd. from page 1
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
have papillary carcinoma.
Before I left for surgery my sister asked,
“How do you feel telling people that you
have cancer?” And when I was in the
hospital, while the nurse was checking me,
she asked, “Did you ever think you would
be in hospital at such a young age?” No, I
never imagined any of this to happen to me,
but I also never imagined the amount of
grace that has been flowing through these
wonderful few weeks. I see God’s hand in
each and every instance, and even in times
when I wanted to give up, He held my hand
even tighter to help me continue. I am
sure that this time in my life has a special
purpose, not only for me, but for all those in
my life, and for the whole Church, as we are
one body.
From: Teema Thomas

Sent: Monday, November 09, 2009 12:57 AM
During this time I was also overwhelmed
with how much my family and friends
showered me with love, care, and prayers.
I am so blessed. So, I began to offer all my
pain and prayers for all those who were
suffering or lonely and had no one to pray
for them, no one to visit them, no one to care
for them...
Over the last year, I also remember two
incidents of great loss suffered by families
I personally know. One of our friends, an
active Catholic employed in a school, lost
his young wife to cancer. With two young
children in his care - the younger one, barely
six months old, he has a long journey ahead.
Yet during the funeral Mass, as he made the
reading, what emanated was not despair or
disappointment, but a great assurance and
faith. Today, always serene, he carries on his
challenging life with great trust, even more
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
Rosily and the kids. Teema was one
of the young volunteers who dared
to set aside one year to share her
experience of Jesus with young people
as a part of the Jesus Youth Fulltime
Volunteer Trainings. The others I
spoke of were always involved in the
movement - serving the Church with
great enthusiasm. Put quite simply,
their radically different responses
to suffering and death seem to have
emerged not from an instant, epiphanic
revelation, but from a continuous
lifestyle built over several years.
Often though,
the physical
is magnified
and idolised,
blinding us to the
putrefaction that
awaits our bodies.
Yet, all around us, we see people
succumb to troubles that seem much
lighter in comparison. Many vent their
anger on the world, on the systems
around, on their loved ones, on religion,
on God and most often on themselves –
very often living a life of bitterness and
fear. This brings us to the question about
what these people see in suffering and
what some others don’t.
An awareness about
eternity and our mortality
The tangible world around us always seems
more present and palpable. Often, perceiving
the outlines of eternity through the fabric of
our everyday lives is strenuous. Naturally, we
relegate eternity to the back of our minds.
But the ones who respond positively to crises
in life often seem to be more aware of the
fragments of eternity hidden in our day to
day experiences.
Eternity is defined by Boetius as
“possession, without succession
and perfect, of interminable life”
(interminabilis vitae tota simul et perfecta
possessio). The definition implies four
things: that eternity is a life, without
beginning or end, or succession, and of the
most perfect kind. It is a life, moreover,
not only without beginning or end but also
without succession — tota simul, that is
without past or future; a never-changing
instant or “now”. This is the hope we have
in Jesus, not a hope for immortality that
comes from prolonging our physical life on
earth. Which is why St. Paul emphatically
says that “If only for this life we have hope
in Christ, we are to be pitied more than all
men.” 1 Corinthians 15:19.
Often though, the physical is magnified and
idolised, blinding us to the putrefaction that
awaits our bodies. Jonathan Weiner, the Pulitzer
prize winning scientist, speaks of how our bodies
are designed to be mortal. The first half of life
is orderly, a miracle of “detailed, harmonious
unfolding” beginning with the embryo. What
comes after our reproductive years “is more like
the random crumpling of what had been neatly
folded origami, or the erosion of stone. The
withering of the roses in the bowl is as drunken
and disorderly as their blossoming was regular and
precise.”
In Murakami’s ‘Landscape with Flatiron’, a
character called Miyake speaks of how our lives
are guided by our deaths. In other words, it is our
perception of our deaths that directs our decisions
in life. Without a meaningful perspective about
our mortality, we can neither make sense of the
dry leaves that rustle on quiet evenings nor of the
cars that scream by at noon.
A profound writer and a renowned lyricist
Fr. Thomas Edayal, put it beautifully while
speaking at a funeral Mass of a young man that I
attended some time ago. Like the young Joseph of
Arimathea who had already constructed a tomb for
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
constantly be reminded of our mortality
while making choices in life.
Something that emerged from my chat
with Shibu was that he and Rosily had
clearly discussed death and eternity. They
knew that both of them would have to die
one day and that they would be united in
eternity. Thus the short life on this earth
became a joyful, loving mission with
something specific to be accomplished.
This understanding seemed to change
the priorities of their very lives. He said
he feels his loved ones’ presence around
him everyday and he knows that they
are praying for him fervently. As we were
closing the chat, he spoke to me about a
call that he sees within this experience.
“If the suffering was so great, there must
be a call that is deeper. I am waiting for His
directions about this call”, he said, smiling
and expectant.
Salvifici Doloris - Salvific
Suffering
Teema in one of her emails quoted above
speaks of how she “began to offer all my
pain and prayers for all those who were
suffering or lonely and had no one to
pray for them, no one to visit them, no
one to care for them.” This comes from
a tradition of the Catholic approach to suffering
- offering it up to God - which Pope John Paul
II profoundly explains in his Apostolic Letter
Salvifici Doloris.
The core of this beautiful exposition is centered
around Jesus’ conversation with Nicodemus: “For
God so loved the world that he gave his only Son
that whoever believes in him should not perish
but have eternal life”. Man perishes ‘when he
loses eternal life’. The opposite of salvation is
not, therefore, only earthly suffering, any kind of
suffering, but the definitive suffering: the loss of
eternal life, being rejected by God - damnation.
And this is the suffering that Jesus went through
so that we can exist on earth with the hope of
eternal life and holiness. And even though His
victory over sin and death does not end physical
suffering in human life, it throws a new light
upon this dimension and upon every suffering;
the light of salvation. It can be said that this
is “substitutive” suffering; but above all it is
“redemptive”. In bringing about the Redemption
through suffering, Christ has also raised human
suffering to the level of the Redemption. The
question about the meaning of suffering requires
not a rational argument, but a demonstration
of love. That is what God has given in the cross
of Jesus Christ. Thus each man, in his suffering,
also becomes a sharer in the redemptive
suffering of Christ.
The face of Jesus
in the heart of suffering
George Weigel, the author of Pope John Paul
II’s best selling biography ‘Witness to Hope’,
crystallises the essence of the Pope’s letter. “The
Church has always believed and taught,” he
says, “that there is a different kind of answer to
Jesus Youth
at WYD 2011
Phase I – YAI Festival
11th-14th August, Gibraltar
World Youth Day
16th-21st August, Madrid
Phase II – Pilgrimages
21st -23rd August
Fatima and Santiago de Compostela
21st -26th August
Fatima, Santiago de Compostela,
Lourdes, Pisa
27th -29th August
Rome and Assisi
30th-31st August (Optional)
Shrine of Padre Pio and Lanciano
For information on how to be a
part of the event, contact us at
jyglobal@jesusyouth.org
the question, ‘Why do we suffer?’” That
answer takes us directly into the heart
of the Church, which is Jesus Christ.
One thing that strikes me while
reading about people who respond
differently to suffering is their deep,
intense, joyful personal relationship
with Jesus. It is what sets them
apart and gives them a different
perspective. Ultimately, more than any
understanding or inner strength, it is
our gaze towards the face of Jesus that
makes all the difference. As George
Weigel says, “However elegantly
constructed, our explanations on
suffering leave us dissatisfied.
Something seems missing. That
missing something, the Pope suggests,
is in fact someone: Jesus Christ.”
Shelton Pinheiro
A Jesus Youth for over a decade,
and the lead singer, song writer
and the present Co-ordinator
of the Rexband, he currently
works as the creative head
of an advertising agency in India.
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
Christ and Christ’s story with the
students at Assumption University
and with the local Thai citizens. The
youth forced themselves ‘to get out
of their comfort zones and get into
their courage zones’. This experience
was extremely fruitful and the
batch understood
the greater value of
sharing Jesus with
whomever they meet.
“I came for the training with the
objective of learning how to change
others, but the very first session by the
training team turned my ideas upside
down. They told us that we had come
there not to change others but to
change ourselves. Now my only prayer
is that others MAY change by seeing the
small changes in me.”
Rony Dominic, UAE
“I was able to spend quality time
with the Lord and experience Him in
a deeper way. The whole programme
opened my eyes to the importance of
sharing Jesus with others and made
me more open to God through the
sessions, activities and challenges. It
has initiated my spiritual growth for
this one year formation.”
Melphy Paul, Australia

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
different nations across the world
came together to be the first Jesus
Youth Exposure batch. The Exposure
Programme was held in the Garden
of Gospel Peace Retreat Centre in
Bangkok, Thailand from 12th to 22nd
July 2010. The participants came
from the countries of Thailand,
Vietnam, Cambodia, Bhutan, United
Arab Emirates, Oman, United States
of America, Canada, Australia, New
Zealand and India. Accompanying
the Exposure batch was a dynamic
training team led by Antony A.J.
(Co-ordinator) and Fr. Cheriyan
Nereveetil (Pastor) with the support
of George Devassy, Sr. Thresiamma
Philip, Manoj Sunny, Dony Peter and
C.C. Joseph. From the first session
given to the group, the participants
became players because each individual began
to play his unique role instead of being a
mere spectator of the programme. As the days
progressed the individuals grew just by doing
this. On the first day each person searched for
paradigms at the root of their very existence
which were ultimately hindering them from
giving God their very best. The decisions made
to have a paradigm shift were challenging
but each person set up an action plan that
was specific, measurable and could be started
immediately.
Over the next two days the group partook in a
retreat to help build a solid spiritual foundation.
The retreat contained no exploding sessions
about issues that the Church was facing or any
deep theological mysteries. Instead the focus
was on the fundamental idea of needing to
have a personal relationship with God. Basic
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...
Just open your heart and He will
walk right in… This is what
JYIEP taught me.”
Gavin Besterwich,
Australia
“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 Son and God the Holy Spirit. It
became clear that everyone is called
to make the journey from a point
where no one accepts (John 1:11),
to one where all come to believe
(John 1:12). Each participant was
overwhelmed by the knowledge that
the God who created this universe
and the countless stars in the sky is
the very same God that calls each of
them to have a personal relationship
with Him.
For a major part of the retreat, the
members were in silence. It was a
great opportunity for each person to
listen to the voice of the Lord. After
the programme many committed
themselves to spending a certain
period of time in silence each day.
Sessions on the Scripture renewed
in the members a devotion to
spend time with the Word of God.
“These ten days have
made me realise that God will
always give us the best in
everything. Now I am willing
to give Him my best.”
Kapriel Socheat,
Cambodia
with each of us taking a pledge to
live for Christ. This was a decision that
we made from within, something that our
souls longed to do. going back home, we
all carried a new being in us and a new
“The days spent in
Thailand helped me to overcome
a lot of my mental barriers, many of which
I was not aware of and others which
I thought were right. After the programme I
am convinced that God can change
things even if just one person is ready
to say ‘yes’ to Him.”
Anthony Xaviour, India
The retreat served as a great beginning but was only
a glimpse of the exposure to come. The sessions on
the following days focused on Evangelisation, Basics
of Discipleship, Elements of the Jesus Youth Lifestyle
and its Pillars and An Understanding of the Vision
and Working Style of the Jesus Youth Movement.
Archbishop Thomas Menamparampil of Guwahati was
able to join the group and share his experience and
wisdom on the Cost of True Discipleship. He made it
clear that to become a true and genuine
disciple one would have to work hard and
be disciplined. Each participant realised
that to truly follow Jesus, one would need to
be willing to die to one’s self so that Christ
could live in them.
The Exposure batch was given an
opportunity to experience each pillar of
the Jesus Youth movement during the
“Our programme ended
mission to live.”
Jaya Rajan, India
programme. An occasion that
touched many of the participants
was the visit to St. Clare’s Aids
Hospice. To see men at the point of
death was a humbling experience
and each member was able to
appreciate life in a different
manner after that day. A pillar that
was most actively experienced
throughout the programme
was fellowship. The Exposure
programme brought brothers
and sisters from eleven different
nations together in one faith.
The friendships that were formed
ran deep, with Christ as an active
member. The programme gave all
the twenty-two players a fantastic
exposure to the Jesus Youth
movement and a life changing
experience.
Rajeev Philip
USA
“It was a life changing
experience. It helped me to deepen
my relationship with Jesus and to
become a true disciple of Christ. I
know now that God’s love for me
is unconditional and nothing can
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
Fostering prayer and
intercession, the Jubilee
Bible scholars Rev. Dr. Fio
Cross continues its journey
Mascarenhas SJ and Dr. Renu
Silvano of the Catholic Bible
across the countries with
Institute, Mumbai, the focus
JY presence in the last few
will be on John’s Gospel and
months before all the Crosses
Pauline Letters along with an
are brought together for the
introduction to Dei Verbum and
Jubilee Conference in Kerala.
Pentateuch.
Indulgence for One-month
the Jubilee mission
His Holiness Pope Benedict
XVI has granted indulgence
commitment
Take a leap of faith and
to all those who participate
renew your zeal for mission.
in the Jesus Youth Jubilee
Make a commitment to work
Conference with due
for one month in mission
preparation and devotion.
areas across the world.
 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
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,
still remain enigmatic. Many in
Jesus Youth have been praying
for years that the movement
may make inroads into this
mighty land. UAE in particular
has been praying for Africa,
as it is their mission
place. In this context,
Santhosh Mathew and
Julius Antony from Dubai
made a pilot trip to Uganda
in May 2010 to explore the
possibilities for mission by Jesus
Youth there. With the help of
the contacts made during that
trip, a vibrant and enthusiastic
team comprising of Dony Peter
from India, Roopesh Thomas
from Oman and Bibin Solomon,
Diago Mascarenhas, Bran Patrick,
George Benny and Julius Antony
from UAE set out for Uganda on
13th August 2010.
The first stop was at Masaka
where the Diocesean Youth
Dare
More
to record some songs. During
the course of their visit, the
JY resource team got an
opportunity to meet
Dr. Margaret Bukenya, the
wife of the Vice-President of
Uganda and several Indian
groups residing there.
Africa is a beautiful place with
Conference ‘Dare 4 More’ On one of the days, the team also loving people. However, the
with 350 young participants ministered to 120 lively and dynamic aftermath of war, violence,
was being held. The Jesus Ugandan youth in a hospital. The corruption, poverty and disease
Youth team animated one of JY group was also privileged to cannot be ignored. The land
the days of the Conference meet Most Rev. Cardinal Emmanuel thirsts for Jesus and we pray
and handled the music and Wamala and Most Rev. Bishop that the Lord may use the
the input sessions. In the Christopher Kakooza of Kampala movement more and more to
evening, the team, together Archdiocese. Bishop Kakooza also build His Kingdom there.
with Fr. Stan Fortuna, the invited the team to a music studio
George Benny, UAE
jazz musician rapper turned
missionary priest from Bronx,
New York and ‘Anawim’ a
local band, led praise and
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
visions and dreams to build the
Kingdom of God, nineteen leaders
from 10 countries gathered together
at the Garden of Gospel Peace Retreat
Centre, Bangkok, Thailand from 4th
to 16th July 2010 to attend the Jesus
Youth International Leaders’ Training
Garden of Gospel Peace, (JYILT). The JYILT Programme was
Franciscan Retreat Centre, co-ordinated and led by Fr. Bitaju
Bangkok, Thailand Puthenpurackal O.Ss.T. and Adv. Raiju
4th July - 16th July 2010 Varghese. The programme was blessed
with many vibrant and gifted speakers
like Jude Antoine, Rev. Dr. Fio
Mascarenhas SJ and Jesus Youth’s very
own key leaders like Manoj Sunny,
C.C. Joseph and George Devassy.
Alive in
His Spirit
The programme began with the topic
of Paradigm Shift which got the
participants to reflect on their various
paradigms and get out of their comfort
zones. This was followed by a session
on Integrity that gave them an insight
into what it means to be a respectful
and honest leader. Some of the other
topics covered included How to be an
Effective Leader, The Changing Phase
of the Jesus Youth Movement and
How to Build a Youth Ministry, which
challenged the participants to discuss,
share and reflect on their role as an
effective leader and how they could
help develop new leaders. A two-day
session by Rev. Dr. Fio Mascarenhas SJ
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
Garden of Gospel Peace,
Franciscan Retreat Centre,
Bangkok, Thailand
23rd July - 4th august 2010
The 3rd Jesus Youth
International Animators’
Training was conducted
from 23rd July 2010 to 4th
August 2010 at the Garden of
Gospel Peace Retreat Centre,
Lamlukka, Thailand. Eighteen
participants from 10 countries,
including 4 priests, 1 nun
and a deacon, attended this
year’s training. The countries
represented were India,
Singapore, UK, Switzerland,
Australia, UAE, Qatar, Oman,
Thailand and Cambodia.
The training started on the
evening of 23rd July with Holy
Mass celebrated by Fr. Sebastian
Arikat (UK), the Pastor for the
training, and a Keynote address
by Jomy Abraham (UAE), the
JYIAT’10 Co-ordinator. Right
from the start, the providential
“The two weeks of
intense training was a
time of self-discovery.
Through different inputs
and interactions with
animators from various
countries, I became aware
of the greatness of my
call to accompany the
Youth. The testimonies
and witnessing lives
of the speakers and
my fellow participants
inspired me to deepen my
commitment.”
Sr. Jees Maria CMC,
Hazaribagh, Jharkhand
“Our Lord met me where
I was and He answered
the longings of my heart.
He challenged me to see
my reality and to grow
in His grace through
the daily programmes,
talks and activities
set for us. I also felt
especially blessed to be
present at the Fulltimers’
commitment ceremony. I
am humbled to be called
to walk alongside such
youngsters.”
Emma Daengsvang,
Thailand
“The animators’ training
gave me an opportunity
to reflect on my life and
mission and challenged
me to grow in personal
holiness. It was amazing
to see the Spirit move
in our midst and build
us into a family though
we were from diverse
backgrounds. Each
person’s story was
a living testimony of
God’s loving care and
faithfulness.”
Dr. Julio Kandathil,
Singapore
“My stay with other
animators, their way
of life, their way of
prayer, interactions…
everything made
a difference. The
commitment that I
have made to be more
spiritual and punctual
for the charismatic
prayer group at my
parish will continue
as a result of my Jesus
Youth International
Animators’ Training.”
Fr. Simon Cheruvathur,
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
realise the role of animators as
an essential part of the Jesus
Youth movement and have
learned a lot of ways in which
they could support the youth,
The resource team comprised of Fr. Sebastian
Arikat, Alex Njavally, Dr. Edward Edezhath, Manoj
Sunny, C.C. Joseph and George Devassy. The
presence and sharing of Brother Ghislain of Taizé
and the Taizé prayer he led were moments of
inspiration and blessing for the participants.
The animators have been enriched and blessed
immensely through the training and the wonderful
fellowship and all of them have returned to their
home countries with the firm decision to be with
and for the youth, accompanying them and being
role models, wherever they are.

SEPTEMBER 2010 PAGE 15

 Congress of Asian Catholic Laity

The Pontifical Council for the
Laity, a dicastery of the Holy See,
organised a Congress of Asian
Catholic Laity at Seoul, Korea
from 31st Aug. – 5th Sept. 2010. This
significant ecclesial event, with the
theme - ‘Proclaiming Jesus Christ
in Asia Today’, was designed to
sustain and promote a greater and
more appropriate participation of
the laity in the life and mission of
the Church in Asia. In the Message
from the Pope for the opening of
the Congress of Asian Catholic Laity addressed
to Cardinal Stanislaw Rylko, President of
the Pontifical Council for the Laity, the Holy
Father mentions his “wish to single out with
gratitude the outstanding work of the many
catechists who bring the riches of the Catholic
faith to young and old alike”. In this context
he highlights the contribution of apostolic and
charismatic movements, which “bring new
life and vigour to the formation of the laity,
particularly families and young people”. “I
pray”, the Holy Father writes, “that the present
Congress will highlight the indispensable role
of the lay faithful in the Church’s mission and
develop specific programmes and initiatives to
assist them in their task of proclaiming Jesus
Christ in Asia today”.
Four hundred delegates from 35 international
lay associations, ecclesial movements and new
communities in 20 countries attended the six-day
Conference. Jesus Youth was blessed to be invited
for this significant event and was represented by
George Devassy and Manoj Sunny. During one
of the days, Manoj Sunny presented a paper on
‘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
around the globe are being encouraged
to undertake pilgrimages with proper
devotion and ardour to places of
significance to our faith. In India many
groups have already made their journeys
to popular pilgrim places like Velankanni
(Tamil Nadu), St. Francis Xavier’s Shrine
(Goa), St. Thomas Mount (Malayattoor,
Kerala) and Kurisumala (Kerala). A group
from Germany recently went to Medjugorje
and another team from UK went to the
Canterbury Cathedral in Kent.
On an international level, a pilgrimage to the Holy
Land was organised by the Jesus Youth International
Team from 9th to 19th September 2010. 121 delegates
from 8 countries, including 4 priests and one nun
participated in this pilgrimage of faith, which was
co-ordinated by Santhosh Mathew, UAE. The group
began their journey in Egypt before entering Israel
and finally Jordan. As you can imagine, every step on
this pilgrimage was special as there is no greater joy
for a Christian than to visit the places of significance
where our Lord lived, preached, died and rose again.
Some of the highlights on the way was the climbing
of Mount Sinai, Holy Mass at the Nativity Church and
at the tomb of Jesus in Golgotha, the
Via Dolorosa where different prayer
intentions of the Jubilee and prayers
for all the departed from our movement
were offered. Two sharing sessions
were also organised during the course
of the pilgrimage in which the pilgrims
could share their experiences and
voice their thoughts on the Jubilee to
the whole group. This pilgrimage was
a renewing experience for all and has
helped in strengthening their faith and
commitment.
GLOBAL NEWSWATCH
JY Melbourne Family Retreat, Australia
AUSTRALIA
 Leadership Training
From 22nd-24th May 2010, leadership training
was organised for the JY of Perth at the
Holy Name Catholic Church. The sessions
were taken by George Devassy and Fulltimer
Teema Thomas. The programme concluded
with the formation of the first JY core team
for Perth with Bobby Jacob as Co-ordinator.
 Leadership Discipleship Weekend
Twenty leaders participated in a training
conducted by Colin Calmiano at the St. Frances
De Sales Parish Hall, VIC on 20th & 21st March.
 ‘Behold’
A stay-in initiation retreat was organised for
50 youth at the Mt. Evelyn Retreat Centre,
VIC from 23rd-26th April. The resource team
included George Devassy, Fr. David Reegon,
Fr. Tony McSweeney and Bro. Bony Abraham.
 Family Retreats
Around 25 people participated in the family
retreat organised by JY Sydney on 24th and
25th April at Holy Spirit College Conference
Centre, Bellambi. Another family retreat
organised by JY Melbourne from 30th April-
2nd May at Pallotti Retreat Centre, VIC had
about 50 participants. The retreats were
led by Manoj Sunny and Beena Manoj and
included sessions on parenting.
 Reunion Day
On 22nd May 2010, 75 Jesus Youth from around
Melbourne came together at St. Frances
De Sales, VIC. The occasion was a Spirit-
Medjugorje Pilgrimage, Germany
filled time when the members recommitted
themselves to the Catholic Church and to the
movement.
 ‘Dare to Dive’
An initial retreat, ‘Dare to Dive’ was organised
from 30th April to 3rd May in which 30 youth
participated. The camping retreat, held at
Camp Constable, Mt. Glorious, was led by
George Devassy.
 ‘Splash 2010’
During the school holidays, an initial retreat
was organised for teens aged between 13
and 16. Thirty participants attended this
programme held from 2nd-4th July at Frederick
Marsden, Kallangur.
Mayrose Pius
GERMANY
 ‘LichtBleiben’
‘LichtBleiben’, a follow-up programme to
the first DTP in Germany, was held from
26th-28th March at Haus Antonius, Grefrath-
Mühlhausen. The participants from
Switzerland, Austria and Germany, were
accompanied in prayer and fellowship by
Fr. Meyer and members of the National Team.
 Pilgrimage to Medjugorje
Thirty-seven people made a pilgrimage to
Medjugorje, starting their journey on Easter
Sunday from Cologne. The group was blessed
with spiritual inputs by Sr. Teresa Benedict
and Sr. Emmanuela of the Beatitudes
Congregation besides the visionary Maria.
‘Exult 2010’, New Zealand
‘Behold’, Australia
 ‘Crossroads’
From 13th -16th May, ‘Crossroads’ – an initial
level retreat was held in Haus Altenberg,
Odenthal-Altenberg with the participation
of 40 youngsters. The resource persons
included Fr. Schuster and Michael
Papenkordt, ICPE-Mission.
 Family Gatherings
On 24th April, six couples came together
at Cologne for the second young families’
gathering. Fr. Alex Kizhakkekadavil
O.F.M. Cap. animated the group. Another
similar gathering was held on 8th May
at Heidelberg in which three couples
participated accompanied by
Fr. Dhanyanand MSJ.
 JY Fellowship Day
Around 35 Jesus Youth came together
on 24th May 2010 at Sacred Heart Church,
Cologne, to commemorate the JY Global
Recommitment Day.
Vimal Vattappillil
NEW ZEALAND
 ‘Exult 2010’
‘Exult 2010’ was held from 5th-8th April to
enhance the faith formation of young
people. Held at Chosen Valley Christian
Camp, the programme has helped the
youth to come up with various initiatives.
 Recommitment Day
Recommitment Day celebrations
in Auckland started with Holy
Family Retreat, Singapore
SEPTEMBER 2010 PAGE 17
GLOBAL NEWSWATCH
Family Retreat, Ireland
Eucharist celebrated by Fr. Mathew
Vadakkevettukuzhiyil, followed by a time of
praise and worship and the Recommitment
Day liturgy. Gatherings were also held in
Wellington and Christchurch.
 One-day Retreats
On 16th, 17th and 18th July, one-day retreats were
conducted at Wellington, Christchurch and
Dunedin respectively. Fr. Joseph Akkara CMI
and the JY of Auckland animated the retreats.
Soji Joseph
SINGAPORE
 Family Retreat
A retreat for JY Families was held at Choice
Retreat Centre from 15th-18th April. Nearly 15
couples together with their children attended
this retreat led by Manoj Sunny and Beena
Manoj. Since then, a Family Ministry core team
has been formed.
 Jesus Net Anniversary
On 5th June, about 100 Jesus Youth came
together at the Catholic Welfare Centre to
celebrate the 4th anniversary of Jesus Net -
the central prayer gathering of JY Singapore.
 Leaders’ Retreat & JYNT Re-constitution
From 27th May, a three-day residential retreat
was organised for the leaders of various
ministries. George Devassy and C.C. Joseph
led the sessions. A new National Team was
also formed with Shimy Stephen (re-elected
as Co-ordinator), Shibu Devassia (Asst. Co-
ordinator) and Dr. Julio Chacko and
New National Team, Singapore
Dr. Mathew George (Animators). Fr. William
Goh, the Spiritual Director of the team, led
the anointing ceremony.
 ‘Spark 2010’
A DTP for teenagers was organised from 23rd-
26th June at the Choice Retreat Centre. The
programme, led by Rodney Pereira and Shiji
Varghese from India, has helped to ignite in
the twelve participants a new love for Christ.
Shimy Stephen
IRELAND
 JY Family Retreat
Bringing a new zeal and renewing the call
for missionary families, a family retreat was
held from 14th-16th May at the St. Columban’s
Retreat Centre, Magheremore, Wicklow. It was
led by Manoj Sunny and Beena Manoj and
attended by thirteen JY families.
Sijo Jose
OMAN
 Jubilee One-day Gatherings
During the weekends of April and May, Jesus
Youth in each region came together as a part
of the Jubilee preparations. Nearly 700 Jesus
Youth from across Oman participated in these
gatherings.
 ‘Epiphany 2010’
Around 35 teens from Oman attended a
summer programme for teenagers - ‘Epiphany
2010’, held at Athmadarshan, Aluva, Kerala
from 26th June to 1st July ’10.
Jubilee One-day Gathering, Oman
‘The Light’, Cambodia
 Leaders’ Training
On 16th, 23rd and 30th July, trainings were
organised for selected leaders of the Ghala
region. Of the 24 participants, eight of them
have taken a one-year commitment as ‘Friday
fulltimers’ to work with different ministries.
 Teens’ DTP
The Teens Ministry organised a Discipleship
Training Programme from 19th-24th March. The
24 participants from Ghala were guided by
C.C. Joseph during these days.
Binoy Xavier
SRI LANKA
 Leaders’ Training
On 23rd and 24th July, a training was organised
at Subhodhi Retreat Centre, Moratuwa based
on the theme ‘Live for Christ, Die for Christ’.
Fifteen Jesus Youth leaders and six animators
participated. The various sessions were led by
George Devassy, Fr. Daya Darshana and Fr. Gihan
Goonatilake. A core team was also formed at the
end of the training.
Ravindha Silva
CAMBODIA
 ‘Ponleu’ (The Light)
Around 250 youth from the diocese of Phnom
Penh came together on 9th May for ‘Ponleu’ at
Don Bosco Technical School. The programme
was conducted by Dony Peter along with
fulltimers Renjith Joseph, Hun Saren and
Reshma Jerome. Holy Mass by Bishop Emile
Leaders’ Training, Sri Lanka
GLOBAL NEWSWATCH
DTP, Cambodia
Destombes (the current Vicar Apostolic of
Phnom Penh) and the presence of Mgr. Olivier
Schmitthaeusler (the new coadjutor Bishop of
Phnom Penh) was an added blessing.
 Discipleship Training
From 13th-16th May, the first Discipleship
Training Programme in Cambodia was held at
Kep for 50 vibrant Khmer youth from various
dioceses. The presence of Fr. Leo Ochoa,
Don Bosco Phnom Penh Rector, was a great
encouragement for all. The programme
concluded with Holy Mass celebrated by
Mgr. Olivier Schmitthaeusler.
Renjith Joseph
INDIA
 Kerala Nurses’ Conference
‘Healing Touch 2010’ saw nearly 1000
nurses, more than 40 tutors and close to 25
principals from different nursing schools/
colleges across Kerala, gather at S.H. College,
Chalakudy from 9th-11th July. Most Rev. Pauly
Kannookadan (Bishop of Irinjalakuda) visited
the participants on one of the days.
 Annual Evaluation Meeting
From 4th-6th June, the Annual Evaluation
Meeting of Jesus Youth India was held at
Snehadaan, Bangalore with over 200 leaders
from across the country in attendance. On
the final day of the meeting, the new website
of JY India - www.jesusyouth.in - and other
international Jubilee projects like the Jubilee
Registration System, ‘Slice of Life’ portal
‘Healing Touch 2010’, India
Fulltime Volunteers’ Training, India
and the ‘One-month mission commitment’
registration were launched.
 Fulltime Volunteers’ Training
The 19th batch English training commenced on
22nd May at Emmaus, Kerala with 30 participants
including 4 seminarians. Most Rev. Sylvester
Ponnumuthan (Bishop of Punalur) was the
chief celebrant for the Commitment ceremony
held on 21st June 2010. The Hindi batch training
was held from 7th June-5th July at Red Building,
Nagpur. The 14 participants from 11 states have
now been placed across 7 states of India.
 ‘Chalo Jharkhand’
The mission trip - ‘Chalo Jharkhand’ -
organised by the National Teens Ministry
was held from 29th April to 20th May. Following
a retreat, the 24 participants were given a
mission training at Ranchi. Village stay, visits,
social outreach, small scale programmes and
personal interactions formed the major part of
the group’s stay at Jharkhand.
 ‘Campus Vibes 2010’
With over 20 participants from 8 regions of
India, the annual training for campus leaders
was held from 26th May-3rd June at the Alpha
Pastoral Centre, Edakochi.
Siljo Thomas
BAHRAIN
 ‘We Love Our Priests!’
On 17th May, a special one-month prayer
campaign ‘Pray for 2010 Priests’ was initiated
in which 2530 priests were prayed for by 253
‘Kites’, Bahrain
‘Love Revolution’, UAE
prayer volunteers. It concluded with ‘Zion
Night’ - a vigil service including Taizé prayer
held at the Bishop Tirinanazi Auditorium.
 ‘Kites’
On 1st May, a training programme was held for
nearly 65 leaders of the Malayalam team. Jojo
Varkey animated the sessions.
 JY Help Desk
Jesus Youth have started putting up a counter
in the Sacred Heart parish compound before
and after all obligatory Masses. Started in July,
the initiative provides required assistance to
the parishioners and carries information about
the parish, pious movements, etc.
 Movie Night
With the aim of spreading Christian values to
deepen the Catholic faith especially among
youngsters, a movie night is being conducted
on the last Saturday of every month at Bishop
Tirinanazi Auditorium.
Siby Varghese
QATAR
 Recommitment Day
With weekly spiritual reflections and active
participation in the Novena to the Holy Spirit,
the ‘100 Days of Grace’ was a time of spiritual
revival for JY Qatar. The Recommitment Day
celebrations included an anointed Adoration
and a talk by Fr. Simon, the JY Pastor.
 ‘Year for Priests’ Exhibition
To honour the beloved priests of the parish,
an exhibition was conducted on 17th and 18th
‘Tribute to the Priests’, UAE
SEPTEMBER 2010 PAGE 19
 GLOBAL NEWSWATCH
Teens’ National Retreat, USA
June by the Parish Church. Jesus Youth was
in charge of putting up the Missionaries of
Charity stall. Jesus Youth’s newly formed
music team also rendered the theme song
during the felicitation ceremony.
Rijo John
USA
 ‘Kids Kamp’, NE region
From 13th-16th July, children ranging from
five to ten, attended ‘Kids Kamp’ and
developed their faith through a variety of
activities - prayer, action songs, storytelling,
crafts, games, videos and most importantly,
Adoration and Holy Mass.
 Teens’ National Retreat
Forty-five JY teens from all regions came together
at Bishop Lane Retreat Centre, Rockford, Illinois
from 12th-16th June. The annual teens’ retreat was
led by the JYNT under the guidance of Fr. Vinod
Madathiparambil, the National pastor. Called to
Holiness, Conversion, Life in the Church and Life
and Mission in the Movement were the guiding
themes of the retreat.
Sunil Nadarajan
UAE
 ‘Love Revolution’
In April, a three-day teens retreat, ‘Love
Revolution’ was organised at St. Mary’s
Church, Fujairah for 200 teenagers from the
different emirates. The retreat was led by
Fr. George Kumblumoottil and Dony Peter.
 ‘Ammayodoppam’
The Jesus Youth of Mussafah, Abu Dhabi
organised ‘Ammayodoppam’ on 27th and
28th May. During the 32 hours of continuous
intercession, 101 Holy rosaries were offered
for different intentions. More than 200 people
participated in this event.
 ‘Thiruvachana Yathra’
More than 365 people participated in
‘Thiruvachana Yathra’, a continuous four-day
Bible reading organised in Dubai.
 ‘Tribute to the Priests’
To conclude the ‘Year for Priests’, a ‘Tribute
to the Priests’ was organised on 28th June
at St. Francis Assisi Church, Jebel Ali. Most
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Family Training Programme, UK
Rev. Paul Hinder, Vicar Apostolic of Arabia,
concelebrated Holy Mass with 22 other priests
from different parishes in the UAE.
Jojo Varkey
KUWAIT
 Reunion Day Celebration
Reunion Day was celebrated on 22nd May
with Holy Mass and the Recommitment Day
Liturgy. Jesus Youth from all four parishes
actively participated in this event.
 Conclusion of the ‘Year for Priests’
To mark the conclusion of the ‘Year for Priests’,
Jesus Youth organised a special Adoration for
priests. Gatherings were held separately in
each parish.
Mano Mathew
UK
 ‘Awakening’
In connection with the ‘100 Days of Grace’,
‘Awakening’ - perpetual Adoration from Easter
Monday to Pentecost Sunday - was organised
at the Mother of God Church. Over these 50
days, more than 500 people came to spend
time with the Eucharistic Lord.
 Service Team Trainings
The first Service team training took place
in Birmingham from 10th-11th April. The next
training for the teams of North West region
was held on 17th and 18th April at Liverpool.
 Journey of the Jubilee Cross
The Cross has travelled to most of the North-
West and East of UK and has brought people
together in prayer everywhere it travelled.
Small prayer gatherings were held at all the
houses that the Cross visited.
 Family Training
Thirty Jesus Youth families came together for
a family training programme from 28th-31st
May at Barnstondale Centre, Liverpool, led by
Manoj Sunny and Beena Manoj.
 Recommitment Day Celebrations
The day began with fellowship over lunch
followed by the Recommitment Day Liturgy
and concluding Adoration of ‘Awakening’,
May Day procession along with the deanery
and an input session by Manoj Sunny. Most
Rev. Bishop Malcolm McMahon (Bishop of
Nottingham) then concelebrated Holy Mass with
several other priests. Around 450 Jesus Youth
were present on the occasion.
 Outreach to Loughborough University
An outreach was organised to Loughborough
University on 19th May 2010 to interact with
the youth who attend the weekly Mass at the
University Chaplaincy.
 ‘Spirit in the City’
Jesus Youth UK took part in the annual festival of
faith, ‘Spirit in the City’ held from 3rd-5th June in
the West End of London. They had the privilege
of leading an Eucharistic procession with the
Jubilee Cross during one of the events at the
festival.
 Youth Formation Programme
Close to 30 youth from different places across
UK and Germany came together at Bridgettine
Guest House in London for a formation
programme from 29th July to 1st August. His
Grace Abraham Viruthakulangara, Archbishop
of Nagpur and Ecclesiastical Advisor of JY India,
also spent two days with the group.
 ‘The Change’
A retreat called ‘The Change’ was organised for
22 youth of Birmingham and surrounding towns
of Burnt-on-Trent, Coventry and Telford from 25th
to 27th June at the Alton Castle.
Abhy Thomas
O blessed Mary, Mother of God,
turn your eyes of mercy towards
us, that we may love God with all
our heart on earth and enjoy Him
forever in heaven. Amen.