JY Newsletter December 2013

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10 REXBAND TOUR

12 MISSION RiO

16 FUllTimE VOlUNTEERs’ TRAINING

NEWSWATCH 22 GLOBAL

deceMBeR 2013

A MISSIONARY MOVEMENT AT THE SERVICE OF THE CHURCH

RIO
WYD2013
A LIFE-CHANGING CELEBRATION OF CATHOLIC IDENTITY AND FAITH
AFTER A LONG STORMY NIGHT SPENT IN ADORATION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT, HEARING THE PREACHING OF THE POPE AND FELLOWSHIP, A SEA OF YOUNG CATHOLICS FROM AROUND THE WORLD STOOD STILL IN THE AbANDONED AIRFIELD IN CUATRO VIENTOS, SPAIN AT THE FINAL MASS CELEbRATED bY POPE BENEDICT XVI. Groups of young people waving their bright green and yellow Brazilian flags cheered proudly as the Shepherd announced that the next World Youth Day would take place on the shores of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, the theme to be taken from the Gospel according to St. Matthew “Go and make disciples of all nations”.
CONTD. ON PAGE 3

Heart TalK
As we reach the end of the present Jesus Youth International Team’s term, I am writing this note with deep joy and gratitude; more so since I am writing this from a tough mission field. It is beautiful to see the Spirit building and spreading the movement through our young missionaries to the corners of the world, including some of the world’s toughest mission lands. God-given commitment and missionary zeal are the greatest strengths of the movement. A few months ago, I witnessed first hand the passion of young JYs who took part in an outreach mission after the World Youth Day in Rio. As the natives spoke only Portuguese, these JY friends ingeniously learned a few sentences through a web translator and started speaking to people about the love of Jesus. They prayed for everyone, even those selling drugs openly on the streets. Such zeal and courage can be received only from God through prayer. I am also touched by the commitment shown by two young JY women in this country I am visiting. One of them, who has been here for the last one year, has learnt the language and is doing fruitful work. When she arrived, she did not know the language or know anyone to support her. Her trust in the Lord gave her the courage to show this tremendous commitment. I thank the Lord for showering these special graces on every Jesus Youth who is committed to His work in their unique ways. Through my journey in the movement over the past 22 years, especially during the last three years as a person most accountable to the Lord for it, I have been blessed to see the beautiful face of JY through its members. Several Faith Conferences were organised in different countries to celebrate the ‘Year of Faith’. Twelve such Conferences were held in India and in one of these Conferences attended by nearly 5000 participants, optional seminars were organised for different groups like farmers, students, construction workers, entrepreneurs, fishermen, engineers, doctors, nurses, lawyers, artists, housewives, drivers, etc. It was magnificent to meet Jesus Youth members from so many different fields, yet living the same JY lifestyle, being committed to the same cause and loving each other as one family. I take this final opportunity to thank all the country co-ordinators and other leaders who have nurtured the movement through their whole-hearted dedication. I have witnessed the pain and difficulties they go through, amidst their responsibilities, jobs, family priorities, etc. These leaders are the strength of the movement. I think I should not miss mentioning two factors that have really helped in presenting the movement to the world. The first one is ‘Rexband’ – the JY music outreach group, which has performed in all the past five World Youth Days and has undertaken countless mission tours in the 24 years since its beginning. All Rexband members take time off from their respective careers to minister and do so voluntarily without any remuneration whatsoever. I sincerely thank each one of them for their deep commitment. The second factor is the “One-year Fulltime Volunteers’ Training Project”. Over the last 22 years, we have been training young graduates for 30-40 days and have placed them in different parts of the world for a year. I thank all Jesus Youth who have taken this year-long commitment and their trainers as well. The main focus over the last three years has been to prepare the entire movement for the implementation of the newly evolving formation plan. Every country is ready now and I thank the Lord for this precious gift of a new plan and also the leaders in every country, senior leaders and other key people for their hard work and cooperation in developing these plans. I am happy to announce that we now have an International Formation Team with Manoj Sunny as the Director. I also thank the International Pastor - Fr. Bitaju Mathew, Assistant Co-ordinator Dony Peter, Mission Director - Siljo Thomas, the former International Co-ordinators, all animators and other members of my team for their support, encouragement, contributions, hard work and, constructive and timely corrections. Requesting your prayers and support for the new JY International Team, With love and prayers, Raiju Varghese Jesus Youth International Co-ordinator

AND SO IT IS IN OUR LIFE, DEAR YOUNG FRIENDS: IF WE WANT IT TO HAVE REAL MEANING AND FULFILMENT, AS YOU WANT AND AS YOU DESERVE, I SAY TO EACH ONE OF YOU, “Put on faith”, and life WILL TAKE ON A NEW FLAVOUR, LIFE WILL HAVE A COMPASS TO SHOW YOU THE WAY; “PUT ON hope” and every one OF YOUR DAYS WILL bE ENLIGHTENED AND YOUR HORIZON WILL NO LONGER bE DARK, bUT LUMINOUS; “put on love”, and your LIFE WILL bE LIKE A HOUSE bUILT ON ROCK, YOUR journey will be joyful, bECAUSE YOU WILL FIND MANY FRIENDS TO journey with you. Put ON FAITH, PUT ON HOPE, PUT ON LOVE!

HOMILY OF POPE FRANCIS DURING THE WYD WELCOMING CEREMONY RIO DE JANEIRO, 25 JULY 2013

CoVer STORY
RIO - WYD 2013

Contd. from page 1

echoed “To be missionaries: Go forth!” - the call to evangelisation, the reason for the existence of the Church on earth. The beauty of the Catechesis came not only from the teaching but also from the close encounter with the Bishops and the witness of faith received from the other pilgrims who also came to Brazil for the same purpose. It was nearly impossible to witness the multitude of young people with bright faces straining to see our Father in faith, Pope Francis and not think of the wonder of the Church built on the faith of the Apostles whose “voice goes out through all the earth and their words to the end of the world”. The common gatherings of the faithful took place along the 3.5 kilometers of white sand on the famous Copacabana beach - including the opening Mass presided by Archbishop Orani João Tempesta of Rio de Janeiro, Welcome Ceremony with Pope Francis, the Way of the Cross led by the Pope, the Vigil and the Final Mass celebrated by Pope Francis. Each of these events carried within themselves the Gospel message which answered the deepest questions of every young heart. After thanking Brazil for its warm welcome to his first apostolic visit which happened to be back to Latin America, Pope Francis spoke of the pull young persons feel to Christ’s open arms as seen in the famous Christ the Redeemer statue of Rio de Janeiro - “a hunger for a pure truth and an authentic love which binds them together in spite of differences”. He confirmed Christ’s confidence in youth to carry out the mission to “Go and make disciples” and concluded with a call to build one another up in love. The Way of the Cross led by the Holy See also emphasised mission. Over 300 artistes and volunteers from around the world brought to life, in colour and sound, the 14 stations of the Cross. After explaining that each person who touches the Cross leaves something of himself at the Cross and brings something of the Cross to his life, Pope Francis asked the millions gathered at the beach what each person left at the foot of the Cross, took from the Cross and learnt from the Cross. With conviction the Pope told his flock that because of the Cross we never suffer alone, and through the Cross Jesus gives us salvation and redemption. The Pope then asked the

As parishes and movements started brainstorming fundraising activities and inviting previous attendees and new participants to Rio, few suspected that the pilgrims would be standing before an Argentinian Pope with a warm smile and a powerful challenge. The 3.5 million people attending various WYD events in Brazil revealed the responsiveness of youth to the love of two great men, Pope Benedict XVI who announced the event and Pope Francis who led the youth closer to Jesus Christ through the words he spoke and his actions. Jithin George from Chicago, IL explained, “World Youth Day 2013 made a significant impact in my life as a Catholic. Sitting on Copacabana beach with other Jesus Youth as Pope Francis challenged me and my friends to get out into the streets and live out my faith like Jesus did instead of sitting in the balconies and watching life pass by remains with me even now after several months and will continue to shape my future”. The experience of encountering Christ’s message and being changed by it is central to the purpose of World Youth Day and is evident in its many fruits such as how many young people discover their calling to religious life or an ardent Catholic life as the laity. This transformation in the lives of young Catholics is forged by lively Catechesis given at 267 centers by Bishops from dioceses all around the world, various events for all pilgrims and the preaching of the Gospel by the successor of Peter himself. The first day of Catechesis centered on the theme “thirsting for hope, thirsting for God” in which Bishops led young people through reflections of our need and desire for the hope that is found in God alone. This was followed by the second day of Catechesis “To be Christ’s disciples” that emphasised the importance of continual conversion and obedience to the Church as a sure path towards holiness. Finally the teachings culminated on the third day which

DECEMBER 2013 PAGE 3

IT iS THE yoUNG wHo wANT To BE THE ProTAGoNiSTS oF CHANGE. PLEASE, doN’T LEAVE iT To oTHErS To BE THE ProTAGoNiSTS oF CHANGE. YoU ArE THE oNES wHo HoLd THE FUTUrE! YoU … THroUGH yoU THE FUTUrE iS FULFiLLEd iN THE worLd. I ASK yoU ALSo To BE ProTAGoNiSTS oF THiS TrANSForMATioN.
young people who they would be likePilate who submitted to the crowd, Simon who helped carry the Cross or Mary who accompanied Christ till the end. The Vigil is the climax of each World Youth Day and a special opportunity for young people to spend an entire night with the Pope. WYD Rio’s Vigil was set to be at Campus Fidei, a stretch of land prepared by over 800 people over 5 months, large enough to accommodate millions of persons. However, the severe flooding from heavy rain rendered it unusable and the venue had to be moved back to the waterfront of Copacabana. Despite the unexpected challenges and significant physical discomfort this change caused, throngs of Catholics swelled along the waves of Copacabana to hear the voice of the Pope, as sheep listen to the voice of a shepherd. Hearing the voice of their father in faith proved to be worth all the difficulties and much more as he explained his realisation that the change in venue must remind everyone gathered that together they were the field of faith. He further expounded on what it meant to be the “field of faith” sharing three key aspects of a field: a place for growing seeds, a training ground and a construction site. To be a place for growing seeds requires soil that is fertile, free from stones and able to sustain life. In order to be fertile ground Pope Francis asked young people to not be afraid to ask Christ to remove the obstacles and give strength to persevere. Then, he asked the the youth, to be “true athletes of Christ”, to not be afraid of that which Christ has to say in the silence of their hearts, to receive the gift that is much greater than any World Cup. Finally, he urged the young people gathered to be active in construction of the Church and the Kingdom of God on earth, “to build up sweat” and become living stones that form the Church. Many persons who went to World Youth Day without knowing what to expect were changed by the Pope’s exhortation to not suppress their desire to see a better world but to become active in shaping it. He said, “Your young hearts want to build a better world. I have been closely following the news reports of the many

“I REALLY FELT A REAL SENSE OF JOY BEiNG A CATHOLic AND MORE ESPEciALLY BEiNG A CATHOLic PRiEST. IT WAS A MOMENT OF REENcOUNTERiNG CHRiST AND ALSO OF RENEWAL OF MY VERY OWN vOcATiON AS A PRiEST. THE cONSTANT AND DEvOTED PRESENcE OF THE YOUNG PEOPLE AT THE HOLY EUcHARiST, iN THE viGiL SERvicE, WAY OF THE CROSS AND THEiR READiNESS TO WALK MiLES BRAviNG EvERY iNcONvENiENcE WAS iNDEED iNSPiRiNG. IT WAS ALSO REMARKABLE TO WiTNESS OUR POPE’S AFFEcTiON FOR THE YOUNG PEOPLE AND THE YOUNG PEOPLE’S PASSiON, AFFEcTiON AND LOvE FOR HiM.” Fr. SoJAN XAViEr, INDiA

young people who throughout the world have taken to the streets in order to express their desire for a more just and fraternal society. Young people in the streets. It is the young who want to be the protagonists of change. Please, don’t leave it to others to be the protagonists of change. You are the ones who hold the future! You … Through you the future is fulfilled in the world. I ask you also to be protagonists of this transformation. Continue to overcome apathy, offering a Christian response to the social and political anxieties, which are arising in various parts of the world. I ask

“THE SO-cALLED “FRANciS EFFEcT” WAS viSiBLY SEEN AT WYD 2013. THE WHOLE ATMOSPHERE WAS ELEcTRic. THE POPE SPOKE FROM HiS HEART AND iT WAS AN ENcOUNTER OF ‘HEART-SPEAKS-TOHEART’! HiS WORDS MADE MORE SENSE WHEN HE cALLED YOUNGSTERS TO GO OUT AND PASS THE EXPERiENcE OF JESUS AND THE EXPERiENcE OF BEiNG WiTH ONE ANOTHER TO THE WHOLE WORLD. I LEFT RiO WiTH MORE FAiTH, HOPE AND LOvE AND DEFiNiTELY RE-ENERGiSED BY THE viBRANT PRESENcE OF YOUNGSTERS AS WELL AS POPE FRANciS, NOT FORGETTiNG THE EvER GENTLE AND PERSUASivE PRESENcE OF OUR LiviNG LORD!” Fr. BiNU PALAKAPALLy, JY PASTOR, UK “WYD 2013 GAvE ME A PLATFORM TO MEET A LOT OF YOUTH FROM DiFFERENT PARTS OF THE GLOBE UNDER THE cOMMON TAG NAME ‘CATHOLic YOUTH’ AND TO BE PART OF OTHER’S FAiTH EXPERiENcES, TESTiMONiES, MiSSiON, ETc. I ALSO FOUND MANY OPPORTUNiTiES TO SHARE ABOUT MY EXPERiENcE AS A JESUS YOUTH TO MANY YOUNGSTERS.” JACoB PHiLiPS, INDiA
you to be builders of the world, to work for a better world. Dear young people, please, don’t be observers of life, but get involved. Jesus did not remain an observer, but he immersed himself. Don’t be observers, but immerse yourself in the reality of life, as Jesus did”. Finally, he reminded those present that the place to begin change as Mother Teresa had pointed out is within oneself and encouraged everyone to imitate Mother Mary in saying “yes” to the Lord.

I ASK yoU To BE BUiLdErS oF THE worLd, To worK For A BETTEr worLd. DEAr yoUNG PEoPLE, PLEASE, doN’T BE oBSErVErS oF LiFE, BUT GET iNVoLVEd. JESUS did NoT rEMAiN AN oBSErVEr, BUT HE iMMErSEd HiMSELF. DoN’T BE oBSErVErS, BUT iMMErSE yoUrSELF iN THE rEALiTy oF LiFE, AS JESUS did.
The final Mass which was the culmination of the Vigil on Sunday was made even more beautiful by the homily of Pope Francis which tied together the Catechesis of the preceding days to illuminate the meaning of being sent to “make disciples of all nations”. The Pope urged young persons on three themes related to the theme of the World Youth Day - “Go,” “Do not be afraid” and “Serve”. He clarified that the call to “Go” is not one that is followed at a convenient time or out of a desire to dominate, rather it is out of obedience to Christ and because it is love that impels us all. He acknowledged the many challenges that come when one takes up the call to be missionary echoed in the words of Jeremiah who said “Ah, Lord God! Behold, I do not know how to speak, for I am only a youth”. However, he pointed out that God told

DECEMBER 2013 SEPTEMBER 2009 PAGE 5

“I cOULD SEE THE MANiFESTATiON OF THE HOLY SPiRiT iN HUNDREDS OF YOUTH WHO cOULD cOMMUNicATE WiTH EAcH OTHER DESPiTE THE LANGUAGE BARRiER. EvERY CHALLENGING SERMON OF OUR BELOvED POPE, THE ENERGY OF THE YOUTH THROUGHOUT RiO, THE SPLASH OF THE WATERS AT COPAcABANA BEAcH, THE PROTEcTiON OF OUR HEAvENLY FATHER THROUGH CHRiST THE REDEEMER AND THE SMiLE ON JESUS YOUTH FRiENDS IN cOMiNG TOGETHER AS A FAMiLY MADE THiS WORLD YOUTH DAY ONE OF THE MOST MEMORABLE EvENTS OF MY LiFE.” IMMANUEL JoSEPH, INDiA

“BRAZIL GAVE ME THE CHANCE TO WITNESS THE POWER OF OUR AWESOME GOD, TO DWELL IN THE SMILES AND ONENESS OF THE YOUTH GATHERED THERE FROM ALL around the world.” Ryan Mathias, UAE

Jeremiah: “Be not afraid ... for I am with you to deliver you” (Jer.1:7,8). The Pope urged the youth to make the new song they sing unto the Lord a song of service - truly a new song in a world that is in need of much healing and order. It was easy to take to heart the words of encouragement the Holy See offered when he said “you will experience that the one who evangelises is evangelised, the one who transmits the joy of faith receives more joy”.

“WYD 2013 WAS A TiME TO BE ENRicHED AND REJUvENATED AS A JY YOUNG ADULT. IT WAS A SORT OF HEAvEN ON EARTH WHERE THE iMPORTANcE WAS ONLY ON BEiNG WiTH CHRiST, AT MASS AND AT ADORATiON AND SiNGiNG PRAiSES TO HiM WiTH THE WHOLE FAMiLY.” CoriNNE LoBo, CANADA

“MY FiRST EvER WORLD YOUTH DAY EXPERiENcE WAS A cELEBRATiON OF MY FAiTH ALONG WiTH THE REST OF MY CATHOLic FAMiLY, FiLLED WiTH EXciTEMENT, viBRANcY, YOUTHFULNESS, TOGETHERNESS, LOvE AND PRAYER.” ANJU ABrAHAM, UK

Altogether, World Youth Day 2013 in Rio de Janeiro was a beautiful experience, worth every bit of preparation and challenge for the scores of pilgrims that found their way to the South American city. The vision of Pope John Paul II to bring together youth from cultures across the globe representing the face of the Church to pray, learn and be empowered was realised once again through the preparation of Pope Benedict XVI and the loving presence of Pope Francis.

JY @ WYD

Through the days, we were blessed with the presence of prominent cardinals and bishops that led us in reflection on the subthemes of WYD and celebrated Holy Mass. Archbishop Mark Coleridge from Australia spoke about “thirsting for hope and thirsting for God” on the first day of the Catechesis and Cardinal Timothy Dolan from the US spoke about being Christ’s disciples and going forth to be missionaries. Each morning, the Catechesis was animated by Jesus Youth UAE’s vibrant praise and worship band, MasterPlan. As expected, the Rexband made its presence known at WYD with lively and powerful performances on several main stages as well as various concerts throughout the days of the Youth Festival. It truly was an electrifying experience to have the Rexband perform on the main stage at Copacabana Beach for the Opening Mass on 23 July .

As in previous years, Jesus Youth had a large role in various aspects of this international celebration. Jesus Youth joyfully took up the task of organising one of the English Catechesis centres at WYD. This centre, held in one of the schools in the village of Bras De Pina, was the home for various groups and organisations from America, Scotland, Australia, UAE, Africa and other English speaking countries, in addition to all of the Jesus Youth participants.

THE ViSioN oF PoPE JoHN PAUL II To BriNG ToGETHEr yoUTH FroM CULTUrES ACroSS THE GLoBE rEPrESENTiNG THE FACE oF THE CHUrCH To PrAY, LEArN ANd BE EMPowErEd wAS rEALiSEd oNCE AGAiN THroUGH THE PrEPArATioN oF PoPE BENEdiCT XVI ANd THE LoViNG PrESENCE oF PoPE FrANCiS.

JY INT’L GATHERING

It was a fitting end to the weeklong WYD festivities as the entire Jesus Youth family gathered together in prayer, reflection and fellowship in the small town of Bras de Pina, a village of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The morning was spent within the walls of St. Cecilia, a magnificent, small church placed atop a hill at the centre of the town. Jesus Youth’s very own resources - Fr. Bony Abraham, the National Youth Team Pastor of Australia and Fr. Vinod Madathiparambil, the National Pastor of USA, led the group in reflections through the morning, on themes such as discipleship and mission,

“W FOR WiSH. AS A YOUTH, iT WAS MY WiSH TO BE A PART OF WYD AND TO BEcOME A MiSSiONARY. Y FOR HAPPY-NESS. THE ENTiRE EXPERiENcE WAS ONE FiLLED WiTH JOY. D FOR DESTiNY. I THANK GOD FOR ARRANGiNG THiS BEAUTiFUL TiME WHEN i cOULD GLORiFY HiM.” ALArEE CoNCEPTioN, UAE

“TO BE A PART OF 3.5 MiLLiON CATHOLicS cELEBRATiNG ONE FAiTH AND WORSHiPPiNG ONE LORD WAS DEFiNiTELY A ONcE-iN-A-LiFETiME MOMENT. THE POPE’S ENCOURAGEMENT TO ‘GO AND MAKE DiSciPLES OF ALL NATiONS’ TRULY iNSPiRED ME.” CHriS CoLLACo, UK
respectively, as a continuation to the themes that prevailed through the days of World Youth Day. The morning continued with personal sharings in groups and was followed by testimonies from Jesus Youth all over the world about their WYD experience. The afternoon wrapped up talking about the two new mission fields of Jesus Youth - Africa and Haiti. Santhosh Mathew from UAE shared in great detail about the exciting happenings in JY Africa while Sunil Nadarajan detailed the newest developments in JY Haiti. The time of fellowship continued after the organised gathering and was shared with the Brazilians as Jesus Youth and the local parishioners worked side by side to prepare a traditional dinner for the entire group. The vibrant sounds of JY UAE’s MasterPlan filled the town of Bras de Pina under the moonlight as the locals joined in to dance and praise God for all the blessings of the previous week spent together and with the wider Catholic Church. It was a bittersweet farewell as the evening came to a close and everyone prepared to return to their homes and countries. JILU JACOB & SIMI SAHU, USA

DECEMBER 2013 PAGE 7

As we stepped into the University in the beautiful town of Lorena in Sao Paulo, where the Youth Arise Festival was to be held, little did we know that our lives as missionaries were going to be given such clarity, vision and challenging dreams. Beautiful Latin-American music greeted us and it was aweinspiring to see people coming together, across linguistic and cultural barriers, to praise God in unison through different languages. Youth Arise International (YAI), a unique global platform for different Catholic movements, brought together youth from

YoUTH AriSE INTErNATioNAL, A UNiQUE GLoBAL PLATForM For diFFErENT CATHoLiC MoVEMENTS, BroUGHT ToGETHEr yoUTH FroM diFFErENT CorNErS oF THE worLd FroM 19-22 JULy 2013. HELd THrEE dAyS Prior To WYD, THE FESTiVAL ProVidEd PLENTy oF oCCASioNS To ExPEriENCE THE wArMTH OF BrAZiLiAN HoSPiTALiTy ANd PiCK UP A SMATTEriNG oF PorTUGUESE.

ARISE FESTIVAL
19-22 JULY 2013, Sao PaULo, BRAZIL

different corners of the world from 19-22 July 2013. Held three days prior to WYD, the festival provided plenty of occasions to experience the warmth of Brazilian hospitality and pick up a smattering of Portuguese. The sessions of Henry Cappello and Salvatore Martinez, among others, helped the young participants delve deeper into the discovery of faith, particularly within the context of the Year of Faith. Throughout the festival, participants experienced powerful Praise and Worship sessions, relevant teachings, stirring concerts, breathtaking choreography and mimes, colourful cultural programmes, and more importantly, deep Adoration and prayer before the Blessed Sacrament. Every evening the music festival lit up the place with a burst of music and dance with performances by Rexband from India, MasterPlan from UAE and Matt Maher from USA. A special mention to the local band ‘Banda Arkanjos’ who really moved our

“ IT WAS A bEAUTIFUL ExPERIENCE OF bEING AbLE TO STAY WITH PEOPLE FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD, PRAY WITH THEM AND CELEbRATE OUR FAITH IN SUCH VIbRANT WAYS. IT WAS A PLATFORM FOR bOTH, REUNITING WITH LOVED ONES AND ALSO FORMING NEW FRIENDSHIPS founded in Christ.” Jolly John, USA “AT YAI, I MET YOUNG PEOPLE LIKE ME FROM DIFFERENT CORNERS OF THE WORLD, ALL SEEKING TO LIVE THEIR CATHOLIC FAITH IN A MORE MEANINGFUL WAY. IT WAS AN AWESOME ExPERIENCE. AND I WAS CHALLENGED TO DO MORE FOR CHRIST AND the Church.” Anoop Scaria, OMAN “THIS WAS MY FIRST YAI AND CERTAINLY MY FAITH INCREASED MANIFOLD WHEN I SAW THOUSANDS OF FELLOW CATHOLICS FROM DIFFERENT PARTS OF THE WORLD gather in His name.” Simi Michael, UAE

hearts and feet to ethnic Brazilian beats, and glorified the Lord through dance. YAI also offered the participants an opportunity to engage in sightseeing tours, especially to the renowned Basilica de Aparecida in Sao Paulo. The days were a beautiful time to meet different missionaries from various movements. It was great to interact with youngsters working in various countries, inspiring to hear their testimonies and challenging to see their missionary zeal. A great realisation dawned on all of us that the Church is going through a springtime in evangelisation, and the need for workers is greater than ever before. YAI started new journeys and ultimately prepared us for the World Youth Day experience. RONY DOMINIC

DECEMBER 2013 PAGE 9

REXBAND
TOUR OF USA & BRAZIL 2013
Our tour began with an exciting two weeks in the US filled with a flurry of activity four Rexband concerts, a music workshop in Houston, countless encounters with friends and well-wishers, long hours of rehearsal, sound checks, pack ups, intense prayers and loads of fun. Though we had ministered in the US earlier, this tour took us to a whole new set of cities and people. Beginning in Cupertino with a powerful concert where the participation of the audience was particularly memorable, we moved on with Spirit-filled concerts in Anaheim, Dallas, and Houston. The Jesus Youth families as usual went all out to ensure that we were transported and taken care of really well. Beyond the concerts, the ministry and commitment of the families who had spent months to organise these concerts inspired us to keep going. We were glad that God made us instrumental in opening up “an inspirational and enjoyable way to worship God Almighty” as one of the concert participants in the US put it. The music retreat in Houston brought us in contact with a whole new generation of talented Jesus Youth musicians with a desire to use their talent for the Lord. Over the next two days the band members and the participants would interact, share and journey through the musical, spiritual and personal aspects that come into play in the life of musicians who are called to be missionaries. All in all, an enriching experience. Soon we were on our way to Brazil. A concert at Sao Paulo, our first stop, and two days at the Youth Arise International festival found us charged, our hearts prepared for the 28th World Youth Day. And now here we were in Rio de Janeiro, which had become, as Pope Francis said, “the center of the Church”, where we would see “the beauty of Christ’s young face”! The 4km long, scalloped beach of Copacabana, acclaimed as a magnificent confluence of land and sea was now a mighty confluence of an estimated 3.5 million young people from across 5 continents along with elders accompanying them, priests, bishops and religious, officials and volunteers, all under the benevolent gaze of the iconic statue of Christ the Redeemer atop Corcovado Mountain.

We had a first hand experience of the great, big heart of Brazilians in the families that hosted us during the WYD in Rio. With warm hospitality and generosity they took us right in and gave us the run of their homes. The World Youth Day that was begun in 1985 through the initiative of Pope John Paul II is today one of the biggest pilgrimages of young people who make this journey of faith and hope with the cross of Christ in order “to share the faith and joy of an encounter with Christ”. The great highlight and inspiration of every WYD is the presence of the Pope. In Rio, Pope Francis, with his simple ways and genuine desire to be near the people, made this “meeting of hearts” and feeling of solidarity even more meaningful and powerful.

“YOUR MUSIC REACHED THE bOTTOM OF OUR HEARTS HERE IN BRAZIL. HOPE YOU COME SOON. HUGS AND THANKS FOR sharing The Word.” RAFA MoUrA, BRAZIL “IT WAS INDEED “MUSIC that makes sense” as the bANNER SAID. GREAT MUSIC, COMPOSITIONS AND LYRICS THAT MADE AN AWESOME inspiring performance.” EdwiN SPENCEr, USA

for the Welcoming Ceremony of the Pope as well as the All Stars Concert. The camaraderie with artistes from across the world in the green rooms, exchanging CDs and email IDs, renewing our acquaintance with musicians from previous WYDs, being encouraged by the organisers and volunteers, exchanging souvenirs and smiles with pilgrims on the streets and in the restaurants and coffee shops, celebrating Holy Mass with the Pope, listening to his homilies and addresses,

As we moved among the thousands of young people thronging the streets, waving flags, participating in the Catechesis, music festivals and cultural activities, sharing testimonies, making the Way of the Cross, listening to the Holy Father, we experienced yet again, at this our 5th WYD, what it means to be a Catholic, to have a universal vision. Performing on the red carpet up on the main stage, singing out our joy to the thousands gathered on the beach with the waves gently lapping the shore and the slight drizzle of rain spraying our faces was an indescribable experience. We were blessed to sing

“TIVEMOS A ALEGRIA DE CONHECER ESTE GRUPO QUE TRANSMITE UMA ALEGRIA CRISTÃ magnifica. Parab´nes.” (We had the joy of KNOWING THIS GROUP THAT TRANSMITS A CHRISTIAN joy. Magnificent. Congratulations.) DiACoNo CordEiro, BRAZIL

greeting the bishops as they passed us on their way to the stage, in all this we were sharing the companionship of the whole Church. And having bid farewell and returned home, the words of the Holy Father during the Night Vigil continue to ring in our ears, exhorting us to continue “being at the service of the Church, loving her and working to make the Countenance of Christ shine even more brightly in her”. BEENA MANOJ

DECEMBER 2013 PAGE 11

Soon after the WYD, from 30 July to 3 August, twenty-five Jesus Youth stayed and served in one of the largest and most dangerous fevola (slum) in the world, one which is isolated from the rest of Rio. Teenagers and young people selling drugs openly is a common sight here. The place is notorious for its drug trafficking, street wars, sexual immorality and alcohol abuse. Fr. Giovani, once a Rio diocesan priest, now lives in the slum to fight these evils. He has formed a community of brothers and sisters called “Precious Life”. Fr. Giovani and some nuns along with the brothers from his community led us in a week of visiting people, praying with them and mingling with the youth. The brothers took us around the slum and shared of how the

people live in their small houses with big families. They added that many families were broken because their children were involved with gangs and drugs. The morning and afternoon times of our mission trip were used for cleaning the streets, washing the Church and helping the brothers in some construction work. During the evenings, we would split into groups and share about Christ’s love. Each day came to an end with Holy Mass, Adoration and an encouraging time of sharings and learnings.

“My highlight of WYD 2013 was the week of mission with my JY brothers and SISTERS AT ONE OF THE SLUMS IN RIO. I WAS so excited to witness their joy to be “full on” for Jesus and His people in spite of THE CHALLENGING SITUATIONS. THE DAILY MASS, PRAYER, SHARING AND FELLOWSHIP, ALL AIDED TO REMIND US THAT WE WERE THE humble instruments of God’s Love.” Fr. BoNy ABrAHAM MGL, ACCOMPANYING PRIEST

“DURING THOSE FOUR DAYS, WE ExPERIENCED LIFE OF THE YOUNG PEOPLE IN THE SLUMS OF RIO. LIVING WITH THE SEMINARY bROTHERS HELPED US TO CONNECT WITH A LIFESTYLE OF CHARITY THROUGH THE DAILY SCHEDULE OF ACTIVITIES. OUR ROSARY WALKS AND PRAYING WITH THE PEOPLE LIVING ON THE STREETS REALLY TOUCHED QUITE A FEW OF THEM; ESPECIALLY THOSE WHO ARE NO LONGER IN communication with their families.” REMiLA MArTiS, PARTICIPANT, UAE

“WORDS CANNOT DESCRIbE THE IMPACT OF MISSION RIO IN MY LIFE. WE VISITED HOUSES, PUbS AND MET PEOPLE ON THE STREETS AND PRAYED WITH THEM EVEN WITH YOUNG PEOPLE WHO WERE SELLING DRUGS. TAKING INSPIRATION FROM THE ACTIVITIES OF THE DAY, THE DAILY PRAYER TIMES, EUCHARISTIC ADORATIONS, HOLY MASS AND DISCUSSIONS, HELPED ALL OF US TO REFLECT DEEPLY ON our call to mission.” AJESH ABrAHAM, PARTICIPANT, AUSTRALIA

AMAZoN
“FOLLOWING THE command of Jesus TO GO TO ALL THE CORNERS OF THE WORLD PROCLAIMING THE GOOD NEWS WHILE BEING WITH DIFFERENT CULTURES YET UNDER THE UMbRELLA OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH GAVE THIS MISSION ITS RICHNESS. THE DAYS HAVE STRENGTHENED MY FAITH, bROUGHT ME closer to Jesus to ExPERIENCE HIS DIVINE PROVIDENCE, AND HAS OPENED A NEW horizon in my life.” FAdi QASTOON, UAE FADI, UAE

MiSSioN

In Amazon, we visited river communities, travelling from one village to another, a journey that usually took between 4 to 10 hours by boat. All the communities received us like their own and did not treat us like foreigners. We were blessed to meet very poor people with rich and big hearts - their hospitality and warmth was what touched us most. In some villages we were the first Catholic missionaries to have visited them and they were so excited to meet us. In a village with 50 families, they even arranged a lunch in our honour – we knew in our hearts that the families had pooled in all their resources forgoing what could have given them 4-5 days’ food. We truly experienced unity as one body in Christ. Language was not a problem at all, we were sharing Christ in the language of love. In many areas, people cried so much when we

left, that we too couldn’t control our tears. Due to time constraints, we could spend only a maximum of 10 hours in each village. We visited almost 15 villages, conducting Holy Mass and holy hour of Adoration in each village. In many places, they celebrate Mass only once a year due to the lack of priests. We visited many homes to pray with the people and to invite them for Mass. Some of them had not attended Mass in the last 6 years. We also conducted Catechism sessions for youth and the children. Our presence at each village was a World Youth Day experience and celebration for the villagers. A trip to Rio was impossible for them as it was too far and expensive. But these villagers celebrated WYD with us - people from 3 different continents and 8 countries! BiJU P.C.

I was totally thrilled to go to Amazon, as I have been long fascinated by this place. The journey was an experience by itself. We had to take a 15-hour non-stop flight to Rio followed by a 4-hour domestic flight to Manaus and a 2-hour drive by car to reach our destination. Finally we travelled another 29 hours by boat through the Amazon river (featuring rain, storms and dolphins) to reach our first Amazon village. Fifty other missionaries from FOCUS USA - a missionary movement working in American University campuses, accompanied us. The Holy Mass, Adoration and the prayers celebrated on the boat deck is still alive in my memory.

DECEMBER 2013 PAGE 13

countries – UAE, India, Oman, Qatar, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Australia and Ireland. Each day saw theory and practical sessions, workshops, Praise and Worship, Eucharistic Adoration and games that enriched the overall formation. Over the days, Subin Jacob dealt with Paradigm Shift; Manoj Sunny focussed on Integrity and Faithful Stewardship; C. C. Joseph spoke on Contemporary Leadership Styles, Communication Skills, Priorities & Managing Time; Baby Chacko shared about Personal Prayer; Fr. Bitaju Mathew conducted a session on the Sacraments; George Devassy animated sessions on Youth and Youth Ministry; Fr. Joshy Mayyattil delved into the Word of God; Raiju Varghese threw light on Commitment and Mission Planning; Dr. Edward Edezhath took us through the JY Statutes and the new Formation Modules & its Implementation Plans; Archbishop Emeritus Thomas Menamparampil addressed us on Evangelisation and motivated the group with his experiences as a missionary in North East India and Alex Njavally opened our eyes to the workings of the Holy Spirit in our lives and the various charisms that we are blessed with. Each of these sessions was made even more effective through the mediums of case studies, Q&A sessions, debates, character studies, personal counselling, group discussions, presentations in groups and the likes.

JYILT 2013
5-18 AuGuST, CaMillian PaSToral Care CenTer, BanGKoK, THailand
The 18 days of the International Leaders’ Training that took place at the Camillian Pastoral Care Center, Bangkok was precisely the Lord working in each and every participant’s life and making something new out of us. To fulfil His work, God chose the best trainers to conduct the training in an environment that not only facilitated a spiritual learning but also a mental, psychological and physical uplifting. Holy Mass celebrated by Fr. Cheriyan Nereveettil with the message “Leaders are Ladders” and a real ladder set up in the Chapel, marked the beginning of the training on 5 August 2013 with 18 participants from 8 different

“The International Leaders’ TRAINING bROUGHT THE HUGE LEAP THAT I WAS ANTICIPATING in my journey with the Lord. NEW INSIGHTS, CHALLENGES, ExPERIENCES AND MANY OTHER bLESSINGS HAVE GIVEN ME THE bOOST TO CONTINUE MORE FERVENTLY IN THE MISSION I HAVE COMMITTED MYSELF TO. IT FURTHERMORE GAVE ME CLARITY AS TO WHAT IS ExPECTED FROM a JY leader and how best to HANDLE CERTAIN PRACTICAL SITUATIONS THAT ARISE DAILY IN the ministry.” RAViNdHA SiLVA, SRI LANKA

“TILL THE TRAINING I WAS UNDER THE IMPRESSION THAT I WAS STRETCHING MYSELF TO THE MAxIMUM AND NOTHING MORE WAS POSSIbLE. BUT NOW I SEE THAT THERE ARE HUNDREDS OF DIFFERENT AS WELL AS DEEPER WAYS TO GLORIFY God. JYILT also helped me to UNDERSTAND THE WORKING STYLE OF OUR MOVEMENT IN DIFFERENT PARTS OF THE WORLD AND HOW WE CONTINUE AS A MISSIONARY MOVEMENT AT THE service of the Church.” CHArLES ANToNy BASTiAN, INDIA

“JYILT 2013 with zealous Jesus YOUTH LEADERS FROM AROUND THE GLObE MOULDED ME SPIRITUALLY AND PERSONALLY TO A GREAT ExTENT. THE ENCOURAGEMENT AND LOVE WHICH I RECEIVED FROM EACH PERSON I MET HAS INSPIRED ME TO PONDER OVER THE IMPORTANCE OF WINNING THE HEART OF PEOPLE IF WE WANT TO WIN THEIR SOULS. I AM bLESSED TO HAVE LEARNT MORE AbOUT THE RICHNESS AND bEAUTY OF OUR MOVEMENT FROM A broader perspective.” JiLU MATHEw, SINGAPORE

“THIS TRAINING WAS MY WAKEUP CALL IN MANY AREAS; PROMPTING ME TO MAKE SOME FIRM DECISIONS IN MY LIFE LIKE THE NEED TO LEAD A bALANCED LIFE, TO HAVE MORE TIME FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS AND SELF, TO GROW STRONGER AND DEEPER IN THE LORD AND TO bE A POSITIVE INFLUENCE TO AS MANY PEOPLE AS POSSIbLE; ALWAYS REMEMbERING THAT I HAVE A MISSION AND RESPONSIbILITY TO bRING MORE AND MORE SOULS TO Christ.” ViViN THoMAS, UAE

JYILT most definitely brought out the best in us. Every day, different people were assigned the responsibility for Liturgy, Praise and Worship, Adoration, hall arrangements, etc. Feedback provided at the end of the day, both from the participants and the elders, was useful in identifying our mistakes and improving on our strengths. The “well done” cards and the “because I care” cards were thoughtful and elevating ideas. The cultural programmes and stage presentations too provided wonderful platforms to express ourselves. Certainly each leader has gone back to their country vibrant than ever before! For most of us, the highlight of our training however was the opportunity to interact with the fulltimers from around the world. Especially memorable was the welcome we gave them after their visit to the streets of Bangkok. The training concluded on 18 August with His Grace Abraham Viruthakulangara, Archbishop of Nagpur, as the main celebrant for the Holy Mass and Commissioning Ceremony. RACHELE DSILVA & VIVIN THOMAS

DECEMBER 2013 PAGE 15

JYIFT 2013

4-31 AuGuST, CaMillian PaSToral Care CenTer, BanGKoK, THailand

On 4 August 2013, eighteen youth from eight different countries arrived at the Camillian Pastoral Center in Bangkok, Thailand to embark upon a journey undertaken in response to their missionary call in the Jesus Youth movement. The eight batch of the Jesus Youth International Fulltime Volunteers’ Training began this passage towards embracing their missionary call by realising over a month-long training that foolishness in Christ is what makes them worthy of mission. During their days in Bangkok, the participants grew to love their new identity as ‘fools for Christ’. These young enthusiasts were led by a Training Team dedicated and devoted to their growth with Subin Jacob as the Co-ordinator and Fr. Cheriyan Nereveettil as the Pastor along with Sr. Thresiamma Philip, Baby Chacko, and Sumol Pious. Further direction to be conformed to Christ in both mind and spirit was imparted by a highly competent resource team that included C.C. Joseph, Manoj Sunny, George Devassy, Raiju Varghese, Dony Peter, Dr. Edward Edezhath, Fr. Sebastian Arikat, and Fr. Bitaju Mathew. The Fulltime Volunteers’

Training could be effectively summed up into three phases: Phase 1: Relationship with Christ The training started off with a three-day silent retreat. This helped the group rediscover the beauty of silence and deepen the basics of their faith. The beautiful ways in which the Holy Mass and the Adorations were conducted left a great impact on the participants, filling them with renewed energy and strength. The sessions provided opportunities to reflect and realise the need to have strong roots in personal prayer, Word of God, accountability through fellowship, and a genuine heart to receive the Sacraments. Phase 2: Relationship with self Over the following weeks, besides fundamental training in discipleship and leadership, the participants were led through classes on re-discovering their self, identifying their strengths and weaknesses and increasing their confidence. Talks on evangelisation by Jude Antoine and the outreach experiences in the city of Bangkok helped the participants understand

that taking up this one-year commitment meant accepting the call to discipleship and boldly proclaiming that ‘Jesus is Lord’, for which an encounter with the person of Jesus was fundamental. Fr. Joshy Mayyattil’s informative sessions on the Word of God opened their eyes to a God who is waiting to speak to them through the Bible. Self-discovery sessions taken by Leo Thaddeus then pushed each participant to develop a sense of creativity and a zeal to proclaim Christ in a manner relevant in the contemporary world. Finally, Archbishop Emeritus Thomas Menamparampil and Archbishop Abraham Viruthakulangara challenged the group to be rooted in loving the Church and being at her service.

Phase 3: Relationship with others One month of living and learning together transformed the participants coming from different countries and cultures into one big family in Christ. They could experience a new relationship with Christ and among each other. A freedom of the Spirit to pray, play, sing, dance, cry and laugh together as a community was felt by them and the training team. The young participants embarked upon their mission to make disciples of all

nations with a closing solemn Holy Mass and Commitment Ceremony celebrated by Most Rev. John Bosco Panya, Bishop of Ratchaburi, while holding close to their hearts the knowledge that this one-year mission would serve as formation for a lifetime commitment to Christ. RAJEEV PHiLiP & ELVi EMMANUEL

“Before this 28-day journey, I had a MEANINGLESS LIFE, CONSTANTLY SEEKING INNER PEACE IN THE PLEASURES OF THE WORLD. DURING MY RETREAT IN THAILAND, I WAS AbLE TO ExPERIENCE GOD AND THE HOLY SPIRIT TO WHOM I SURRENDERED MY LIFE. FROM THEN ON, EVERYTHING HAS STARTED TO CHANGE IN A POSITIVE WAY AND GRADUALLY I HAVE bECOME STRONGER IN THE Spirit.” Paul Purification, BANGLADESH

“I WAS DEEPLY TOUCHED by God’s immense LOVE THROUGHOUT THE WHOLE TRAINING, ESPECIALLY THROUGH THE FREQUENT RECEPTION OF THE SACRAMENTS OF THE EUCHARIST AND RECONCILIATION AND THROUGH THE LOVE AND SACRIFICE OF THE TRAINING TEAM AND THE RESOURCE PERSONS. SEEING THEIR COMMITMENT TO THE LORD INSPIRED ME AND MADE ME PROUD TO bE PART OF SUCH A beautiful Jesus Youth family!” Katie Heitmann, USA

“Initially, my goal at JYIFT WAS TO LEARN HOW TO bECOME A MISSIONARY. AND IN MY MIND, a missionary for Jesus was ONE WHO WOULD GO AROUND HELPING OTHERS AND GETTING INVOLVED IN MANY ACTIVITIES THAT WOULD PROCLAIM HIS LOVE. OVER THE WEEKS, I REALISED THAT GOD WAS CALLING ME TO SOMETHING DIFFERENT: TO GET OVER MY INTENSE DESIRE TO bECOME A MARTHA, TOO WORRIED AbOUT ALL THE THINGS THAT I HAD TO do for Jesus. Instead, God WAS CALLING ME TO COME TO HIS FEET LIKE MARY AND SPEND TIME SAVOURING HIS PRESENCE AND GROWING IN A STRONG relationship with Him.” Nicole Ann EdeZhath, USA

“THE bRAINSTORMING SESSIONS ON EVANGELISATION AND DISCIPLESHIP WERE VERY powerful and thoughtPROVOKING, AND WERE AUTHENTICATED bY TEACHINGS FROM THE bOOKS OF THE CHURCH. THIS PREPARED US bEFORE WE WERE LITERALLY thrown into the lion’s den – the city of Bangkok, TO PROCLAIM THE MESSAGE OF SALVATION. THE TWO DAYS OF EVANGELISATION HELPED EACH ONE OF US TO REALISE THE DEPTHS OF OUR FAITH, AND TESTED OUR COURAGE TO ‘go out and make disciples’. IT WAS A CHALLENGING experience for us all.” Blessy JOSEPH, UAE

DECEMBER 2013 PAGE 17

JYIEP 2013
14-24 AuGuST, CaMillian PaSToral Care CenTer, BanGKoK, THailand
Fourteen youngsters from different countries, diverse backgrounds and varied cultures came together with a spirit of great joy and unity for the Jesus Youth International Exposure Programme 2013 held at the Camillian Pastoral Care Centre, Thailand from the 14 to 24 of August. The fourth JYIEP included participants from Canada, India, Ireland, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Switzerland and UAE. The ten days provided the participants with an unforgettable platform for learning, sharing, praying and celebrating a joyful Christian living. The training was co-ordinated by a team comprising of Fr. Bitaju Mathew as Pastor and Abhy Thomas as the Co-ordinator. The training started by helping the participants to shift their personal paradigms, followed by a retreat led by the training team. The remaining days of the programme centred on exploring the importance of discipleship in the journey of a Jesus Youth. Various themes like Prayer, Sacraments, Fellowship, Word of God, Church, Evangelisation, Option for the needy, Richness of our Catholic Faith, Witnessing in Contemporary world, Witnessing in family, chastity and

“JYIEP was a mind-blowing ExPERIENCE FOR ME. THE DAYS HELPED ME TO UNDERSTAND “who I am”. THE SESSION ON PARADIGM SHIFT TURNED MY LIFE AROUND AND I FOUND MY TRUE SELF. THIS HAS HELPED ME REMAIN FOCUSED ON the Lord.” ALAN MENdEZ, UAE

“The JYIEP was AN AMAZING ExPERIENCE. I WAS INSPIRED TO KNOW A LITTLE MORE ABOUT OUR AMAZING LEADERS CUM MISSIONARIES, TO SPEND TIME WITH THEM AND TO LEARN FROM THEM AND TO MEET PEOPLE FROM DIFFERENT COUNTRIES AND TO ExPERIENCE THE joyfulness of being a JY.” CiJi JoHN, INDIA

“IT WAS A life-changing ExPERIENCE. BEING SURROUNDED bY AMAZING PEOPLE AND LEADERS of the Jesus YOUTH MOVEMENT TAUGHT ME LESSONS THAT I WILL NEVER FORGET. I THANK GOD FOR GIVING ME SUCH A WONDERFUL opportunity.” ALViN JoyS, CANADA

“THIS PROGRAMME GAVE ME TRUE PERSPECTIVE ON WHAT IT MEANS TO be ‘a missionary in a missionary movement’, AN INTRINSIC PART OF THE Jesus Youth lifestyle OF WHICH I HAD ONLY A CLICHÉD UNDERSTANDING prior to JYIEP. This very REALISATION HAS MOTIVATED AND CHALLENGED ME TO spread the life-changing MESSAGE OF THE GOSPEL TO those around me.” KEViN MiCHAEL, CANADA

“WHAT INSPIRED ME THE MOST DURING THE JYIEP was the COMMITMENT AND LOVE THAT THE LEADERS HAD FOR EACH OF US; IT MOTIVATED ME TO DO THE SAME AND TAUGHT ME WHAT IT MEANT TO bE A REAL Jesus Youth.” CHriSTEEN DE SiLVA, SRI LANKA

“JYIEP was a bLESSED ExPERIENCE. WE GOT THE CHANCE TO SHARE OUR FAITH AND LEARN FROM EACH ONE. BESIDES TEACHING ME MORE AbOUT THE JY movement, the PROGRAMME HELPED ME TO GROW IN MY faith and to reExPERIENCE THE LOVE and joy of God.” JESSiCA EBErHArT, SWITZERLAND

various practical tips to help live a vibrant Christian life in today’s world were explored through talks, times of silence, reflections, activities & games, debates, discussions, prayer sessions and Eucharistic celebrations. The participants were privileged to have resource persons like Dr. Edward Edezhath, Manoj Sunny, Raiju Varghese, C.C. Joseph, Baby Chacko, Alex Njavally, Dony Peter, Siljo Thomas, Tomas Michael and Subin Jacob to help with the various modules. The inspiring talks by His Grace Archbishop Abraham Viruthakulangara and His Grace Archbishop Emeritus Thomas Menamparampil left a deep impression, while motivating and encouraging each youngster present to respond to God’s call with zeal and dedication. The participants returned to their respective countries with the determination to become a joyful response in today’s world backed by a greater love for the Lord and His Church, clearer vision and inspired hearts for mission.

DECEMBER 2013 PAGE 19

The Jesus Youth International Animators’ Training - an intensive and dynamic programme for committed animators was held from 20 to 31 August 2013 at the Camillian Pastoral Care Center, Latkrabang, Bangkok, Thailand. There were twenty participants consisting of lay elders, priests and nuns from different parts of the world. The programme was an in-depth training for adults with a focus on youth animation and ministering to families.

JYIAT 2013
20-31 AuGuST, CaMillian PaSToral Care CenTer, BanGKoK, THailand

The days, monitored by renowned trainers, were conducted in an environment facilitating an interactive and experiential learning, leading to a holistic and exponential paradigm shift in the lives of the participants. The programme began on 20 August evening with Holy Mass and Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament led by Fr. Sebastian Arikat, Pastor – JYIAT’13. During the next two days, the participants made a silent retreat, with a special focus on personal prayer, confession, Adoration and healing prayer. This preparation ensured that

the participants were spiritually fit and open to imbibe the entire training. Each day began with Holy Mass, followed by breakfast, the Jesus Youth Prayer and the morning sessions. The Rosary was prayed together daily, after the lunch break preceding the afternoon talks. In the evenings, the participants enjoyed and engaged in sports and group activities, which helped them to grow in team spirit and fellowship. The evening sessions always concluded with Adoration. Through the training days, the participants

were divided into four groups and each team was given different responsibilities such as to make arrangements and lead the JY Prayer, Rosary, Holy Mass, etc. The training programme comprised of various topics, which helped the participants to set a vision and mission for their missionary lives. Different inputs on ministering to the youth today helped the participants to keep abreast of the current trends and attitudes of modern youth and realise the importance of being better trained. Group discussions, case studies, individual presentations, personal testimonies – all saw to better interaction among the participants. The presence of JYIAT ’13 Pastor - Fr. Sebastian Arikat and Co-ordinator

“THE VARIOUS INFORMATIVE SESSIONS AND CAREFULLY THOUGHT OUT WORKSHOPS ENAbLED US TO THINK out-of-the-box while bASING OURSELVES FIRMLY ON CHRISTIAN VALUES. THIS HAS EQUIPPED US bETTER TO MEET THE CHALLENGES FACED WHILE MINISTERING to youth.”
 BoBAN MATHEw, CANADA

“JYIAT ’13 was a well-planned AND ORGANISED PROGRAMME WITH MUCH PRAYERS AND CONCERTED EFFORTS bY THE ORGANISERS. MOST OF US CAME FROM DIFFERENT PARTS OF THE WORLD bUT FROM THE VERY FIRST DAY, WE CLICKED WITH EACH OTHER LIKE WITH OUR OWN FAMILY MEMbERS. IT WAS CERTAIN THAT THE POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT WAS AT work through each of us.” Sr. STELLA, MALAYSIA

“The Animators’ TRAINING DREW OUR ATTENTION TO discovering Jesus MORE INTIMATELY IN THE YOUTH WE ANIMATE. THIS HAS LEFT AN IMPRINT IN MY LIFE WHICH CAN never be erased.” Fr. WiLLiAM GAMBoriPAi, SOUTH SUDAN

- Adolf Goldwyn along with Dr. Edward Edezhath, Santosh, Manoj Sunny and many other resource persons enriched the ambience of the event. “My lips will proclaim your intervention and tell of your salvation all day, little though it is what I can understand” (Psalm 71:15) was the main theme for the Commissioning Ceremony held on 31 August for both the Animators and the Fulltime Volunteers. The event started with welcoming the Guest of Honour for the day - Most Rev. John Bosco Panya, Bishop of Ratchaburi followed by a short interaction session with His Excellency. After the Holy Mass celebrated by His Excellency, the animators were commissioned and they took their oath of commitment. It was an added blessing to receive the Papal Indulgence as a part of the 400th Anniversary celebration of the Camillian Pastoral Care Center. STANy SHiNE

DECEMBER 2013 PAGE 21

GLOBAL NEWSWATCH

Intercession Week, Kuwait

Farewell Gathering, Italy

Retreat, Malaysia

KUWAIT  Discipleship Formation Programme About 30 members participated in a national level Discipleship Formation Programme from 26 July-10 August.  National Family Gathering On 30 August, around 40 families spent a day in prayer and fellowship.  Intercession Week From 1-9 September, Intercession week was celebrated and saw more than 150 members lifting up various prayer needs through rosaries, mercy chaplets and fasting. The concluding ceremony was conducted at the City Cathedral and included a procession on knees to the grotto.  Households Six different households are being held in various areas on a monthly basis, in which all the leaders come together. Dinoy David ITALY  Farewell Gathering To bid farewell to Fr. Sanoj Joy, a constant support and guide for JY Rome over the last five years, a special gathering and Holy Mass was held at Santa Maria Grazia alla Fornaci Church on 29 September. The monthly meetings and activities for JY Rome for the new academic year were also initiated on the day. Jaimit George

OMAN  ‘Exodus 2013’ A three-day retreat in English was held from 8-10 August at the Ruwi Parish for around 130 participants.  ‘Faith Fest 2013’ Around 250 participants took part in a twoday retreat held in Malayalam at the Ghala Parish during the Eid Holidays.  ‘Salt & Light’ Eid Holidays saw yet another two-day retreat in Malayalam in Salalah which was attended by 20 people. Lijin Sebastian SRI LANKA  DTP The national Discipleship Training Programme was held from 9-14 April at St. Sebastian’s College, Moratuwa. 40 youth from 5 dioceses participated.  ‘Christ-Meet’ An encounter retreat focused on teens, ‘Christ-Meet’ was organised parallel to the DTP from 12-14 April at the same venue. 18 youngsters from the Diocese of Colombo attended the programme.  Master Builders A training programme to assist 22 individuals to grow in their discipleship commitment was held from 12-14 April. The presence of Most Rev. Dr. Maxwell Silva, the

Auxiliary Bishop of Colombo, was a blessing for all the participants.  JY Sri Lanka Recommitment Day On 23 June, more than 150 people came together for the Jesus Youth Sri Lanka Recommitment Day. With the theme ‘Spirit Reigns’, the event highlights included a gospel concert by the Music ministry, a session about missionary lifestyle and the launch of the ‘Year of Missions’ which will continue up to Recommitment Day 2014. Shanuka Perera MALAYSIA  Retreat More than 30 people attended a residential retreat at Port Dickson near Kuala Lumpur from 8-10 August. The group, comprising of both families as well as singles, were led to experience the joy of coming together as one family with Jesus at the centre. The retreat has been an important milestone in the growth of JY Malaysia as it was the initial step of an on-going formation for active discipleship. Juliet Raymond BANGLADESH  ‘Father’s Call’ On 4 October, a group of young people and upcoming leaders from Jesus Youth attended a one-day programme titled ‘Father’s Call’ at the Fatima Rani Church
JY Family Conference, UAE

JY Trainings, Sri Lanka

GLOBAL NEWSWATCH

‘Revive’, Ireland

JY Family Conference, UAE

National Animators’ Training, India

in Bandarban. The group of around 85 people were inspired and guided towards a JY lifestyle through a variety of activities, sessions, games and music. John Tripura IRELAND  ‘Revive’ Jesus Youth Ireland had their annual residential summer retreat for youth and late teens from 23-26 June at the Newgrange Lodge, Co-Meath. The participants enjoyed every minute; spending time in prayer and deepening their encounter with Christ. The desire to live and share the Good News of Jesus continues to grow amongst them.  Intercession Retreat From 20-22 September, an intercession retreat helped 35 participants to understand the necessity of intercession and prayer. The inspiring talks and Adorations helped the participants to deepen their faith and open their hearts to Divine wisdom.  Intercession Week As part of the International Intercession Week, JY Ireland organised a 40-hour Eucharistic Adoration at Our Lady of Visitation Church, Fairview, Dublin from 6-8 September. On the feast of the Nativity of Our Lady, youth gathered in the city centre and prayed the rosary together while walking through the streets. A rosary decade made of hydrogen balloons was also

raised to the skies accompanied by birthday songs to our beloved Mother during the time of prayer at Phoenix Park, located in the heart of Dublin. Shini Michael BAHRAIN  National Team Reconstitution The reconstitution of the National Team took place on 24 May 2013. Roshan George is the new National Co-ordinator, Benson Miranda is the Asst. Co-ordinator and Fr. Joy Menachery is the Spiritual Director. Roshan George INDIA  National Trainings 2013 National Animators’ Training Programme was held at Siloam, Shillong from 15-22 October and was attended by 18 priests, religious and lay animators from across the country. National Leaders’ Training Programme was held at the same venue from 12-22 October with 28 active Jesus Youth leaders participating. Most Rev. Jose Mukala, Bishop Emeritus of Kohima, presided over the Commitment Ceremony held jointly for both the trainings on 22 October.  DTP North East A Discipleship Training Programme was organised in Siloam, Shillong from 14-20 September by the National Team. There were around 30 participants from West Bengal and North East India.

 Faith Conferences Between August and October, Faith Conferences were held in Gujarat, Kerala, Tamil Nadu & Chhattisgarh. Based on the theme ‘to know, live and share the faith’, musical celebrations, audio visual presentations, choreographies and cultural events along with prayerful Adorations, and exhibitions added flavour to the gatherings. The Faith Conferences have been a milestone for Jesus Youth India in bringing about a new fervour and passion for the Holy Catholic Church and the missionary nature of Jesus Youth. Asha Sanil UAE  National Intercession Retreat JY UAE’s first national Intercession retreat in Malayalam was held in Sharjah from 7-9 August and was attended by more than 100 intercession ministry members from all over UAE. Intercession cells and other initiatives such as prayer tower and intercession network were formed in different Emirates as a result of the retreat.  Rosary Rally for Middle East Peace As part of the International Intercession week, JY UAE set aside a day to pray for Peace in the Middle East. In each of the seven Emirates, a prayer station was setup from where rosaries were continuously prayed. Simultaneously, two teams of volunteers started traveling from both ends
Kerala Faith Conference, India

New JY National Team, Bahrain

DECEMBER 2013 PAGE 23

GLOBAL NEWSWATCH

Intercession Retreat, UAE

‘Marian Voyage 2013’, UK

‘Faith Conference 2013’, UK

(Northern and Southern) of UAE, visiting and praying at each prayer station. By evening both teams reached the JY Home in Dubai for the final blessing.  JY Home Blessing The blessing of the newly renovated JY home was held on 11 May in Dubai. Fr. Varghese (JY Pastor) and Fr. Stalin (Young Adults Ministry Director) along with JYs from different streams were present to witness this grace-filled moment. JY Home is a major hub for most of the Jesus Youth meetings and programmes.  National Outreach Orientation Programme An Outreach Orientation Programme in English was conducted on 5 July in Jebel Ali with participants from all over UAE. The main purpose of the programme was to enhance reach out in the local areas.  Outreach Training Programme Follow-up Further to the Outreach Training Programme held last year, a follow-up gathering was conducted on 5 July 2013. Nineteen participants from different parishes in UAE came together at St. Francis Church, Jebel Ali to rekindle the fire received through the training and to plan out the activities in their respective parishes for the next three months.  Charism Workshop A three-day residential Charism Workshop in English was conducted from 20-22 June. It was held for 30 participants who were core team members and upcoming leaders from all over the UAE.  JY Family Conference More than 100 families attended a threeday conference from 14-16 October in Jebel Ali with separate sessions organised for the kids. The Conference concluded with a Holy Mass in which the couples renewed their marriage vows.  Mission Exposure, Nagpur 30 LEAD (Leadership Enhancement for Active Discipleship) participants made a mission exposure trip to Nagpur in India from 15-20 August. The trip began with

a retreat followed by parish outreach programmes to the rural villages of Padre Thana and Butibori. His Grace Archbishop Abraham Viruthakulangara of Nagpur celebrated the concluding Holy Mass. The group has now returned with a renewed sense of mission in their lives.  Growth Retreats and One-Day Programme Between 14-16 October, growth retreats were held in Dubai and Abu Dhabi with 225 and 98 participants respectively. In Sharjah, a one-day programme titled ‘Samrudhi’ was held on 16 October with nearly 1000 youth participating. Vincy Sybin UK  Leaders’ Training Programme In the context of the changing phase of the movement especially in UK, the National team organised a leaders’ training programme from 13-16 June at the Hallam Diocese Pastoral Centre in Sheffield. The group was accompanied by key leaders from the movement and the Charismatic Renewal in UK.  ‘Marian Voyage 2013’ Through the whole of October, Jesus Youth UK organised perpetual rosaries in different parts of the country. On 27 October, a pilgrimage was made to the Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham. As a symbol of all their prayers and supplication, a rosary made of balloons was also released that day.  Leaders’ Formation Programme A group of 11 youth have embarked on a year-long formation programme that would equip them to evolve as young leaders of the movement. Accompanied by five elders and supported by pastoral guidance, the group will delve into matters of faith and explore the richness of Catholicism. So far, the group has completed four modules.  Youth Formation Programme A Youth Formation Programme began in January with candidates from various parts of the UK. Over the course of 12

months, the participants will attend six modules, which will strengthen their faith, give them an experience that they can share with the rest of their prayer group and help them grow personally. A number of Jesus Youth families and resources are journeying with them.  ‘Faith Conference 2013’ An initiative of the Jesus Youth UK Family Ministry, ‘Faith Conference 2013’ saw around 130 adults and 95 children come together from all parts of UK, united in one Faith and Spirit. The four-day Conference centred on the need for a deeper understanding of our Faith while reflecting on how we Live, Share and proclaim our Faith. Pre-teens were also immersed in a separate funfilled and exhilarating programme of their own. The Conference held in August at the Pioneer Centre, Shropshire saw a new wave of passion and devotion to the Eternal Faith, sweeping through the JY families across UK – already leading to new initiatives and new life-changing decisions. Arun Paul

Mary, MoTHer deareST, We iMplore your Grace To WalK in THe FooTSTepS oF Your Son THan in THe WayS oF THe World. AMen.

Printed and Published by Mr. Raiju Varghese on behalf of Jesus Youth International Office, 6F Thadikaran Centre, Palarivattom P.O., Cochin-682 025, Kerala, INDIA, Ph: +91 484-4054870, 4054371, Fax: +91-484-4054870, Email: [email protected]  www.jesusyouth.org  Editor-in-charge: Shelton Pinheiro  Editorial Team: Beena Manoj, Anu Pinheiro & Liss Thomas  Layout: Sanil C.A.  Printed by SR Graphics, Kottayam, Ph:+91 481-2301142

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