a missionary movement at the service of the church january 2012 7 evangelizers the new Kerala, It was a cool october night in 1978. added, “must beyour vision”. alreadycome together,” said.he “ the national chairman of the of chairman national the -up of the large youth REFLECTIONS ONNEWEVaNGELIZA I WAS RETURNING 10 C onference we recently held in WITH JY spiritualit living the OUR C Catholic ommunitiesformationof reaching outwithsense a mission”,of he ANIMATOR to cochin after a meeting with Entrusted with the task of mobiliS ing youth from all over Charismatic TION INTHECONTEXTOFMOVEMENT y K erala rang clear in our ears. “ 12 enewal in Renewal new teams brand India. is vision for the follow follow the for vision His Fr. S 13 Fio o many youth have CONTD. ONPAGE 3 Mascarenhas, NEWSWAT GL OBAL CH

Heart Talk

“Christian leadership begins from going down on one’s knees.” This is the great conviction that drives every missionary. It is from prayer on bended knees with hands lifted up that every JY receives strength for a life of service. Prayer is the hallmark of Jesus Youth who are most often described as ‘people of prayer’. Indeed formation and activities that arise out of prayer are key traits of Jesus Youth.

Prayer is the first fundamental requisite and constant that every JY is required to necessarily practise and adopt as a way of life. Of the many forms of prayer, personal prayer holds great importance for it sustains JY in the most trying circumstances and especially in places where it is not possible to receive the Sacraments regularly. I believe that a day begun with a time of personal prayer turns out to be specially beautiful and blessed. I have been influenced by many JY leaders who never miss out on their personal prayer and often get up early to pray at the appointed time even after hectic days and sleepless nights. That God provides personal convictions and stimulus to service most often during times of personal prayer is an experience shared enthusiastically by many a Jesus Youth.

The many varieties of community prayers existing in the movement such as the weekly prayer meetings, Night Vigils, Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, Intercessory prayer meetings, Taizé prayers, Rosary, Praise & Worship and other forms of communal worship The new evangelization followed by Jesus Youth from the very beginning have all gone a long way in raising ‘‘depends largely on the the standards of spiritual life of JYs and in sustaining them. The ‘Jesus Youth Prayer’, domestic Church. In our which was the fruit of many years of prayer and planning by some JY leaders, has been time, as in times past, well received and put to practical use in the movement over the last 5 years. This the eclipse of God, the prayer “combines the rich heritage of Christian prayer with the contemporary modes of spread of ideologies spontaneity and Spirit-led dynamism” (Introduction to Jesus Youth Prayer), and is useful contrary to the family for personal as well as participative prayer as testified by young and old, newcomers and the degradation and veterans alike. of sexual ethics are Intercessory prayer is yet another of the movement’s strengths and that this is the intertwined. And just responsibility of every Jesus Youth is a strong conviction of the movement. I recognised as the eclipse of God this great responsibility as a student when I inadvertently happened to hear and see and the crisis of the three of my seniors kneeling on a rock-strewn floor, praying for my repentance! The family are linked, so Intercession retreats that used to be held to impart awareness and training for the same the new evangelization have been reintroduced of late, with similar retreats being preached in several places is inseparable from across Europe and India. A deep conviction and recognition of the intercessory needs of individuals, the society and the Church has led to a resurgence of intercessory prayers in the Christian family. Jesus Youth involving penance and sacrifice. The family is indeed the way of the Church Night Vigils as a way of intercession are a widespread phenomenon in Jesus Youth because it is the today and are being organised in many countries on a monthly basis. On a recent visit “human space” of our to a Gulf country, I was privileged to attend one such Night Vigil and was surprised and encounter with Christ. inspired by the lively participation of youth and elders, with many families bringing all their children, even infants. I recently heard that some young people in Auckland, New ... The family founded Zealand walk up the winding road to the top of Mount Eden every Thursday, reciting on the Sacrament the Rosary and praying for the land stretching out on every side of the mountain. I of Matrimony is a remember how many years back, leaders in India walked for miles around cities, praying particular realisation for the evangelisation of their residents. Similarly, Jesus Youth leaders in places without of the Church, saved religious freedom such as the Gulf countries, regularly drive around cities praying for and saving, evangelized the nation. Such intercessory prayers have wrought wonders and changes in the world and evangelizing and also increased the faith and missionary zeal of the participants. community. Just like the Yet another means of intercession is the prayer before the Blessed Sacrament such as the Church, it is called to one that has been going on for the last 8 years in Delhi - the capital of India, the one held in welcome, radiate and the Vatican Youth Centre during the 50 days of Lent in 2010 - the JY Jubilee Year, and the 24- show the world the hour Adorations and intercession prayers organized last year in several countries. love and the presence I now call upon all my brothers and sisters in the movement on every continent to prepare for of Christ. and hold 50 days’ Adoration this year too in their respective countries, either during Lent or in the days between Easter and Pentecost. Let me also remind you of the International Team’s request to all the countries to celebrate 1st to 8th September 2012 as a special Intercession Week. May all these endeavours help every JY missionary to live a life “distinguished above HIS HOLINESS BENEDICT’’ XVI at the Plenary Assembly of the all in the art of prayer” (John Paul II, Novo Millennio Ineunte, 33). Pontifical Council for the Family, 1 December 2011. raiju Varghese Jesus Youth International Co-ordinator Cover STORY Contd. from page 1

The New Evangelization the New Evangelization is not a matter of redoing something that has been inadequately done or has not achieved its purpose, as if the new activity were an implicit judgement on the failure of the first evangelization. Nor is the New Evangelization taking up the first evangelization again, or simply repeating the past. Instead, it is the courage to forge new paths in responding to the changing circumstances and conditions facing the Church in her call to proclaim and live the As our bus reached a quiet town at dawn, the Gospel today. voice of a newspaper boy woke us at dawn. “The new Pope is elected, a young Pope from Poland!”. After the confusion and dark rumours that followed the death of the short- is the New Evangelization taking up the first lived Pope John Paul I, this new promise was evangelization again, or simply repeating exciting. the past. Instead, it is the courage to forge new paths in responding to the changing Years later, looking back, I would see a divine circumstances and conditions facing the Church Providence in this coincidence. A seed of in her call to proclaim and live the Gospel the vision sown on the 16th of October 1978 today” (5). would grow up to be a world-wide movement, and the great man elected on the same day The New Evangelization requires new skills would inspire this movement to follow a new and habits. It is always the fruit of a new refreshing approach to mission, the New discernment, something like the triple-step Evangelization. reflection at the first path-breaking Conference of the movement: (the life of) Youth Today, The New Evangelization: (the vision of) Jesus Today and (the mission What is it? of) Jesus Youth. And mission discernment happens always in a Christian community. The resounding call of Pope John Paul II From the initial days when the movement stirred up the movement deeply: “Look began to take shape, the call of JP II to the to the future with commitment to a New New Evangelization has been a guiding light. Evangelization, one that is new in its fervour, During the third weekend of every month, the new in its methods and new in its expression” ‘first liners’ would come together to fan the (Haiti, 1983). By his example and through fervour, to seek new methods to approach much of his exhortations this call to a fresh youth and form novel expressions of faith and awakening to Evangelization was repeated. mission. And its fruit? The gradual formation In the Lineamenta of the forthcoming Synod of a culture and a mission. A defining moment this concept is reflected on in detail: “...the came in the call of JP II to observe 1985 as New Evangelization is not a matter of redoing the International Year of Youth (IYY) and something that has been inadequately done the movement’s response was a year-long or has not achieved its purpose, as if the preparation culminating in ‘Jesus Youth 85’ that new activity were an implicit judgement on gave the community a name and outlined its the failure of the first evangelization. Nor path for the future.

JANUARY 2012 PAGE 3 The movement, in short, has become a The New Evangelization: nursery for mission, How do we do it? in which a culture of How do you go about this God-given task? In the movement there has making every little been a constant reminder that it has to be “a missionary movement” and aspect integral to every member “a missionary”. So, no forming persons and gathering or training concludes without a serious thought on mission, leading fellowships for mission is to clear plans on reaching out to other given the highest priority. youth and bringing them to a Christ- experience. Then again, how does one The culture and lifestyle join the movement? Not by a membership of a group is its most enrolment, but through an encounter. For “the New Evangelization needs forceful formator. In new witnesses… People who have experienced an area of change in their other words mission is life because of their contact with Jesus The proof of the pudding is in the eating. caught, not taught. Christ, and who are capable of passing on Most people see the outward mission that experience to others” (JP II, 1991). initiatives of Jesus Youth and marvel at it, though very often they never come to see The movement, in short, has become a the inner dynamics that generates it. A nursery for mission, in which a culture little snack time meet or youth picnic that of making every little aspect integral quietly invites other youth to new life, a to forming persons and fellowships for small lunchtime gathering in a factory or mission is given the highest priority. The university department to pray and share, a culture and lifestyle of a group is its colourful skit with emotional appeal that most forceful formator. In other words leads to reconsideration of a teen’s life, the mission is caught, not taught. The songs, high energy music and dance that moves the games, what one reads, the points of not just the feet and the hearts, but one’s argument, the friendships, all these form spirit as well, an exhibition, a study group, a elements of this culture. In the casual visit to a poor slum - all these are the fruits discussions at the workplace, in the little of New Evangelization in the movement dreams of teenagers, or in what youth that bear a rich harvest of hearts for the do when they get together to relax and Lord. This Encounter-Formation-Mission have fun, is where the sense of mission paradigm is what lends the movement its blooms. But then it gets clearly defined depth and breadth. in the various formation programmes, and in the variety of packages of Jesus Youth such as Discipleship Training, Fulltime Volunteers, Professionals to Mission, etc., that promote commitment as well as evangelistic fervour. The New Evangelization: The New Evangelization: Where do we do it? Where should we move on to? “The new evangelization is a frame-of- In recent times Pope Benedict XVI has mind, a courageous manner of acting repeatedly used the image of ‘the and … capacity to know how to read courtyard of the gentiles’, a part of the and interpret the new situations in temple precincts in Jesus’ times that human history” (Lineamenta, 6). The was set apart for non-Jews to give them document further speaks of six areas in a limited exposure to revealed religion contemporary society that require urgent without any serious commitment. He attention from all of us, or “the Sectors continues, “I think that today too the Calling for the New Evangelization”. Church should open a sort of ‘Court of the They are: i) the contemporary culture Gentiles’ in which people might in some which is getting highly secularised, ii) way latch on to God, without knowing the social phenomenon of migration, iii) him and before gaining access to his the means of social communications, iv) mystery, at whose service the inner life of the economically backward sector v) the the Church stands”. This call is especially realms of science and technology, and vi) relevant for the Jesus Youth movement civic and political life. which has always been very close to the present day generation far removed from As the Master said, the wind of the Spirit the Church and God. For the many at the blows where it wills. So has it happened other end of the faith-spectrum, a Jesus with Jesus Youth, seeing which we rejoice. Youth may well be the only messenger of When we look back at the history of the Christ near them, talking their language. movement spanning more than a quarter of a century it is highly uplifting to note this Of the few such initiatives within the dynamism of the Spirit, which has helped movement, Rexband, a musical outreach, the movement spontaneously focus on is a small, but relevant example. Over the these special sectors, that the Church is last 23 years, this band has seen its music also taking note of. It is good for all of us to and mission influence many living on the ask ourselves how well we address these boundaries of the conventional Church sectors in life. – often outside its visible frameworks. Over half of its concerts and interactions

Sectors Jesus Youth involvement Need for new direction

Music, art, social customs especially Further reflection to be given on 1 of youth have been targeted well by culture and evangelism; resultant Culture all JY ministries and more so through initiatives will produce radical This call is especially concerts, skits, cultural exchange, etc. differences relevant for the Jesus Primarily a migrant movement, JY Out of the 4 major migrant sectors, Youth movement which has spread through educational and 2 students and workers attended to job-related placement. JY groups are has always been very Migration by JY. Family-based migrants and migrant groups in many parts of the refugees need more attention close to the present world day generation far Strong media initiatives in JY - Kairos Focused formation and sustained 3 magazine, JOYnet e-group, Youth efforts in media evangelization removed from the Media Vibes podcast – individual forays into required in JY films, ads, music and journalism Church and God. For the many at the other The 6th JY pillar - receives focus 4 JY to become more poor-oriented, through exposures, visits & initiatives end of the faith- The poor more volunteers to live & work with like Outreach Child-Support the poor are needed spectrum, a Jesus Youth

5 Campus and professional groups Focused and sustained presence may well be the only Sci-tech make optimal use; large section of in Sci-tech field and research JY are tech-savvy networking needed messenger of Christ near them, talking 6 Sporadic presence in the area of Majority shy away from most their language. Public Life civic and political decisions with a levels of public presence; greater few in top businesses, politics and awareness and formation needs bureaucracy to be given

JANUARY 2012 PAGE 5 In the midst of these have been in urban public spaces and auditoriums, opening up the complex challenges ‘outer courts’ of the Lord’s presence there is the need and beauty to a group that would have stayed away from what Pope the mission of the New Evangelization is for a new breed Benedict called ‘classic or permanent’ its most urgent challenge for which there of the disciples of evangelization (Address to Catechists is a need to lay the firm foundation of and Religious Teachers, 12 Dec. 2000). a focused formation. Missionary effort Christ, wide-eyed Its music (which clearly sets it apart without the foundation of a relevant from instantly recognisable traits spirituality and formation is like a in this thrilling of existing devotional music) and beautiful Christmas tree; it doesn’t have world deeply rooted its eclectic approach in exposing roots and will wither away. But there influential musicians to Christ, can are also trees with the roots of so called on ‘the Rock of all also be seen in this context. With formation that do not bear fruits, and the ages’, carrying ever music being a key cultural influencer Lord indicates that they will be cut away. of this generation, many other The movement needs firmer foundation new wine in fresh related initiatives are springing up that will bear abundant and enduring wineskins. simultaneously. fruits of the New Evangelization. Another recent initiative, though small A rapidly changing world is posing in scale, has been the ‘Soul Café’, an unprecedented challenges for nations, informal musical lounge experience communities and families. Very often set in an urban secular location. The the Church and well-meaning elders are initiative has been drawing a niche of bewildered by the erosion of sublime influential people far removed from elements, culture and undisputable the periphery of our Church structures values. For answers and meaning many towards an initial exposure to the of today’s generation look to science mystery and beauty of Jesus. In fact and technology and even for those who many more groups in the movement believe, faith and religion are relegated to are initiating such open platforms a joyful company or a skin-deep solace. across different countries. In the midst of these complex challenges there is the need for a new breed of the In Redemptoris Missio JP II notes, “in disciples of Christ, wide-eyed in this the Church’s history, missionary drive thrilling world deeply rooted on ‘the has always been a sign of vitality, Rock of all ages’, carrying ever new wine just as its lessening is a sign of a in fresh wineskins. This call for the New crisis of faith” (2). For the Jesus Youth Evangelization is also the call of Jesus movement, sustaining and deepening Youth for the coming generation.

DR. EDWARD EDEZHATH One of the pioneering leaders and animators of the Jesus Youth movement, he shares several key responsibilities in the Church, including being the Joint Secretary to the CBCI Commission for Laity. He is an Associate Professor at St. Albert’s College, Ernakulam. ‘‘Today’s world needs people who proclaim and testify that it is Christ who teaches the art of living, the way of true happiness, because he himself is the path of life; people who first of all keep their own gaze fixed on Jesus, the Son of God: the word of proclamation must always be immersed in an intense relationship with him, in an intense life of prayer. Today’s world needs people who speak to God, so as to be able to speak of God.’’

ADDRESS OF THE HOLY FATHER BENEDICT XVI AT THE MEETING WITH CHURCH LEADERS INVOLVED IN THE NEW EVANGELIZATION ON THE OCCASION OF THE INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ORGANISED BY THE PONTIFICAL COUNCIL FOR PROMOTING THE NEW EVANGELIZATION The new Evangelizers

An International Conference was organised in from around the world, to discuss efforts around 5000 people from different movements Rome by the Pontifical Council for Promoting in New Evangelization. Raiju Varghese and across the world. In his homily, Pope Benedict the New Evangelization from 15-16 October for Manoj Sunny represented the Jesus Youth XVI once again emphasised that “every Gospel Church leaders and movements involved in the movement at this Conference. missionary must always bear in mind this New Evangelization. truth: it is the Lord who touches hearts with On Saturday, 15 Oct. special invitees from 50 his word and with his Spirit, calling people to As the Church looks ahead to both the Year movements including Jesus Youth, met the faith and to communion in the Church” and of Faith (11 Oct. 2012 – 24 Nov. 2013) declared Pope in the Paul VI Audience Hall. Addressing that “Evangelization, to be effective, needs the by our Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI, in his these participants, the Holy Father reminded power of the Spirit, who gives life to proclamation Apostolic Letter Porta Fidei (Door of Faith) and them that “being evangelizers is not a and imbues those who convey it with the ‘full the October 2012 Synod of Bishops on “The privilege but a commitment that comes from conviction’ of which the Apostle speaks”. Sibi New Evangelization for the Transmission of faith”. He also urged them to “communicate Joseph (JY European Co-ordinator), Jose Mathew the Christian Faith”, this was a very significant the joy of faith to all with the enthusiasm that (former European Co-ordinator) and around event. The Conference, with the theme “New comes from being driven by the Holy Spirit”. 20 Jesus Youth from Rome participated in the Evangelizers for the New Evangelization - The Saturday afternoon programme and the Sunday Word of God grows and spreads”, had thousands On Sunday, 16 Oct. the Holy Father celebrated morning Papal Mass. of participants representing 115 movements Holy Mass in Saint Peter’s Basilica with

JANUARY 2012 PAGE 7 reaching out to

Jesus Youth UAE shares a special bond attended this very fruitful training. The National Youth Office of Uganda with the country of Uganda in East Africa. There were three gatherings too with the together with Jesus Youth conducted For a few years now, Uganda has been Entebbe Jesus Youth group, which is just a a Prayer Breakfast for the Catholic spiritually adopted by JY UAE who have year old and is in its initial growth phase. professionals and corporates on 10th been praying for the suffering people December at the Grand Imperial Hotel in Uganda and for a spiritual renewal in There was a one-day training for the Youth in Kampala. There were about 100 that land. It was only two years ago that Chaplains of Kampala Archdiocese under selected participants which included H.E. actual visits materialised on this strong the banner of the National Youth Chaplain Emmanuel Cardinal Wamala, Supreme foundation of prayer. on 7th December 2011. The training, which Court Judge, Finance Minister, Former was a mix of youth animation and personal Vice President’s wife, top executives from At the end of November 2011, a small Jesus reflection, was an eye-opener for the Centenary Bank (owned by the Catholic Youth mission team comprising of Fr. participating priests. The team animated Church in Uganda), etc. C. C. Joseph was Bitaju Mathew (International Pastor), an Advent reflection programme on the the main speaker for the event. Dr. Edward Edezhath and C. C. Joseph same day for the priests and religious of from India along with Jomy Abraham, the diocese of Masaka, which is about 130 The young people of the Church of Africa are Santhosh Mathew and Julius Antony from kms from Kampala, the Capital. There were seeking exemplary young men and women UAE visited several places in Uganda for about 30 participants including Most Rev. to help them translate their talents and some trainings and interactions. John Baptist, the Bishop of Masaka. All were energy towards the promotion of moral and very happy to hear about the Jesus Youth Gospel values. This is where Jesus Youth can The mission trip began with a three-day movement and its activities. Fr. Ssenfuma, become ‘leaven’ and contribute much. The youth animation training held from the diocesan Youth Chaplain, gave a suitable mission model initiated by JY UAE is bearing 1st to 3rd December in the Fort Portal introduction about the movement and its much fruit. Recently a group of nine JY diocese. Jesus Youth was absolutely activities. On 9th December, JY animated leaders from UAE spent 2 weeks in Chiyunga new to the diocese but the Bishop the National Youth Conference of Uganda village, a very remote area of Uganda, had heard about the movement and conducted at the Lugazi diocese, which is as part of their two-month long mission invited the leaders to introduce JY to about 45 kms from Kampala. There were nearly training. However this is just a beginning. his diocese. About 40, including priests, 230 youth from 19 dioceses of Uganda for the The whole of Africa waits to be reached out sisters, elders and youth leaders, four-day Conference. in the Lord’s name. Gathering of Ecclesial Movements in Asia 25 - 27 November 2011 Redemptorist Centre, Pattaya Thailand

The second gathering of Ecclesial gathering. The basic purpose of the event was behind the organising of the gathering Movements in Asia was held from 25th to was for a deeper study and reflection on and Dr. Edward Edezhath presented the 27th November 2011 at the Redemptorist the Lineamenta of the Bishops’ Synod Keynote Address, setting the tone for the Centre in Pattaya, Thailand. This gathering on “The New Evangelization for the three days. based on the theme “Mission in Asia – New Transmission of the Christian Faith” in the Evangelizers for the New Evangelization”, context of Asia. All the participants agreed that it was an was organised by FABC-OE (Federation important step for FEMA to meet annually as of Asian Bishops’ Conference – Office of The inspiring presence and guidance of it recognised the importance of continued Evangelization) and FEMA (Fraternity of the Chairman of FABC-OE, Archbishop fellowship and reflection on Mission. While Ecclesial Movements in Asia). Although Thomas Menamparampil and the all ecclesial movements are members of more than 28 ecclesial movements from insightful inputs of Bishop Pablo Virgilio FEMA, a council of six movements, namely different parts of Asia were expected to David, provided a clear and challenging Couples for Christ, Focolare, Fondacio, participate, the prolonged flood situation direction to the deliberations. George Holy Trinity Community, Jesus Youth and in Thailand posed serious difficulties, Devassy represented the Jesus Youth Worldwide Marriage Encounter, were and representatives of only 14 ecclesial movement at the event. In addition, Manoj selected to be the Co-ordinating Council for movements were able to make it to the Sunny, who is the Co-ordinator of FEMA, the next 3 years.

CATHoLIC FRATERNITY ASIAN CONFERENCE

Over 180 delegates attended the 3rd Asian and Fellowships is made up of Catholic presided by Archbishop Raom C. Arguelles of the Conference of the Catholic Fraternity of Charismatic Communities, and strives to Archdiocese of Lipa. The Conference was blessed Charismatic Covenant Communities & identify with the saving mission of the with the presence of Professor Matteo Calisi, Fellowships, held from 20th to 23rd October Church in communion with the Pope. The President of the Catholic Fraternity, Vatican City. In 2011 at the Lord’s Flock Heritage Center, Jesus Youth movement became a member his inspirational talk, he challenged everyone to Quezon City, Philippines. The theme of of the Catholic Fraternity in 2009. be humble missionary disciples and to be a new the Conference was ‘Towards a more breed of evangelisers not only in Asia, but also in Empowered Community’. Seven Charismatic communities, which the whole world. Manoj Sunny, who represented the are members of the Catholic Fraternity in Jesus Youth movement at this Conference, was also Established in 1990, the Catholic Fraternity Asia, were represented in the Conference. one of the speakers at the event. of Charismatic Covenant Communities The Conference began with Holy Mass

JANUARY 2012 PAGE 9 Livingthe Jesus Youth Spirituality

Reading this, a few of us were deeply struck It all began by the concept of young women living the during the summer Jesus Youth spirituality together as we finished our education or began our careers. We had of 2010 with a all deeply encountered the Lord at different points through the movement and having been simple question inspired by the lives of our elders, we felt that in an e-mail: communal living might be the next step to deepening our journey towards holiness. “Where are you We began praying about this idea and by all living the September, different aspects of the Jesus Youth next three years? Community House (JYCH) slowly began to fall into place. After receiving deep conviction from Maybe we can live Psalm 127: “Unless the Lord builds the house, together!” they labour in vain that build it”, the idea of a short-term project that focused have been encouraged by the guidance upon a disciplined life of the six received. During our stay we also got the pillars of the movement evolved. opportunity to host the second pre-World Deepening in Daily Prayer, Word Youth Day gathering and journey to New of God and Sacraments would be Jersey for ‘Kids Kamp’ where we could our starting point for an authentic connect with the Family Team. The most expression of love towards our vivid moments, however, were those neighbours through Fellowship, before the Blessed Sacrament. We were Service, and Evangelisation. incredibly blessed to have a perpetual Adoration Chapel located near the house. Next, we needed to find a place. For months we searched for an Reflecting upon this time, the JYCH could affordable location in New York be summed up as a “beautiful struggle”. that would be within walking The month of communal The house greatly contributed to our distance of a Church and provide living presented many spiritual development by encouraging the opportunity to work with a lot of patience, listening and conflict the poor. Almost falling into challenges, particularly resolution among the different desperation, we brought it up as people began to personalities within the house. The during a Jesus Youth gathering month of communal living presented and that’s when a couple of our understand each other’s many challenges, particularly as people elders opened up their home strengths and weaknesses. began to understand each other’s to us. We were really touched strengths and weaknesses. Yet, the Lord particularly when the husband Yet, the Lord consistently consistently encouraged us towards offered to live elsewhere during reconciliation, openness and forgiveness the month so that the house encouraged us towards in order to give us a taste of the oneness could be completely dedicated to reconciliation, openness shared within the Holy Trinity. women. and forgiveness in order While this experience lasted only a Once we had the house, a nation- to give us a taste of the month, it produced many fruits. Firstly, wide search began for potential it appears to have triggered other such boarders. Recommended by oneness shared within the communal living! The young men in the various regional Service teams, Holy Trinity. New York area have been talking about gathering together in the same house for a 9-day Novena in preparation to work for Mass at the local parish. Afterwards, we amongst the poor in the Bronx. There would return home and have a small time are also plans for young women from the of reflection on the day’s reading before JYCH who are seeking to live together cooking breakfast together. Through the day for 1-2 years in Chicago and Boston. we engaged in various activities, like private Moreover, this house has given us all a study, working with the Missionaries of Charity stronger sense of what it means to live in Harlem, spending time with local youth or an integrated life of the six pillars. May going through formation material. Sometimes the Holy Spirit continue to inspire more joined by our elders, we would have honest initiatives based on unity within our and open discussions within this Sisters’ Circle. beautiful movement. We found this time to be very valuable and Jaisy Joseph, USA

six young women joined the JYCH. In preparation, for a whole month material based on the writings of St. Edith Stein and Pope John Paul II concerning the dignity of women and their vocation were reflected upon. The material was also uploaded to a Facebook group, where more than 50 other young women from all over the US joined us in this process of reflection.

The JYCH officially began on 6th July 2011. In the weeks that followed, we would rise early to pray the Divine Office together before heading

JANUARY 2012 PAGE 11 AUSTRALIA The re-constitution was held on the final day of a 4-day growth retreat organised from 1-4 Dec. The new National Team has Navin Thomas as the Co-ordinator, Siju Mathew as the Asst. Co-ordinator, QATAR Fr. John Aravankara & Thomas Issac as the Animators and Nearly 60 leaders gathered on 7 Nov. for Fr. Thomas Areekuzhy as the Pastor. The new National Youth Co- the re-constitution. Jinto George was ordinator is Sidharth Jose and the new National Family Team has elected as the new National Co-ordinator Biju Kattikkaran & Preetha as the Co-ordinators. and Jinoy K. J. as the Asst. Co-ordinator. Lyju Varghese is the new Animator. Mr. and Mrs. Bosky George were elected as the new Co-ordinators of the Family Team and Denit was elected as the new Youth Co-ordinator.

NEW ZEALAND BRand Around 30 leaders gathered on a weekend to pray and discern the new National Team. The re-constituted team has Soji Joseph as the Co- ordinator, Ferdin Antony as the Asst. Co-ordinator and Fr. James Mulligan as the Pastor. The new Youth Team Co-ordinator is Francis Abraham and new the Family Team Co-ordinators are Saby & Jinsy. Teams

CANADA The National Team was re-constituted on 1 Oct. Boban Mathew was elected as the new Co-ordinator and Joseph Michael as the new Asst. Co-ordinator. Mimi Pukulakkat & Shone Boben were elected UK as the National Youth Team Co-ordinator and Asst. Co-ordinator The re-constitution of the JY UK respectively. Fr. Kurian Puramadathil is the National Pastor and National Team, Youth Team and Fr. Jose Thaiparambil is the Youth Team Pastor. Family Team took place from 18 to 20 November. Nearly 12 hours of Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament was held on the first evening prior to the time of discernment. The concluding USA A weekend gathering of leaders held from 8 -10 Oct. came to a close with the Mass ended with an anointing and prayerful discernment of the new National Teams for the next three years. The commissioning prayer for all the team Co-ordinator of Jesus Youth America is Sunil Nadarajan with Georgee Malayil and members. Jithin George leading the Family and Youth National Teams, respectively. GLOBAL NEWSWATCH

Discipleship Training, Ireland Youth Retreat, Canada

IRELAND CANADA University, the theme for which was ‘The  Discipleship Training Programme  Youth Retreat contribution of Movements to the New Evangelization’. There was a 100-strong The first ever DTP in Ireland was held in The Jesus Youth Teens team conducted the group of students from different countries Maynooth University Campus in Dublin Praise and Worship and helped with the Music including priests, nuns and lay people, in from 2 to 10 August 2011. Around 22 teen Ministry for the Shalom Festival Youth Retreat attendance. Rosmi, Lija, Fr. Sanoj and Fr. Jude leaders took part in the residential training held from 8 – 10 October at the St. Thomas made the presentation, which was in Italian. programme. George Devassy and Alexander Syro Malabar Parish, Toronto. The JY Campus A 20-minute interaction period followed the Kuruvilla were the key resource persons youth assisted with the Christeen and Kids’ presentation, which was quite well-received. helped by the Ireland Service Team and retreats. There were over 400 attendees from Sunil Varghese Family ministry. The programme turned out all over Toronto and neighbouring areas. to be a very fruitful and inspiring experience Boban Mathew USA for the participants and the volunteers. SWITZERLAND  Leaders’ Gathering, Chicago Arun George  ‘Growing in Faith’ Retreat From 8 to 10 October, around 120 family members NEW ZEALAND JY Switzerland organised a residential retreat and youth gathered in Chicago, IL to recollect from 11 to 13 November at Olten with the the past 3 years of Jesus Youth America, to look  ‘Ave Maria’ Rosary Campaign theme ‘Growing in Faith’. The programme was towards the coming years and to reconstitute The ‘Ave Maria’ Prayer Campaign was attended by about 50 youth from different the three National Teams. Special invitees for launched across 5 major cities of the regions and local parishes of Switzerland. the gathering included Henry Cappello, Manoj country in the month of October. The Many of the youngsters had attended the Sunny and Raiju Varghese. campaign, initiated by JY New Zealand, Rexband concert last summer and were  Annual Family Retreat, Northeast Region aimed at fostering and promoting love for interested in knowing more about Jesus The annual retreat held specifically for Jesus our Eucharistic Jesus and at bringing about a Youth and its spirituality. The main resource Youth families was organised from 24 to 27 revival in the devotion to our Blessed Mother. people were Fr. Andreas Gschwind, Fr. Thomas Nov. at the St. Peter’s Parish Retreat House There was a two-fold approach - one for the Widmer and other JY leaders from Europe. in Belleville, NJ. 60 participants attended clergy and the other for the laity. While the George Thomas this retreat based on the theme ‘Family laity from different parishes were asked to Rooted in Christ’. join in praying the Rosary daily for the whole ITALY  Weekend Retreat, Boston  month, priests were requested to offer their Presentation on Jesus Youth, Rome Over 20 prayer group members of the Boston daily Holy Mass for the intentions of the JY Roma was invited to make a presentation region attended a weekend retreat from 14-16 campaign which included prayers for the on the movement at the Salesian Pontifical October. A few from the ecumenical prayer group in NZ, for youth and families University in Rome on 16 Nov. 2011. The also attended this retreat. and for specific personal prayer intentions. occasion was the ‘Curriculum Day’ of the  WYD Reunion Gathering Department of Youth Ministry of the same Soji Joseph A month or two after WYD, those who had

‘Growing in Faith’ Retreat, Switzerland JY Presentation, Italy

JANUARY 2012 PAGE 13 GLOBAL NEWSWATCH

Youth Formation, Qatar Malacca Pilgrimage, Singapore

attended the 2011 came  ‘Youth Harvest 2011’, New Jersey  JY Sports Day together in their respective regions to recall A one-day programme for youth was conducted JY Sports Day was conducted on 18 Sept. at their experiences at Madrid and to share how at Incarnation St. James Church, Ewing, by the Changkat Primary School, Simei to increase their WYD experience was helping them grow Jesus Youth of Mid-atlantic and Northeast region the fellowship between ministries. in their relationship with God. It was also a under the leadership of Fr. Santosh O.Ss.T.  JY Family Retreat time to re-connect with their fellow pilgrims. Princy Abraham Twenty-two JY families attended a family  All Saints’ Day Celebration, Illinois QATAR retreat from 21 to 23 Oct. at the Choice In an effort to bring back the true meaning Retreat Centre. Elvis and Priya Kottooran  Middle East Team Meeting of the famous American holiday Halloween, led the retreat for couples. Alice Mathew The Middle East Team Meeting was held parents, youth, and kids from various parishes and Bony Joseph from the Angels’ Army in Doha from 20 - 21 October. The team came together on 29 October at the St. Thomas Team led the retreat for children. constituting of country co-ordinators and Syro-Malabar Catholic Church to celebrate the  ‘Lumina’ - One-day Programme representatives from Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, lives of the saints, pray for our departed and for Jesus Youth Working Ministry organised Qatar, Saudi Arabia and UAE came together to the souls in purgatory. Everyone came dressed ‘Lumina’, a one-day programme for the pray and discuss about future initiatives. On in saints’ costumes. migrant workers in Singapore on 26 21 Oct., a Chain Rosary and an Adoration were  One-day Retreat, Milwaukee October at St. Francis of Assisi Church Hall, A one-day retreat geared towards tenth graders conducted by the families and youth to pray for all Middle East countries. Boon Lay. More than 100 migrant workers from Latin parishes in Milwaukee was held on 5 attended this gathering which was led by November at Mary Queen of Heaven, West Ellis.  Youth Formation Programme A formation programme for youth is being Elvis Kottooran. Fifteen youngsters took part in the retreat.  ‘Rejoice’ – Initial Youth Retreat  JY Gathering, Southeast Region conducted once every month. Twenty-six youth from different regions are participating Nine Singaporeans, including two non- A gathering of Jesus Youth from Florida Catholics, gathered at the Choice Retreat (Tampa, Jacksonville and Miami) and Atlanta in this programme. An outreach to camps was also organised as part of this formation. Centre from 5 – 7 November to know, was held from 12 – 13 November at the Holy experience and share the love of God. Spirit Church, Jacksonville. Nearly 30 people Jinto George C. C. Joseph and George Devassy led the took part in the gathering. SINGAPORE sessions and discussions.  Youth Conference, Indianapolis  Malacca Pilgrimage Shimy Stephen From 17 - 19 Nov., over 23,000 young Catholics JY Singapore initiated a pilgrimage on 9 UAE from all over the United States gathered in August to the historic city of Malacca in Indianapolis, Indiana for the National Catholic Malaysia, which is sanctified by the footsteps  Annual Gathering Youth Conference (NCYC) and National Catholic of St. Francis Xavier. A hundred JY’s visited the Around 1300 Jesus Youth from 8 different Collegiate Conference (NCCC). Several Jesus Red Square, St. Paul’s Hill, and the St. Francis regions of UAE came together to celebrate Youth participated in this event. Xavier Church on the day. their Annual Gathering on 2 December.

Retreat, Milwaukee, USA WYD Reunion (Midwest), USA Annual Gathering, UAE GLOBAL NEWSWATCH

‘Darshan 2011’, Oman National Animators’ Training, India

Based on the theme of the Great Commission inception of the movement in UK. A day Catholic Church, Ghala, St. Peter & Paul (Mk. 16:15), the programme was directed of prayer and thanksgiving was organised Catholic Church, Ruwi and St. Francis Xavier at helping every JY present - kids, teens, across the country to pray and remember Catholic Church, Salalah. In total, more than youth and families – to live out ‘Every Jesus the numerous Jesus Youth who had migrated 200 families participated in these retreats. Youth, a missionary’. Besides presentations to this country over the past 10 years with a Santhosh Chittilapilly and Sali Santhosh were on ‘Mission’ by various regions and the mission to proclaim their faith. the main resource persons. National Co-ordinator, the day also saw a  Musical Evening, Berwick-upon-Trent  National Family Leaders’ Meet wonderful time of Praise and Worship, Holy As an outreach initiative, a musical evening A gathering of leaders was organised by the Mass and a special performance by UAE’s was held in the north most city of England on National Family Team from 7 - 8 November music band, the ‘Covenant Singers’. 30 September. Around 40 local parishioners at the Holy Spirit Catholic Church, Ghala. 30  ‘iReflect’ attended the programme. families attended the gathering.  On 4, 5 and 6 November, a residential youth  Night Vigil, London Half-yearly Evaluation Meeting retreat was organised at St. Mary’s Church, Thirty-five key leaders from different regions A 24-hour Rosary vigil was held on 28 October Al Ain. It drew the participation of over 200 of Oman came together at the Holy Spirit in a parish in London. More than 200 people youngsters from all the regions of UAE. The Catholic Church, Ghala on 26 Nov. to evaluate from various nationalities and parish groups programme was led by Bro. Jude Antoine from the past 6 months and to plan for the coming got involved and took the initiative to pray. Malaysia and Dony Peter. months. Fr. Kristhudas inaugurated the The day also included celebration of the  Missionary Training Programme gathering and Mrs. Lina Fernandez gave a Eucharist and Adoration, and a special time Thirty-five youngsters underwent a 40- session on True Leadership. of worship and sharing for youth. day training programme (MTP) to equip Anto L. Puthur Abhy Thomas themselves for a year-long weekend INDIA commitment for the Lord. As part of their OMAN  National Leaders’ & Animators’ mission exposure, they will now visit parts of  ‘Darshan 2011’ Training, 2011 Africa or India. On their return they will spend An initial level programme was held from Pallotti Home, Goa was home to two every weekend of the next one year travelling 31 Aug. to 2 Sept. at the Holy Spirit Catholic important JY India trainings recently. From to a different mission place in the country. Church, Ghala. Nearly 300 youth from 16-25 November, the National Leaders’ P. V. Jojo different parts of Oman attended this Training was conducted with 26 leaders from programme, which was led by Joshy M.A. from UK different regions. Almost simultaneously the India. Fr. Albert De Silva, Fr. Baby Mathew and national level animators’ training took place  Jesus Youth UK completes 10 years Fr. Kristhudas were the other key speakers. from 19-25 November with 21 participants On the feast of the Nativity of the Blessed  ‘Walk in the Light’ Retreats including both JY pastors and lay animators. Virgin Mary, i.e. 8 Sept. 2011, Jesus Youth A series of initial retreats for families was The Commissioning Ceremony held on the UK completed the 10th Anniversary of the held in Sept. and Oct. in the Holy Spirit final day was graced by Most Rev. Filipe Neri

Family Retreat, Oman ‘Cultural Exchange’ Programme 2011, India

JANUARY 2012 PAGE 15  

GLOBAL NEWSWATCH

‘Revive’, , Australia Teens’ Retreat, Kuwait

Ferrao, the Archbishop of Goa and Daman. Fasting, Rosary Walks, Pilgrimage to Our Lady  Ministry Leaders’ Training  Mission Nurses’ Training of Ta Pinu Marian Centre, Bacchus Marsh and About 70 leaders took part in the Ministry Leaders’ From 14 to 30 October, the 4th Mission Rosary Night Vigil. The fiesta culminated on 29 Training (MLT -2011) organised in Doha from 31 Aug. Nurses’ Training was held at CST Generalate, October with celebrations at the St. Francis De – 2 Sept. Manoj Sunny was the resource person for Thrikkakara with twelve participants from Sales Parish, Oak Park. this 3-day residential programme. across the country. Following a 3-day retreat  ‘In His Radiance’, Perth  JY Festival by Fr. Abraham Pallivathukal S.J., the A retreat based on the verse ‘I am the radiance A JY festival was organised on 9 Sept. at the remaining days helped the group to explore of God’s glory’ was attended by nearly 20 Indian Public School, Salmiya, to commemorate their hidden talents, skills and potential youth from 2 – 4 September. Fr. George Mother Mary’s birthday and also to celebrate to become efficient missionaries. Kumblumootil was the main resource person. the festival of Onam. About 150 active members  ‘Cultural Exchange’ Programme 2011  Jericho Trip, Sydney participated. Nearly 145 youth from different parts of India As part of the ‘Rosarium Fiesta’ celebrations,  ‘Bethzetha’ came to Kerala to participate in this year’s JY Sydney went on a day-long intercessory A one day programme for medical professionals Exchange Programme. The welcome ceremony bus pilgrimage around Sydney on 15 October - ‘Bethzetha’, was organised at the City and orientation were held at the Divine to pray for the city. The twenty youth set off Cathedral on 29 October. Siljo Thomas was the Retreat Centre on 10 December. At the close from Holy Spirit Church, North Ryde and also resource person for this programme with nearly of their stay, a final gathering was held at stopped to pray at Mary MacKillop Memorial 400 participants. Cherthala from 28 Dec. – 1 Jan. Chapel, where the tomb of Saint Mary of the Dinoy David Antony A.J. Cross is located. AUSTRALIA  ‘Revive’, Sydney As part of ‘Revive’, a 3-day residential  ‘Making and Becoming Saints’, Brisbane family retreat and a 2-day youth retreat was A three-day family retreat was held from 26 organised between 19-21 August at Edmund to 28 August at the Frederick Marsden Centre. Rice Retreat Centre, Mulgoa, NSW. 16 families The resource ream of Fr. George Kumblumootil and 15 youth participated respectively. Fr. and Elvis Kottooran helped the participating George Kumblumootil and Elvis Kottooran families to get a new vision of living the Catholic formed the resource team. faith as a family and to renew their marriage Mayrose Abraham covenant of becoming and making saints. KUWAIT  ‘Arise’11’, Adelaide  Discipleship Formation Programme A teens camp was organised at the Rostrevor A Disciplesip Formation Programme was College from 26 to 28 August. Fr. Bony organised at the Ahmadi Parish from 3 – 19 Abraham and Dr. Priya Allencherry catered to August. Thirty-two members from various part the 40 odd enthusiastic participants . of the country participated in this programme  ‘Living a Christo-Centric Life’, Melbourne led by Joshy M. A. from Kerala. Desiring to live a ‘Christo-Centric Life’, 26  Teens’ retreat families and 23 youth came together at Blessed Virgin Mary, A Teen’s retreat - ‘Yes Lord’ - with 450 you gazed at the face of your Campaspe Downs Country Resort, Kenetton participants, was organised by the Youth team from 13 to 15 August. Fr. George Kumblumootil at Carmel School. The main resource persons new born child and your and Elvis Kottooran led the group in these were Vijay (Bangalore) and Rajesh (Fujairah). heart was at peace. Intercede days of prayer and learning.  Family Retreat for us that we may continue  ‘Rosarium Fiesta’, Melbourne A family retreat was conducted under the to seek the face of Your To promote daily rosary among the Catholics guidance of Fr. Jose Kottayil and Prof. V. M. precious Son and our Lord in Melbourne, 30 Jesus Youth gathered George from 24 – 27 November at the Carmel Jesus, despite the distractions regularly in the month of October. Their main School and the City Cathedral. Around 150 of this world. Amen. activities included Rosary gatherings, Chain families participated in the retreat.

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