A MISSIONARY

MOVEMENT
AT THE SERVICE
OF THE CHURCH
WWW.JESUSYOUTH.ORG

December’04-March’05

Towards a
Eucharistic
“In the humble signs of bread and
wine, changed into his body and
blood, Christ walks beside us as our
strength and our food for the journey,
and he enables us to become, for

Spirituality
everyone, witnesses of hope.”
Pope John Paul II
(cf. 62 Ecclesia de Eucharista)

“The Church draws her life from the Eucharist.”

(Ecclesia de Eucharista)

These opening words of Pope John Paul II in Ecclesia de Eucharista

stand true for the Jesus Youth movement. Wherever Jesus Youth
Pilgrimage of Faith ’05 come together, for retreats, initial encounter programmes, reach
A Jesus Y outh Jour
Youth ney of Faith in
Journey out programmes, trainings or talent ministries, the Eucharist
the W ake of W
Wake orld Y
World outh Day 2005
Youth always takes centre stage. The adoration of the Blessed
Sacrament invariably becomes the high point of every
The first ever extensive Jesus Youth programme – a source of healing and transformation in the lives
Pilgrimage of its kind, ‘Pilgrimage of of thousands of youth. Moreover, any Jesus Youth would gladly
Faith 2005’ offers you 3 different recount at least one inspiring experience about the power of the
options to choose from. Eucharist in his/her life.
Option 1 - Ger many
Germany In this context, the Year of the Eucharist, takes on an added
• Youth Arise International Festival significance for the entire movement, especially in the light of
(Aug.11 - 14) the Pope’s prediction in his apostolic letter Spiritus et Sponsa
• Jesus Youth International Gathering that a “Eucharistic spirituality” would develop within the Church.
(Aug.15 -16) The entire Jesus Youth movement is, in a sense, readying itself
• World Youth Day Celebrations to embrace this Eucharistic spirituality – on a personal as well
(Aug.16 - 21) as a community level. This becomes manifest in two ways -
through a deepening of the Eucharistic experience among those
Option 2 - Ger many
many,, Italy
Germany in the movement, and through a rekindling of the Eucharistic
• Option 1+Pilgrimage to Rome ‘amazement’ among the youth all over the world. Already Jesus Youth
The two alternate dates you can in India have launched the National Eucharistic Project 2005 – a unique
choose for your Rome pilgrimage are initiative that focuses on setting up 24 - hour Eucharistic adoration centres
either (Aug. 7 - 11) or ( Aug. 21 - 25) in all the states of India. The initiative involves Jesus Youth full-time
volunteers, the laity, and the local priests and bishops. In addition, a host of
Option 3 - Ger many
many,, Italy
Germany Italy,, France
programmes to motivate young people to “make contact with the wellspring of
• Option 1 & 2+ Pilgrimage to France
grace” are under way.
Germany ( Aug. 11 - 21) France ( Aug.
21 - 25) Rome ( Aug. 25 - 29) The focus on the power of the Eucharist will also be the right response for Jesus Youth
amidst a world of calamities, terror, war and violence, enabling young people to be “witnesses
of hope” for everyone. As the guidelines of the Congregation of Divine Worship puts it : “If the fruit of
this year were only to revitalize in all the Christian communities the celebration of the Sunday Mass
and to increase Eucharistic adoration outside of the Mass, this year of grace would have attained a
significant result.”
Inside Stuff
! Eucharistic Spirituality
“ The Eucharist… Here the Lord gives Himself
completely without holding back. The very
thought lifts us up and brings an awesome
“As a non-Catholic, the teaching on the Holy
Eucharist had a tremendous impact on me.
During the Eucharistic celebration I now see the Almighty God
! Heart Talk awareness of His abundant love. We come from taking the form of ordinary bread so that we can hold Him in
a non-Christian background, and consider our hearts. I find His most intimate love here, when He comes
! Jesus Youth Lifestyle ourselves immensely blessed. The Lord came to meet me personally. Even though I used to go to Mass
into our lives to reveal Himself as the one true everyday, I had to wait for eight years, until my first Holy
! Being Jesus Youth God, and later blessed us with His sacraments. Communion last May, to receive him. Now the house where I

! JY Int’l Team Meeting

“
Today we realize the truth of what the Catechism
says: “ The Eucharist is the source and summit
of the Christian life. (CCC1324)
! Ripples of the Spirit Binu Ashokan & Neethu - An active Jesus Youth
couple, they are settled in Mumbai, India. Binu,
! Global Newswatch an engineer working in a software consultancy,
is also the co-ordinator of JY Mumbai.
“
stay in Santvana Community has perpetual Eucharistic
Adoration every day of the year! Our God is such a faithful
God! All praise and glory be to Him!
Jini Lobo - An electrical engineer, Jini was active in the JY
campus ministry. She and her husband Naveen Lobo are
missionaries in the Santvana Community in Agra, India.
contd. on page 3 !
1

The XX World Youth Day and the International Jesus Youth
Gathering are drawing near. With preparations already
under way, it has been a time of unprecedented travelling
for me. And often, uncomfortably long periods away from
my family. Amidst the hectic schedules, countless meetings and inspiring
events, three extraordinarily enriching encounters come to mind.
It was my first trip to Australia, where a Jesus Youth lifestyle is slowly taking
root. In between a series of Jesus Youth programmes, Fr. John Aravankara,
the JY Pastor arranged for us an audience with His Excellency Christopher
Prowse, the Auxiliary Bishop of Melbourne. The Bishop welcomed us with an
open heart and shared his vision and his personal motto, “Only Jesus”. Then,
to our amazement, he knelt down and requested us to pray over him for an
infilling of the Holy Spirit. Later, he put our heads close together and made a
touching prayer for the unity of the Church. It was an encounter that left us
more humbled than ever, reminding us of the great responsibility of Jesus
Youth to work for the unity of the Church.
Two weeks later, we were in Cologne, surrounded by some of the most revered
cardinals and ecclesial figures, at the WYD preparatory meeting. His Eminence
Cardinal Joachim Meisner, the Archbishop of Cologne, spoke about how they
Message
I am pleased to know about Jesus Youth International and very happy that our Indian youth are becoming messengers of the Good News to
people in other countries also. I have been very impressed by their love for God and His Church, their commitment to evangelization and
their zeal and generosity in the service of others, particularly in the area of religion and spirituality. It is a source of great hope for the Church
in India and for the Universal Church.
I wish Jesus Youth International all the best, and pray that the Spirit of God may take them to greater heights in the service of God and His
people and enable them to witness to the bountiful love of God.
Most Rev. Vincent M. Concessao, Archbishop of Delhi
f o r a l i f e t i m e Jesus Youth - as I see them
R e f l e c t i o n s o n t h e d e f i n i n g c h a r a c t e r i s t i c s o f J e s u s Yo u t h
My initiation into the Catholic Charismatic Renewal in the year 1976 was an
experience of great comfort and healing. The deep awareness and conviction
that Jesus is Lord and Saviour led me to bring others into the Renewal. Young
as I was, I joined other committed youngsters, and together we reached out to
the youth in Bombay.
Even before Jesus Youth got its name, there was among its members, a close-
knit fellowship. We also had powerful outreach programmes. In a place like
Bombay, where everyone is on his own, the fellowship and mutual sense of
belonging was a powerful factor in the prayer groups. People cared for one
another selflessly. Members had the freedom to share their struggles and also
to seek help. I have many refreshing memories of that time.
Another aspect that struck me was the great respect they had for one another.
There were hardly any complaints about misconduct within the youth groups.
The youth were responsible to themselves. As Jesus Youth began to grow in
number, we ourselves couldn’t help wondering how this healthy relationship
between young men and women was maintained. The only answer we arrived
at was that since the Holy Spirit changes a person from within, he naturally
becomes responsible to himself. And when there were occasional instances of
errant behaviour, they were dealt with in a responsible and effective manner.
An important dimension of this youth initiative is that everyone involved is
evangelistic by conviction. They are always on the look out for opportunities to
2
were forced to shift the venue of the WYD Night Vigil to Marienfeld within
Cologne. Though the team was disappointed at first, they later discovered
that the main stage at the new venue was exactly where a monastery of
cloistered monks stood four hundred years ago! Here was an anointed place,
where the canticles of devout monks rang out six times a day. Cardinal Meisner
wondered whether the simple monks had ever imagined that their prayers
would draw one million young worshippers from all over the world four centuries
later. Isn’t it amazing to think that even the tiniest prayer has its place in God’s
heart where it patiently waits for His time? And isn’t there a lesson in this for us
who are dejected when we don’t get immediate results in our ministries?
The third encounter was a recent meeting with a US Ambassador. He
enthusiastically enquired about our work in Asia and its scope. And the man
who held one of the highest diplomatic offices representing the most powerful
nation in the world insisted that we pray together. As we bowed our heads in
prayer, I thanked God for this man who openly expressed his faith even in his
exalted official capacity. How many of us would have the courage to do the
same?
Finally, this has been a tough period for me. When your ministry, actions, plans...
your very motives are misunderstood, the only thing to do I discovered, is to
cling to Jesus; to focus closely on the Holy face of Jesus instead of dwelling
on the endless accusations. I also experienced the love of many in the Jesus
Youth family who prayed for me; prayers that helped me smile at the accusations
and say with St. Paul: “Who can separate me from the love of Christ?”
Manoj Sunny
Co-ordinator, Jesus Youth International Team
share the Good News of liberation in and through Jesus Christ to everyone
who comes their way.
Holiness has become a prime objective for Jesus Youth. With a steady and
committed prayer life, study and reflection of the Word of God and regular
reception of the Holy Sacraments, they keep growing, carefully confronting
their failings and areas of sin.
There is something graceful one can sense immediately on meeting a Jesus
Youth. The other day two of us were riding a two-wheeler and we stopped a
young man to ask for directions. And as we proceeded, my friend commented,
“That chap is either a Jesus Youth or a seminarian.” The next day we met the
young man again in church, and learnt that he was a seminarian Jesus Youth!
The smile, serenity and helpful attitude...are always to be seen in Jesus Youth.
As a youth animator, I am proud of all the Jesus Youth whom I know. They are
truly the promise of the Church and of the nation!
Baby Chacko
A former Air Force personnel, he is a full-time itinerant
missionary and one of the most senior JY animators.
Fondly known as Babychayan, he has played a
significant role in shaping JY leaders, specially the
JY Full Time Volunteers.

Sunil Nadarajan and Dr. Sindhu
Subhadra have come a long way in
their walk of faith. Both of them hail
from Hindu families. Sunil is a
computer engineer based in Chicago,
where they live with their two children,
Rose and John Paul. Sindhu, a
stalwart of the JY Pro-life movement,
got involved in Jesus Youth while in
Medical School. The two of them are
very active in the Jesus Youth of
America. Some excerpts from an
interview.
Newsletter Team: Tell us about your
initial experience with the Lord.
Sindhu: I was very religious and had
a strong faith in God even as a child.
My father was a Hindu priest and I
used to help him with pujas and other
rituals. I studied in a Catholic school,
but it was from my mother that I
received the first seeds of Christian
faith. She used to frequent St.
Anthony’s Church for the Novena.
Gradually, her conviction that we
would receive whatever we ask of
St. Anthony in faith, sank into my
heart. Thus, with the desire to excel
in my studies, I also started going for
the Novena. It was during the course
of these visits that I had my initial
exposure to the Christian faith.
Sunil: I wasn’t a Jesus Youth as a
student in TKM Engineering College.
But it was there that I learnt to pray
the Rosary. I attended the last couple
of Jesus Youth prayer meetings
before I finished my course. I didn’t
give my life to Christ then, but was
convinced that Jesus is the only
Saviour. When I got a job in Mumbai,
my room mates were Jesus Youth.
contd. from page 1 !
being jesus youth
Daring to choose Jesus.
There I attended my
first retreat. After I
arrived in the US,
my relationship with
Jesus, Mother Mary
and the Catholic
Church became
strong, and God has
been leading me ever
since.
NT: Sindhu, how did you become a
Jesus Youth?
Sindhu: During my third year at
Kottayam Medical College, I met two
students Sini and Rani who were very
different from others; they were so
loving and pleasant. I learnt that they
were Jesus Youth. Sini and I became
close friends. She used to talk about
Jesus. I was really amazed at her
relationship with Him. One day she
told me about a campus meet she
had attended, and of her devotion to
the Eucharist and the Rosary. That
night when I got to my room, I invited
Jesus into my life. It was 31st July
1993. I then began reading the Bible
not just for information, but for life.
About the same time I heard of
the conversion of two notorious
characters in the campus, Dr. Mathew
(now studying for priesthood) and
Dr. Julio (presently an animator, JY
UK). Their conversion brought
tremendous changes in the campus.
I went to the Jesus Youth prayer group
to find out what had caused them to
change. Gradually, with the fellowship
and love I received from the Jesus
Youth there, I too adopted a Jesus-
centred lifestyle. I was drawn to Jesus
in the Eucharist, and had a deep
desire to receive Jesus in the
sacrament. I used to go for Mass
every day and it hurt when I could not
physically receive Him. I knew that
potassium cyanide was so potent that
a drop of it could cause instant death.
I thought to myself that the Lord Jesus
was so much more potent that surely
He could permeate every cell of a
person’s body. So great was my
longing and such was my faith in the
power of Jesus present in the just three days a week, my mother
Eucharist, that I used to touch my reminded me that we didn’t have any
friends and receive Jesus hugs from money to give as dowry. I assured
them when they had received her that God would not put to shame
communion! those who trusted in Him. Sure
enough, God brought Sunil into my
NT: How did your families react to
life. It was really His plan that I didn’t
this change of faith?
study any further. He knew where I
Sindhu: My family had no problem
was headed. When I got married I
believing in Jesus as one among
moved to America, where only an
many other gods. But sparks did fly,
MBBS Degree is recognised.
like when there were rumours that I
had got baptized. But they were NT: How did God lead you to
pacified when I promised them that I marriage? What were you looking
would not receive baptism without for in your partner?
their consent (and I did keep my Sindhu: I was like any other girl. Even
word). after coming to Christ, I had my own
dreams and expectations of the man
Sunil: My family accepted my change.
I’d marry. I gave Jesus a list of the
However, when we go for family
qualities I wanted in my partner and
functions and so on, we are seen as
said, “Here now, make my partner”.
Christian converts. We don’t get the
Gently Jesus asked me, “Which of
kind of appreciation that others get.
these qualities are required for the
But then that is part of the price.
Kingdom of God?” I realized my folly
NT: Sindhu, while in Kerala, you and tore up the list. Three years later
when I had to take a decision
played a vital role in the Jesus Youth
regarding my marriage, I made
Pro-life ministry. Tell us about it.
another list with just three qualities.
Sindhu: It was tough. Initially I had a
He should be a Catholic, be devoted
lot of intellectual doubts, but I got the
to Our Lady and should love God
conviction that life is to be protected.
more than he loved me. When I first
When, as a student I was posted in
met Sunil I was a bit apprehensive.
abortion clinics, I insisted that I
But then, we discussed every aspect
wouldn’t do abortions, assist in
of our lives and I was really amazed
contraceptive surgeries or propagate
by his love for the Church and the
them. I had arguments and
Eucharist. He even had more insights
disagreements with my professors
than me on pro-life.
and pro-abortion colleagues. My
professors even threatened to
Sunil: An introvert by nature, and
withhold my degree, but it was really
being very possessive it would have
worth it. We managed to dissuade
been very difficult for me to accept
many who came to these clinics for
someone as outgoing, and active in
abortions. It was rewarding when we
the ministry as Sindhu. But during
got invited to the baptism and
that initial period in Chicago, God
bir thday celebrations of such
moulded me till I was ready to accept
children. The Pro-life ministry started
anyone He wanted me to marry.
off with awareness programmes. We
When we first met, she seemed rather
then began to train people, release
disinterested. But during the course
brochures, pamphlets, etc. After I got
of our discussion she lit up when I
my medical degree, instead of opting
spoke of my priorities and my faith.
for post graduation, I chose to work
part time for three years, so that I NT: Speaking of priorities, how do
could be more involved in the ministry. you balance your career, your
It was a tough decision, but I had family, and your work in the
prayed over it. Seeing that I worked ministry?
contd. on page 4 !

“ With my Protestant background, I had never encountered the Blessed

Sacrament or celebrated Holy Mass. It was when I became a part of the
Jesus Youth Prayer group in TKM Engineering College that I yearned to
“ Even before I was baptized into the Catholic Church, I experienced the
understand the mystery of the Holy Eucharist. And even though I regularly
went for Eucharistic adoration, there were doubts in my mind. Then one
week I happened to spend an extraordinarily long time before the Eucharist.
It was a glorious experience. I did not talk to Jesus. Neither did He talk to
“
me. Yet His love was flowing and His presence was unmistakable. Even
today it is hard to explain, but I knew it in my heart. Later the abundant
peace and joy in my heart confirmed the experience.
Roshan Thomas - A mechanical engineer by profession, Roshan is currently
working in Chennai, India.
crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus in the Eucharist during a retreat. And
for many years, though I used to go for Mass everyday, one of the saddest
things in my life was that I couldn’t receive Holy Communion. And finally
after God gave me the opportunity to be baptized and receive Jesus, I was
so overjoyed that I spent three days before the Eucharist in fasting and
prayer. And God was so good to me that he gave me a life partner, Leena “
who also came from a non-Christian background with a deep Eucharistic
experience like mine.Today, the Holy Eucharist is our source of strength.
Ratnakaran Stephen & Leena - Active leaders of JY Australia, Steve &
Leena are professionals settled in Sydney.
3

Reviving Delhi
Ripples of the Spirit
It was in 1993 that a few Jesus Youth
from Kerala who arrived in the city of
Delhi in search of career prospects
began to gather together to share,
intercede and pray. By 1994, besides
a few one-day programmes, a regular
intercession every Thursday was
initiated in the Cathedral building. In
1997, a mega youth conference in
English - Youth Fest ’97 - animated by
Rexband became the first event to
reach out to the general youth of Delhi.
Through music, skits and testimonies,
this programme helped many
youngsters to make a choice for
Jesus. Slowly the Jesus Youth lifestyle
challenged some of the young people
of India’s capital city to set apart time
from their busy schedules for the Lord.
Rosenet (a Rosary campaign), was
launched in 1998, and one million
Rosaries were prayed for the
contd. from page 3 !
Sunil: The software industry is highly
lucrative, with attractive incentives
and perks. I began my career with a
desire to make money. When I first
came over to the US, I used to work
long hours. Several months later, on
reflection, I realised that God hadn’t
brought me here just to earn money. I
decided to give first priority to God,
and began to set apart time for the
ministry. Ever since, I have been
blessed in everything I do. Today I
earn ten times more than what I had
set my eyes on initially. As Project
Leader, I am entrusted with some of
the toughest projects, for they know I
can be depended on. Sometimes
it is tough and I still work 17 hours
occasionally, but only when I need to
meet a deadline so that I can take a
week off to be present at some JY
programme. At such times, Sindhu is
very supportive. And of course I can
4
evangelization of India. Today Jesus
Youth reaches out to the youth of Delhi
through diverse ministries like
Intercession, Outreach, Nurses, Pro-
life, Couples, Music and Audio Visual.
North Indian Evangelization Training
P ro g r a m m e ( N E T ) i n H i n d i ,
Discipleship Training Programme
(DTP) in English, Nurses’ gathering,
and formation programmes are
conducted every year.
The vastness of the city, the diverse
occupations and the hectic lifestyle
of the youth, called for a setting apart
of more time, and greater involvement
from the Jesus Youth. The Delhi Jesus
Youth Volunteers responded to this
need in the year 1998. 20 young
people came forward, for a month’s
intensive training. Then, over the next
year they spent the time they could
see the way God blesses my family
and my career.
NT: Inspite of your many financial
commitments why do you persist
in giving tithes ?
Sunil: Whatever we have is given to
us by God. He has been very faithful
to our needs. So we use whatever
we have for His glory. We are
accountable to God for the way we
spend the money He has given us.
Sindhu: One of the first things I learnt
was tithing which I have been
practising right from my early days
in Jesus Youth. God slowly taught me
that tithing is not to be limited to
money, but should include our time,
our talents, in fact everything we
have. We are accountable to God for
every resource that he has given us.
NT: It seems rather crazy that
Sindhu, a qualified doctor, doesn’t
work. Why such a choice?
set apart from their jobs to visit
parishes, campuses, prayer groups
and communities, to share their God
experience, and so help youth to
invite Jesus into their lives. In August
2004, the seventh batch of volunteers
was commissioned and they are now
serving in different parts of the city.
Over the last seven years, 140
volunteers have come forward in all.
In November 2004, the youth retreat
‘Revival’ and a concert, animated and
performed by Rexband drew quite a
number of fresh youth and gave them
Sunil: We have received so much,
this choice is only natural. One
consideration was the ministry. If it
had to grow, someone had to pay the
price. So many people had invested
their time, talent and energy in
forming us. We felt it only right to do
the same. The other thing was family.
When we enter into marriage, we are
entrusted with the family. Money can
never buy the love and care that we
alone can give our children, In the
American context, with both parents
working, it is virtually impossible to
give attention to the children. So we
are very clear about our priorities.
God comes first, the family next and
everything else only after that. It’s not
that she won’t ever take up a career.
When in time she does, it will be for
service, not money.
NT: What makes your marriage
work?
Sunil & Sindhu: There are three
persons involved in our marriage.
an experience of the Jesus Youth
lifestyle. Besides this, projects
like Pro-life Exhibitions, Outreach
programmes and round the clock
adoration of the Eucharist were key
initiatives of the Jesus Youth of Delhi
in 2004.
The Jesus Youth of Delhi is mainly a
floating population. After getting a God
experience in Delhi, many of these
youth move to other parts of the world
for better career prospects or
educational purposes, and wherever
they go, they carry with them this zeal
for evangelization. During one of the
commissioning ceremonies of the full-
timers, His Grace, Archbishop Vincent
M. Concessao remarked, “This trend,
of training young people for
evangelization will certainly help them
become more deeply aware of their
mission and make the Church truly an
evangelizing Church, as it should be”.
Let us pray that the ripples of the Holy
Spirit will continue to transform the city
of Delhi.
Sunil, Sindhu and God. It is God who
sees us through all our trials. We
always pray to Our Lady for strength,
wisdom and courage to run our family,
and we pray the rosary often. The
binding force in our marriage is the
Eucharist. One decision we took after
our marriage was to go for Holy Mass
together and pray together everyday,
no matter what. The Eucharist is what
sustains our marriage. And when we
have disagreements, we resolve them
at the earliest. We are not just husband
and wife, but also each others’
guardian angels.
NT: What message would you like
to give Jesus Youth the world over?
Sunil: Live a Christian life. This is the
greatest challenge for us in today’s
world.
Sindhu: Let God lead you. Do not hold
back anything. Give yourselves fully
to Him. Love Him with all your strength,
all your energy, all your life.
Global
GlobalNewswatch
Newswatch and their parish priest are working
hard to build a strong fellowship
among the youth in their parish.

USA participants. Ms. Fiona Mansford,

One-Day Programmes
A one-day retreat for the youth was
held on 23 rd October 2004 at
Baltimore, Maryland. The retreat
focused on Christian commitment.
Separate sessions were held for the
youth and the younger children. On
13th November 2004, several youth
from the Boston, Massachusetts area
gathered for a one-day retreat, during
which they learned more about God’s
love, and were challenged to take up
active roles in the Church.
The Jesus Youth in the East coast
gathered for their bimonthly meeting
on 20th November 2004. The theme
of the Holy Eucharist was meditated
upon, guided by Brother Isaac, a
Franciscan who shared his insights
on seeing Jesus in the Eucharist and
in the people around us, especially
the disadvantaged.
UK
Revival in London
A new wave of the Holy Spirit led to
many programmes being planned
and held in London. As part of the JY
UK activities in the South Zone, the
Core Group of all the prayer groups
in London organised a one-day
programme at Sts. Anselm and
Cecilia Catholic Church, Holborn
(Central London), on 25th September
2004. More than 40 persons attended
the programme. The participants
were of a multi-cultural group, with
people from UK, India, Pakistan and
Russia. The main resource person for
the day was Mr. James Parker,
International Youth Minister and
member of the CCR of UK, along with
Ms. Kristina Cooper, Editor of the
Good News Magazine, a CCR-UK
publication. A Youth Meet was also
held for the JY in London at Sts. Mary
and Ethelburga Church, Barking, on
18 th Dec. 2004. There were forty
Rev. Fr. Sebastian Arikat (Pastor, JYI
and JYUK) and Dr. Julio were the
preachers.
Oman
World Youth Day Preparations
The Jesus Youth of Oman are
preparing to join youth from all over
the globe at the World Youth Day
pilgrimage to be held in Cologne in
August 2005. A WYD Oman Team has
been formed under the guidance of
Fr. Chacko Mannisseril, with the main
goal of making the youth of Oman
aware of WYD, and to prepare them
for this pilgrimage. For this purpose,
a colourful audiovisual presentation
has been prepared, and has been
shown in the various communities and
parishes. The team members are
offering daily Mass for the intentions
of the WYD. So also, Mass is being
offered for the WYD once a month in
all the parishes of Oman. The finance
wing of the team is striving to make
this pilgrimage economical and to
work out projects for supporting the
WYD participants. The JY Intercession
ministry is also initiating chain Rosary
and intercession for the WYD. They
also plan to organize adoration of the
Blessed Sacrament for the same
intention.
Bethel Meet 2004, Ghala
A two-day retreat for JY beginners
was organized by the JY in Ghala on
14th and 15th Oct. 2004 at Ghala. The
programme began with praise and
worship, followed by a talk by Rev.
Fr. Chacko Mannisseril, Parish Priest,
Holy Spirit Church Ghala. This was
followed by various talks interspersed
with many prayer and sharing
sessions. The retreat helped the youth
to recommit their lives to Christ, and
encouraged them to work for the Lord
as well as to set aside more time for
Him in personal prayer, scripture
reading, etc.
Salalah Outreach
On 26th November 2004, a team of 8
members reached out to the parish
of Salalah, which is 1000 kms away
from Muscat. As a result, a small
group was formed despite language
barriers, with youth from different
communities. These young people
Kuwait
Though small in number, the
committed JY in Kuwait are growing
steadily through their monthly
gatherings, weekly intercessions,
daily chain fasting, cell groups, etc.
The monthly chain prayer starts on the
last Thursday of every month at 6 a.m.
and continues till 6 a.m. of the next
day i.e. Friday. It began with 25
persons and now has 130 prayer
warriors who pray in their homes for
at least one hour during this time. The
first monthly Newsletter for JY Kuwait-
‘Streams’ was released during the
Onam celebrations on 27th August
2004. A spiritual book club has also
started functioning for the JY
members from November 2004
onwards. As part of the Christmas
celebrations, a spiritual crib was
made with prayers, charitable works,
jail and hospital visits etc., throughout
the Advent Season. Carols were also
performed in all the JY houses in
Kuwait.
India
Teens 2004 - Mangalore
‘Teens 2004 - A National Festival for
Teenagers’ was celebrated from Oct.
22nd to 24th at Pakshikare, Mangalore.
545 teenagers from Karnataka, Tamil
Nadu, Kerala and Andhra Pradesh
participated in this programme.
Through the sessions of Dr. Edward
Edezhath, Mr. Jose Sebastian, Adv.
Raiju Varghese and Br. Simon, the
participants were given a glimpse of
an ideal lifestyle for the new
generation, based on Jesus Youth
constants. The experiences shared by
the volunteers about their journey with
Jesus were truly motivating for the
teenagers. The par ticipants left
Pakshikare with great zeal and
enthusiasm to respond to Jesus’ call
in their lives.
Sunrise 2004 - Rajasthan
13th to 16th Nov. 2004 were days of
tremendous grace, when 865 youth
from Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and
Gujarat gathered under one roof to
exalt the Risen Lord and bask in His
abiding peace and joy at St. Anselm’s
Sr. Sec. School, Ajmer. The programme
based on the theme ‘Rise to touch the
Son’ was inaugurated by Rt. Rev.
Ignatius Menezes, Bishop of Ajmer-
Jaipur Diocese. The resource persons
for the programme included Br. Fritz
Mascarenhas, Director of Institute for
World Evangelization (ICPE), Rev.
Fr. Dheeraj Sabu, IMS, member of the
National Service Team and founder of
the Santvana Community, and Naveen
Lobo from the Santvana Community.
The powerful input sessions enabled
the participants to realize the immense
love of God the Father. The music
ministry from Karnataka added vitality
to the whole programme.
Golgotha 2004 - Nagpur
‘Golgotha 2004’ was organised and
conducted by the Jesus Youth in
Nagpur under the guidance of Rev.
Fr. George Kumbilumootil OP for the
states of Maharashtra and Gujarat and
other areas of Central India. Over 500
youth attended this convention held
from 11 th to 15 th Nov 2004. The
inaugural Mass which was celebrated
by Most Rev. Edwin Colaco, Bishop
of Amravati, was followed by
the for mal welcome ceremony
presided over by Most Rev. Abraham
Viruthakulangara, Archbishop of
Nagpur. The sessions of this
programme were based on the

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passionate love of God revealed at
Golgotha. Skits and video sessions
added colour to the convention. The
programme ended with Holy Mass
celebrated by Most Rev. Gerald
Almeida, Bishop of Jabalpur, during
which the participants were
commissioned to take a firm decision
to spread the Good News in their
respective life situations.
Campus on Fire - Kerala
‘Campus on Fire’, an initial level
programme for campus youth, was
conducted by the JY India Campus
Ministry in five different districts of
Kerala in October. The programme,
which was held in Ernakulam,
Kottayam, Muvattupuzha, Puthukkad
and Koothuparambu was attended by
1370 students in all. The theme of the
programme was “Jesus Christ is the
same yesterday, today, and forever”
(Heb:13-8). The main objective of
the programme was to lead the
youngsters to encounter God in a new
way, and to instill in them a thirst for
the Kingdom of God.
Programmes in West Bengal
A three-day retreat was held in Bandel
Parish, Hooghly, West Bengal, from
11th to 13th November 2004. There
were about 250 participants. Rev.
Fr. Tom Polackal SDB (Pastor of JY
Bangalore) and his team conducted
the retreat. A two-day training
programme for forty participants was
also held in the same place from
14th to 15th November 2004. Various
training modules were introduced
during the sessions, and a team was
formed to co-ordinate prayer groups
and to initiate other activities.
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JY Participation at ‘Kairos 2004’
750 Jesus Youth participated in the
National Youth Convention - ‘Kairos
2004’, organised by the National
Catholic Charismatic Youth Council at
Chennai from 27th to 30th Dec. 2004.
Besides leading a day’s music and
animating a Taize adoration, Rexband
also performed a live show for around
5000 participants.
UAE
Couples’ Cell Gathering
The Couples’ Ministry in Sharjah
organized a Couples’ Cell gathering
at the Sharjah National Park on 8th
October 2004. Thirty-two couples
along with their families took part in
this gathering. These couples will be
gathering on the first Thursday of
each month for prayer and fellowship.
Leaders’ Gathering
About forty active JY leaders got
together on 2nd and 3rd December
2004 for prayer and reflection.
Singapore
JY Representation in
Diocesan activities
JY representatives participated
in the Migration Sunday Mass and
celebrations organised by the
Archdiocesan Commission for Migrant
and Itinerant People (ACMI), held at
St. Michael’s Church on 19th Sept.
2004. 30 representatives from all the
JY ministries in Singapore also took
part in the SACCRE Plenary organised
by the Singapore Archdiocesan
Catholic Charismatic Renewal.
SACCRE Spiritual Director Rev. William
Goh mentioned the activities of
Jesus Youth in Singapore during his
presentation. JY was also represented
by 2 persons at the Mission Sunday
Mass organised by the Archdiocesan
Commission for Missionary Activity
(ACMA) at the Risen Christ Church,
Topayoh, Sinagpore.
Christmas Programme 2004
An annual Christmas programme and
midnight Mass in Malayalam was
organized by JY Singapore. About
‘
600 people participated in this
celebration at Marymount Chapel. The
presence of Rev. Fr. Thomas and Rev.
Fr. Benny was a blessing to all
present.
Workers’ Meet 2004
On 24th Oct. 2004, 200 youth working
in various companies and firms in
Singapore got together for the annual
one-day event of the Workers’ Ministry
-‘Snehapravaham’. The meet based
on the theme of God’s love was held
at the Boonlay Church Auditorium,
Singapore. The main resource person
for the meet was Rev. Fr. George
Kumbilumoottil OP (Professor, Nagpur
Seminary, India).
First Liners’ Leadership
Training Programme
Fifty active JY with potential for
leadership roles in the future, took part
in a two-day leadership training
programme at the Youth Centre,
Hougang, Sinagpore. The theme of
the programme was ‘Focused only on
the Lord’. The main resource persons
for the programme were Mr. Manoj
Sunny and Mr. C.C. Joseph, former
JY India Co-ordinator.
Rev. Fr. Thomas Mannarakath, who
was the spiritual director of the Jesus
Youth since it’s beginning in
Singapore, has been
transferred. We gratefully
acknowledge the
service he has rendered
to JY Singapore and
also pray that God may
bless his future ministry.
Australia
A co-ordinating team for JY Australia
was newly formed in December 2004.
The new team under the pastoral
guidance of Rev. Fr. John Aravankara,
has Rajesh T. George as the
Rajesh, Wilson, Steve (Co-ordinator, Sydney)
and Fr. John
co-ordinator, and Wilson Thomas and
Gene Thalappillil as the animators.
JY Couples’ Retreat
Twenty-five young couples came
together for a JY Couples’ Retreat
at the Yarra Theological Union,
Melbourne, on 11 th and 12 th Dec.
2004. The aim of the retreat was to
motivate them to live fuller family lives
rooted in the Lord. As the resource
persons shared experiences from
their lives and challenged the
participants, they received a deeper
conviction to live and witness to Him
in their daily lives.
General Youth Programme
This was a three - hour programme
targeting the Australian youth on 13th
December 2004 at St. Gerard’s
Church, Melbourne. There were 15
participants. The core message of the
programme was on enjoying life in its
fullness with Christ. C.C. Joseph and
Manoj Sunny shared their God
experience. The programme ended
with adoration.
JY Nurses’ Gathering
A gathering of twenty-four nurses,
was held on 24th December 2004 at
St. Joseph Malachite Catholic Church,
Melbourne. This programme led
the participants to deepen their
relationship with the Lord and to
initiate three prayer groups. The
participants were motivated by the life
experiences of the resource persons.
The presence of several Jesus Youth
members and elders was inspiring.
Tsunami relief efforts
Jesus Youth all over the world got
together to intercede for those
affected by the tsunami on 14 th
January 2005, through adoration,
Mass and chain prayers. Jesus
Youth members, especially those
living close to the affected areas,
have formed small teams to study
the places hit by the tsunami in
Kerala and Tamil Nadu and explore
the possibilities of providing
assistance in building homes, in
rehabilitation activities, childrens’
education, and offering psychological
support and medical help. Let us
pray for all the victims, especially
for those who have suffered tragic
losses.
 JY Leaders’ Training, Australia Cultural Exchange 2004, India
A training programme for ten young leaders was organised by JY Australia
from 9th to 10th Dec. 2004 at St. Gerard’s Church, Melbourne. The theme of the The Jesus Youth National Team in India organized ‘Cultural Exchange 2004’
programme was ‘Give Him the Best’. The main resource persons for the training from 2nd to 24th October 2004. This programme, which has been held for four
were Mr. Manoj Sunny and Mr. C.C. Joseph, former JY National Co-ordinator consecutive years, is designed to give tribal youth a live-in Catholic faith
(India). The programme helped the participants to renew their commitment experience and an exposure to
and to build a deeper the Jesus Youth life style. This
relationship with the Lord. year there were 329 youth (220
It was also an opportunity boys and 109 girls) from 40
for them to reflect on their dioceses in 17 different states of
lives and to organize their India. The programme which
priorities for the Lord. lasted for 23 days, began with a
The presence of His week-long retreat at the Divine
Excellency Christopher Retreat Centre, Muringoor,
Prowse, Auxiliary Bishop of Kerala. The participants were
Melbourne, motivated all the then sent to stay with Jesus Youth
participants. families for two weeks in the
sixteen different zones of Kerala.
At the end of the programme, Most. Rev. Mar Thomas Chakiath, Auxiliary Bishop of
these youngsters gathered Ernakulam-Angamaly Archdiocese and Episcopal
Cologne Outreach, Germany together for the grand finale -
Advisor of JY Kerala addressing the participants.
A one-day programme was held for German youth of Indian origin on 16th ‘Mahotsav’ which was held from 21 to 24th October at St. Anthony’s School,
st
January 2005 in Cologne. There were about 35 participants. The programme, Kizhakkambalam, Ernakulam. Rev. Fr. Jose Narithookil, Kerala Service Team
which was conducted by the Jesus Youth International Team, was focused on Chairman, inaugurated the grand finale. Mar Thomas Chakiath, Auxiliary Bishop
motivating the young people to recommit their lives to Christ. of Ernakulam-Angamaly Archdiocese, also spent some time with the youngsters
during the programme, and encouraged them with an inspiring message.
‘Cultural Exchange 2004’ concluded with the participants resolving to be true
witnesses of the Lord in their respective places.

Jesus Youth at WYD

Preparatory Meeting
The World Youth Day Preparatory meeting
organised by the Pontifical Council for the
Laity, was held from 6th to 9th January 2005 Nurses’ Meet 2004,
at Kardinal-Schulte-Haus, Bensberg Singapore
Germany. Around 270 representatives of Cardinal Joachim Meisner with Fr. Ajy Nurses’ Meet, an annual one-day event
Mooleparambil CMI and Manoj Sunny.
international eccelesial movements and of the Nurses’ ministry in Singapore, was
Bishops’ Conferences from over 70 countries held on 31st October 2004 at Youth Centre,
attended the meeting. Rev. Fr. Ajy Hougang, Singapore. About 250 nurses
Mooleparambil CMI and Mr. Manoj Sunny, working in the various hospitals across
who were special invitees, represented the Singapore attended the programme. The
Jesus Youth movement at the meeting. The theme of the meet was ‘Ask, Seek, Knock’.
presence of Cardinal Karl Lehmann His Grace Nicholas Chia, Archbishop of Singapore, inaugurated the meet by
(President, Bishops’ Conference of lighting the candle. In his inaugural address the Archbishop explained the
Germany), Cardinal Joachim Meisner difference between a job
At Marienfeld (the venue for WYD night vigil),
(Archbishop of Cologne), and Most Rev. and a ministry and the
where soil from 70 countries has been Stainslav Rylko (President, Pontifical Council importance of taking up
brought to build the Papal altar for the WYD. for the Laity) was indeed encouraging.
nursing as a ministry. Rev.
Fr. George Kumbilumoottil
OP (Professor, Nagpur
JY Eucharistic Screensaver Seminary, India) conducted
the sessions based on the
This being the Year of the Eucharist, Jesus Youth has
launched a screensaver software with 53 different theme. The programme
frames programmed to change every week. It is a closed with the adoration of
collection of Bible passages related to the Eucharist the Blessed Sacrament and
set beautifully against inspiring images. To download, Holy Mass.
log on to www.jesusyouth.org

!! Rexband performing live to a crowd of 5000 at St. Columbas’ School Grounds, New Delhi, India on 16th November 2004.
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 JY Retreat - Toronto, Canada JY International Team in Germany
In October 2004, around 150 youth attended a retreat at St. Don Bosco School,
Toronto, Canada from 8th to 10th Oct. 2004. This was the first major retreat
conducted for Canadian youth of Indian origin. A lively team from Jesus Youth
of America, mainly from Chicago and Detroit facilitated the retreat for
the teenagers. Jesus Youth of Canada and America worked as a team for

Fifteen participants from six countries including four priests came together for
the second Jesus Youth International Team meeting held at the Kolping House,
Schermbeck, Germany from 13 th to 16 th January 2005. Rev. Fr. Ajy
conducting separate sessions for the younger kids. There was even a toddler
Mooleparambil, Parish priest, Ludgerus Parish, Schermbeck, and JYI team
and baby-sitting section taken care of by the JY Canada members and families,
member hosted the meeting. The main topics of discussion included
some of whom were young couples with little ones of their own. True to the spirit
preparations and arrangements for the World Youth Day, as well as the Jesus
of Jesus Youth, members of the JY Canada retreat team were interceding round
Youth International Gathering in Dormagen being held in August 2005 at
the clock, both for those attending and those assisting in the retreat. Many young
Cologne. Participants from each country also presented reports on the current
people were touched by the testimonies and the skits presented by the vibrant
activities and future plans of their respective regions. Also reviewed were
JY America team. JY Canada youth prayer meetings were also initiated in the
past decisions taken, as well as future concerns of Jesus Youth as a whole.
month of November 2004, and are now being held regularly at St. Thomas
Site visits were made during the
Apostolic Church on the first Sunday of every month, and locally in Toronto
course of the meeting to a few
on the second and fourth Saturdays of each month.
proposed venues for JYIG and
WYD. The team also conducted a
one-day programme for youth on the
16th in Cologne. The participants
dispersed in joyful anticipation of
reuniting in August.
Lisa Jose, USA

Jesus Youth 2004 – NJ, USA

The first Jesus Youth National
Fellowship Fest, UAE Conference, ‘Jesus Youth 2004’ took
The JY UAE annual gathering ‘Fellowship Fest’ was place from 26th to 29th Dec. 2004 at
held on 2nd December 2004 at St. Francis of Assisi the Archdiocesan Youth Retreat
Church, Jabel Ali. Despite it being a working day, Center of Kearney, New Jersey. An
975 youth gathered for this programme, which was unprecedented 587 people were in
aimed at strengthening the various attendance from numerous states
fellowship groups around the country. Rev. across the United States, as well as
Fr. Joy Menachery, John Fernandes and some regions of Canada. The conference was inaugurated by His Excellency
Regi Sebastian conducted sessions Mar Jacob Angadiath, Bishop of St. Thomas Syro-Malabar diocese of Chicago,
based on the theme of fellowship. who also motivated the participants with his presence throughout the
programme. The theme of the conference was that of WYD 2002, “We Want to
See Jesus”. Based on this, the keynote speakers, including Fr. Roy Kaduppil,
‘Kairos’ Youth Magazine, India Fr. William Halbing and Sr. Marilyn Minter, rallied the crowd with their energy-
Today more than ever, as we are exposed to the dangers of exploitation through
the media, the Kairos magazine is a resourceful response by JY India. ‘Kairos’,
which in Greek means ‘God’s time’ or ‘the time of God’s intervention’, is
published monthly in Malayalam through the efforts of the Jesus Youth in
Kozhikode, Kerala. Apart from articles of
Christian interest, Kairos also publishes
stories of simple people who dare to
filled talks. Another high note of the event was a multimedia concert by the
follow Jesus in their ordinary lives. The
responses of the readers reveal the hope renowned Catholic musician, Sal Solo.
these stories bring to them. This
magazine is currently entering its fourth
Blessed are you, O Virgin Mary,
year of publication. Kudos to Renny
above all women on earth.
Njarakulam (Editor) and the editorial
You are the highest honour of our race!
team! May our prayers support ‘Kairos’
Taught by the Eternal Word,
in serving as a wonderful instrument in
you chose the part that was best.
spreading the Good News.
Help us to follow your example
For subscription details contact :
and hunger for the food
Kairos, Kovoor, Chevayoor P.O.,
of everlasting life.
Kozhikode - 673 017, Kerala, India.
Tel : 91-495-2345375 Amen.
E-mail: rennyjn@yahoo.com
Printed and Published by Mr. Manoj Sunny on behalf of Jesus Youth International Office, 6F Thadikaran Centre, Palarivattom P.O., Cochin – 682 025, Kerala, INDIA
Ph: +91 484- 3095859, Fax: +91- 484- 2346084, Email : jyglobal@jesusyouth.org Website : www.jesusyouth.org
Editor-in-charge:Josun Jose. Editorial Team: Shelton Pinheiro, Beena Manoj, Deepa Sabu & Anu Pinheiro, Layout Design:Sanil C.A., Printed by SR Graphics, Kottayam, Ph :+91 481-2301142
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