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6 LENTEN
ADORATION 10 JOURNEY OF THE
JUBILEE CROSS 13 GLOBAL
NEWSWATCH

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APRIL 2010

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A closer look at the changing world of teenagers and their lives.
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love
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“GELLING YOUR HAIR ISN’T GOING TO MAKE YOU A TEENAGER! YOU NEED MORE STYLE!!” These words from

style movies
a young teenager got me thinking. What is it that actually makes a teenager? Today when much focus is on
youth and youth culture – be it the media, the society or even the Church, there is an essential need to study
and understand teens. Teens are the new youth and any effort to reach out to the younger generation calls for
legend

a closer walk with them – making sense of their confusions, desires, fears and attitudes to life. A recent finding

teens music that the majority of people who accepted Jesus as their personal Lord and Saviour did so while they were in

together
their teens highlights our need to be on the same page as our teenagers when it comes to sharing the story of
phenomenon
real scooporkutlife
communities urban instantheroadsipod
instant game
blogs

possible CONTD. ON PAGE 3

hopecontradictexpressphilosophyinvent value
 Heart Talk
The spirit of Jubilee is in the air and I have experienced this in every place I have
visited during this grace-filled year. You may be connected to the movement through
a ministry responsibility. Maybe you are a priest/religious who got your vocation
journeying through the movement. Perhaps you are not fully active now because of
various other commitments. Irrespective of who or what you are, or where you come
from, the Lord is touching all of us in the Jesus Youth in a special way this year. I see
this Jubilee spirit particularly in the two powerful gifts God has bestowed in the life
of our movement – the Core People (who built it) and the Support System (created by
the Holy Spirit which has surprised and challenged the members at every stage).
The Core People: As I journeyed for Jubilee visits along the scenic roads of Kerala,
‘God’s own country’ where Jesus Youth, which we can surely call as ‘God’s own’, was
born, I found something even more powerful than nature – the hard work of those
who built this movement in its early stages. I had the privilege of visiting senior
leaders who have been with the movement from the early 1980s. I was amazed
at what some of them shared with me. One of the leaders spoke of how in those
days, they used to sometimes walk 20 kilometres to get to a prayer meeting. What
touched me even more was the fact that despite this long walk, they used to first
kneel down in prayer for hours before beginning any activity. I learnt how many of
our inspirational ministries were formed and how they sent out many missionaries
to distant lands. As I met all of them, one thing shone through – THEIR LOVE FOR
THE MOVEMENT AND THE CHURCH. I think this passion etched in the heart of every
Jesus Youth has contributed mainly to flaming our JUBILEE SPIRIT.
Looking back, we can see how by the power of the Holy Spirit, this movement
quickly became a life-changing process for people, helping them make a greater
In the evangelical commitment to Christ and the Church. Our functioning style encouraged even the
account, st. Mark simplest people to delve into the deep and living teachings of the Church and
stresses how “jesus ordinary young people to find radical answers to the challenges of the world. In
looking upon him loved many parishes and campuses, the openness of Jesus Youth to the Church inspired
him” (cf. Mark 10:21). many others to adopt a similar lifestyle. Our ministries in various life situations
In the lord’s look is like the students, nurses, doctors, etc., connected the world to the Church and
also brought the Church closer to the people. The energy and momentum of the
the heart of the very
movement was thus gained perhaps not through great theoretical speeches but by
special encounter and the active narration of God’s blessings in our lives. Truly it is amazing to see how
of all the christian the movement has helped lay people to understand their own value and role in the
experience. In fact, Church. They have evolved from being mere Sunday Catholics to serious thinkers
christianity is not with a strong missionary dimension. This is evidenced by the fact that many senior
primarily a morality, leaders, following their work in youth ministry, are now active in various councils
but experience of jesus and commissions of the parish and diocese.
christ, who loves us The Support System: Another blessing which became evident as these senior Jesus
personally, young and Youth shared their experiences was the unique and timely help of an able Support
old, poor and rich; he System comprising of bishops, clergy, friends, institutions, well-wishers and their
loves us even when we own family members. The spontaneous and proactive way this System has worked
turn our back to him. … can be seen as nothing but the work of the Spirit. Whether it was a parish priest
In this love is found the who opened his Church hall for us or parents who opened up homes or bishops
who blessed us with their paternal care, it was all God’s hands shaping us into
source of the whole of
what we are today. Though sometimes there have been situations where we lacked
christian life and the wholehearted support, on looking back we find that this too has contributed to our
fundamental reason of personal formation and the laying of a strong foundation for our ministry work.
evangelisation: if we Recently I met the elderly parents of an active Jesus Youth and the father shared
have truly encountered how one of the rooms in their house was named the ‘JY Room’ because it was
jesus, we cannot do always full of young people, meeting and praying together!
other than witness him As we move ahead in this Jubilee year let us visit one another and our Support
to those who have not System, thanking all and praying together. I praise God for giving us this movement
yet crossed his look! which is ‘moving us deeper into the Church’ and at the same time is like the
‘Church on the move’ in our mission places. Making the Jubilee visits was a
veritable retreat for me as I was greeted everywhere with a joyful “Happy Jubilee!”
And I greet you likewise - “HAPPY JUBILEE!”

message of his holiness George Devassy

Pope Benedict xvi for the Jesus Youth International Co-ordinator
25th World Youth Day, 2010
Cover STORY
The Teen World
Jesus with them. Besides, as Pope Paul VI exhorted
in Evangelii Nuntiandi, 63, “Evangelisation loses
much of its force and effectiveness if it does not
take into consideration the actual people to whom
it is addressed, if it does not use their language,
their signs and symbols, if it does not answer the
questions they ask, and if it does not have an impact
on their concrete life”.
To write about one-fifth of the world’s population
itself is no easy task. And when the number we
are talking about exceeds over 1.2 billion, it is not
surprising that parents, educators, policy makers,
marketers, fundamentalists, social activists and
social networks are all focussing today on this one
demography. The life of the teenager is increasingly
becoming a battleground for attention and
investment.
So who exactly are these dynamic, strong, moody,
dangerous, reckless, confused, focussed, listening
impaired, activity inspired, hyperactive teenagers
Be it mobile phones anyway? And how does the world see them?
that check email, fast
Teens today are doing things that were unheard
food for meals, instant of in the past. They are at the forefront of sports,
friending or unfriending movies, science, religion and activism. Is this a
phase that will also pass away? Will they grow out of
online, reacting to
it? The answer lies in understanding them or more
a political turn of importantly, how they understand the world.
events, changing their
wardrobe or aspiring Identity Search
to do all of the above As much as they refuse to admit it, today’s younger
generation is on a search for their true identity. They
at the same time, teens are unsure about what is expected from them and
today are engulfed in so tend to try out every means to find their identity.
a culture of instant Many teenagers look for favourable role models to
ape – in mannerisms, style and even ambition.
availability of anything Obviously, as they spend more than 6-7 hours daily
and everything. with their friends (far beyond what they do with
Contd. from page 1
their parents), their search is influenced
primarily by their friends’ perceptions.
Seventeen-year-old Asha from Dimapur
in India tells me, “I try and create my own
style. Sometimes I copy what my friends do”.
Teens often experiment and resort to extreme
measures to find their individual identities
and finally take on one they find most
comfortable - often one that highlights their
strengths and plays down their weaknesses.
This often hides their true abilities and talents.
Despite this, fearing rejection from their peers,
they wear this assumed identity which often
becomes their own by the time they are done
with their teenage years. This also shapes
their belief system, attitudes and general
social consciousness. Gradually they begin to
breathe and live this assumed identity and try
to fit it into their perception of their place in
this world.
Myriad Expressions
Teenagers today have umpteen options when
it comes to expressing their identity. Television
is still the number one influencer of teenage
behaviour and with reality shows, every talent
you have can make you famous, be it dancing,
singing, acting, daredevilry, cooking or even
making a fool of yourself. Besides, with
youtube.com all you need is a webcam and
you suddenly have a viewership of thousands.
Even rural teenagers are so engaged by this
online exposure and influenced by the TV that
they take these varied expressions into their
classrooms, streets and homes. The online
world with its numerous social networks,
blogs and tweets has suddenly given every
teenager a place where they can be heard,
seen, visualised and their rants expressed. All
you have to do today to get a glimpse of these
expressions is to look around and chances are
you’ll find teenagers expressing themselves
vibrantly.
Instant Gratification
What hasn’t changed over the past decade
is the thrust on instant gratification. Teens
today want stuff here and now. Gone are
the days of waiting for results, they are not
afraid to experiment or work on making their
world instant. Be it mobile phones that check
email, fast food for meals, instant friending
or unfriending online, reacting to a political
turn of events, changing their wardrobe or
aspiring to do all of the above at the same
time, teens today are engulfed in a culture
of instant availability of anything and
everything. Even among rural teenagers the
scene is no different. With stories of urban
APRIL 2010 PAGE 3

What they really need is
someone to listen. They
may not be overt about it
but once you prod them
you will be surprised by
what you learn. There’s
so much you learn
about teenagers by just
listening to all THAT
they have to say.
happenings spreading via cable channels
and mobiles becoming an integral part
of every teenager’s household, teens are
among the new casualties of an increasingly
materialistic world. Today marketers are
using teenagers to spread this culture among
their parents with increased ‘pester power
marketing’ (kids using pestering as a means
of getting parents to buy them stuff, a good
example being the McDonald’s Happy Meal)
offering free gifts such as stickers, tattoos,
collectibles, ringtones and music downloads.
Parents today find it hard to resist the instant
gratification itch passed on to them by their
teenage children.
Varied Interests
Teens have intense interests, some of which
were unheard of in previous generations.
Whether mashing up videos online or
volunteering to save whales or spreading
awareness about eco-friendly cars or
reducing global warming and going green
or starting a band or mixing martial arts and
dance to create new forms of expression
or designing or being active in politics, the
list is endless. What is more interesting is
that today’s teenagers have many varied
interests that they try to keep up with, plus
the added ones that their parents want
them to be interested in. So much so, that
we now have a generation that has multiple
skills. Another interesting trend is one of
‘slactivism’ – slackness + activism. Teenagers
maybe at the forefront of many activist
ideals, but they soon lose interest and start
to slacken, hence beginning a new trend of
‘slactivism’ that is becoming very common
among them today. The big question is,
“How do we engage our teens with enough
interest such that they do not slacken?”
Openly Expressive
Teenagers today are very adaptable because
of their grooming in varied interests
and this is also helping them to express
themselves emotionally. They are not scared
of expressing the way they feel, even if it is
to a few peers or to an online community.
Teenagers are often driven by what they
feel more than what they think, which
explains the constant impulsiveness and
hyperactivity. Positively it means that they
are open to being loved and to love. Antony, a
teenager from Dubai shares, “It may be easy to
look around our world today and see a whole
lot of chaos, difficulty and strife. Yet, when
we come with an open heart, we can also see
our opportunity to love all things into balance,
joy, harmony and peace. This planet does not
need more visions of desperation, fear, doubt
and hate - it requires an abundance of love,
especially unconditional love, to heal and
restore the beauty contained in every moment.
This becomes the easier path once we take the
first step and begin to share our love”.
The Password is ‘Understanding’
A proper understanding of today’s teens
will itself help us to better interact and be
comfortable with them. We all need to
understand that this is a phase, a difficult one
perhaps, but just a phase that will pass away.
However care should be taken to deal properly
with teenagers in this interesting stage of their
lives. Often the questions are: 1) How can we
get teens involved and interested in their own
lives? 2) How do they realise that God can be an
integral part of it?
Listen
One of the crucial elements in dealing with
teenagers is to stay away from the danger of giving
them advice. They are getting plenty of advice.
What they really need is someone to listen. They
may not be overt about it but once you prod them
you will be surprised by what you learn. There’s so
much you learn about teenagers by just listening
to all that they have to say.
Engage
Teens need to be engaged. Ministry plays a
vital role in forming this aspect. We read earlier
about them having varied interests. We need
to meet them at the area of their interest and
get them engaged in it. Constant follow-up and
increasing challenges can all help in getting
them to stick on. Music, theatre, co-ordinating,
organising, etc., can help them realise their
abilities and also keep them engaged and
coming back for more.
Appreciate
A pat on the back and a kind word goes a
long way in leading teens. Teens need to be
appreciated for the effort they put in as they are
constantly looking for validation of what they
do. This gives them the motivation and love that
they long for so much.
Walk the Talk to Inspire
Teens are looking for role models who walk the
talk. They are looking for authority figures who
can show them how they can be a true version
of themselves. Smart as they are, they can see
through farces and make-believe and their
search makes them seek out leaders who inspire
Teenagers are looking
for someone to
trust them and give
them the freedom to
express themselves.
In empowering our
teenagers we give them
an assurance of our love
and faith in what they
do thus enabling them to
give more to the world
and to their peers.
by their lives. True Christian leaders beckon
teens to confide and share their lives with
them. Hearing Joel speak, “Keep doing what
you guys do best, one of which I definitely
noticed was encouraging people to seek
God”, underlines our need to walk the talk in
today’s world!
Empower
Finally, empower them! Teenagers are
looking for someone to trust them and give
them the freedom to express themselves.
In empowering our teenagers we give them
an assurance of our love and faith in what
they do thus enabling them to give more to
the world and to their peers. This results in
a rich experience that will help them make
a surefire decision for life. As Richinda from
Sri Lanka shares, “Richinda airlines flyin’ so
nicely wit da precious pilot JESUS!”
Teen Ministers!
Ministering to teens is a special calling
and demands specific ministries to guide
and motivate teenagers. Today, there are
numerous teen ministries worldwide serving
the Catholic Church. Let’s take a look at
some of them, including our own Teens
Ministry.
JY Teens
The Jesus Youth Teens Ministry is striving
hard to reach out and more importantly
involve teens in active ministry. One of
the unique characteristics of this ministry
is that it uses young teenagers to minister
to teens around them. Guided by their
elder brothers and sisters in the ministry
and rooted in the six pillars, these young
missionaries go forth and do incredible
things for the Lord. They have been
behind amazing projects such as ‘Chalo
Nagaland’ and ‘Chalo Kashmir’, which took
young teens from all over India to minister
to the teens in those places. JY teens
around the world have been organising
teen retreats, conferences and teen
meets over the last decade, reaching out to more
and more teens like them. Such bold initiatives
are what can be expected as we truly partner
with teenagers to spread the Gospel joyfully and
actively. The Jesus Youth Teens Ministry is growing
around the world supported by leaders who are
actively listening to, engaging and empowering
teens around them. Find out more about JY Teens
at www.jyteens.org
Life Teen
Life Teen is a Eucharist-based international
Catholic ministry that transforms teens, parishes
and the culture around them. Based in U.S.A, they
support the parish youth ministry with events,
conferences and summer camps. They have an
active web based ministry and can be found
online at www.lifeteen.com
Net Ministries
Net Ministries is an active outreach ministry that
has a very strong presence in Australia, Canada
and the U.S.A. Every year they train hundreds
of young people who take a nine-month
commitment to get on the road and travel to
hundreds of parishes and dioceses, ministering to
thousands of young teenagers in schools.
Get to know more about them at
www.netministriesinternational.com
Tomorrow’s Hope
One of the surprises of the Holy Spirit in our
times is the way in which young Catholics are
ushering in a new springtime of faith and vitality
for the Church. Boundless missionary frontiers
are opening up with more and more youngsters
vibrantly living the faith and spreading the Good
News in cyberspace. Living in a time of rigorous
spiritual renewal with teens leading the way, we
can be certain that the future of the Church is
bright!
DONY PETER
The current Jesus Youth
South East Asia Co-ordinator,
he is a vibrant speaker and
trainer for JY formation
programmes and trainings.
A former full time volunteer,
he is presently working as a
Life Skills Coach in Bangalore and is also pursuing
his doctoral studies in leadership.
APRIL 2010 PAGE 5
Inaugural Holy Mass: Bishop Jean Laffitte with Bishop Antony Fisher and concelebrants.

Intercession being one of the focusSes of the Jesus Youth Jubilee year, Adoration
of the Blessed Sacrament and Prayer around the Jubilee Cross is being held at
local levels in different countries around the world. In Europe, Jesus Youth
with the support of the Youth Section, Pontifical Council for THE Laity, began
a round-the-clock intercession campaign and Eucharistic Adoration on Ash

LENTEN
Wednesday at THE Centro San Lorenzo.

ADORATION Centro San Lorenzo, ROME

Rome, called the Eternal City for
the role it has always played in the
history of Europe, is now making
ripples, marking a significant
milestone for the Jesus Youth
movement. For in this our Jubilee
year, from a little Chapel in Centro
San Lorenzo, streams of healing and
grace are flowing from the heart
of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament,
drawing hearts to God, working miracles,
bringing countless blessings in its wake.
It all began during the JY Europe National
Teams’ Gathering in Assisi last November,
when the leaders were inspired to make the
Lenten season of the Jubilee year a unique
and grace-filled one. It was decided that
the Jesus Youth family would pray during
the whole of Lent before the Lord in the
Blessed Sacrament, lifting the needs of started at 6 pm on Ash Wednesday, 17th February. Rome, called the
the Mother Church and the movement. The inaugural Holy Mass was celebrated by Bishop Eternal City for the
A small team was formed to organise Jean Laffitte, Secretary to the Pontifical Council role it has always
the prayer campaign and the volunteers. for Families and Bishop Antony Fisher, Diocese played in the history
Reji Kottukappally and Anna Born were of Paramatta, Australia, together with ten other of Europe, is now
entrusted with the responsibilty of co- priests from various countries. More than 75 people making ripples,
ordinating this project. Four key areas were attended the Mass, which was celebrated in English, marking a significant
also selected as the focal points of this with readings and singing in other languages. milestone for the
year’s intercession:
Jesus Youth Movement.
Jesus Youth volunteers from different countries in
For in this our Jubilee
• Priests/ Seminarians and the vocation to Europe have been taking turns to cover the shifts for
Priesthood this unique prayer venture. Other prayer groups, lay
year, from a little
associations and movements are also invited. Now
Chapel in Centro San
• The re-evangelisation of Europe
there are many pilgrim groups visiting the Chapel Lorenzo, streams of
• Intentions of the Holy Father Pope and the World Youth Day Cross in addition to the healing and grace
Benedict XVI JY volunteers, to help take turns round-the-clock. are flowing from the
The local support is also growing greater with some heart of Jesus in the
• The sanctification of the Jesus Youth
elderly Italians always ready to fill in the gaps. The Blessed Sacrament,
movement
presence of more religious and priests visiting the drawing hearts
Chapel to venerate the Lord is an added blessing. to God, working
Very soon, Jesus Youth was granted miracles, bringing
permission by the Youth Section of the countless blessings in
Indeed, the Lord has been blessing this initiative
Pontifical Council for the Laity in Vatican its wake.
abundantly and many have been drawn to the seat
to use their Chapel in Centro San Lorenzo
of mercy and divine love, experiencing conversion
(International Youth Centre) for the prayer
leading to confession after many years, getting
campaign. It is in this Chapel that the
healing from sicknesses, finding consolation in times
World Youth Day Cross is kept when not
of sorrow and having prayers answered miraculously!
touring the globe. As the World Youth Day
This has also been a great opportunity for Jesus “Organising the
Cross holds a special place in our hearts,
Youth to work and pray with other international Eucharistic adoration
obtaining this Chapel was like a dream
movements, volunteers and leaders, thereby taking was a huge challenge.
come true. The much awaited intercession
the movement to the next phase of its growth. But right from the
campaign and Lenten Eucharistic Adoration
beginning, we could
see the Spirit of the
Lord doing things we
thought impossible!
The whole experience
has reaffirmed for
me that our call is
missionary and our
task, nothing but
building the Church in
all possible ways.”
Jose Mathew,
JY Europe
co-ordinator
JY Team with His Eminence Cardinal Stanislaw Rylko, Archbishop Abraham Viruthakulangara, Ecclesiastical
President, Pontifical Council for the Laity Advisor, Jesus Youth India at Centro San Lorenzo

“I see people - “To be able to go “My experience “The Rome “This time is a big
individuals and every morning here has been one intercession blessing for me. Not
groups, VIP’s and during Lent to of deep joy. Thank was a great only can I deepen my
ordinary people - enjoy the presence you for your warm experience mainly relationship with
come to spend some of the Holy and welcoming because there the Lord, I can also
time before the Sacrament, to grow embrace. I think, was nothing see His mighty hands
Lord amidst their deeper in faith on earth no to bother me. I working miracles
busy schedule. And and to spend more deeper friendship didn’t have to and wonders in
when I see them time in prayer is a exists than that keep checking my everyone who
make every effort grace that God is which the Lord watch to see if it comes. I am so
to come again giving me. I thank Himself knits was time to go… grateful to Him
and again, I can all the organisers together amongst all I had to do for choosing me to
undoubtedly say, ‘HIS for permitting this those who adore was sit in front serve Him through
PRESENCE CHANGES close encounter Him in the Blessed of the Living GOD this wonderful
THE WORLD’.” with Jesus Christ.” Sacrament.” and just Adore initiative.”
Reji Kottukappally, María Paula, Ludwig, HIM.” Anna Born,
UK Argentina Switzerland Cijo, UK Germany

APRIL 2010 PAGE 7

 100
Adding momentum to
the numerous Jubilee
preparations around the
world are the ongoing
‘100 Days of Grace’. The

entire phase, spanning
50 days before and
after Easter, has three
distinct thrusts - purifying
oneself, praying for the
movement and drawing
closer to the Church. This
is the first time that Jesus
Youth is participating in
such intense spiritual
preparation after 2007,
when this Lenten exercise
was officially started.
To help the members
in this journey, weekly
reflections written by
various Jesus Youth
leaders are posted on
the website (http://www.
jesusyouth.org/watch).
All are encouraged to
translate these writings
into their local languages
Days of Grace
and use them for
personal/community
growth. ‘100 Days of Grace’
will culminate with Jesus
Youth, as individuals
and as a movement,
recommitting to the work
of the Holy Spirit on
Pentecost Day.
This being the Jubilee
year, the blessed days
are a special time to In the context of the Jubilee, there was felt a strong need to bring together individuals
receive the Jubilee who have played a role in the growth of the movement over the last 25 years - a sort
graces. Additionally of reunion of the last generation. Thus arose the decision to celebrate JY Reunion Day
the Recommitment Day when anyone who has been associated with the movement, in a small or big way, could
will be celebrated as JY connect back to the movement, reconcile differences if any and make the Jubilee a
Reunion Day worldwide. time to look forward with new hope and anticipation.

Mission in Asia Asian Movements Meet in Thailand

Inaugural Holy Mass

The meeting was inaugurated by Most Rev. Archbishop

Leaders of twenty-five Asian movements with Archbishop Menamparampil, Chairman FABC-OE
A meeting of ecclesial movements was organised by the Federation
of Asian Bishops’ Conference - Office of Evangelisation (FABC-OE) at
Pattaya, Bangkok from 24th to 26th January 2010. The task of organising
and bringing together all ecclesial movements in Asia for this meeting
was entrusted by the Office of Evangelisation to Manoj Sunny of Jesus
Youth. Nearly 60 delegates representing 25 movements from 17 countries
participated in the event. These included significant movements like
ICCRS, Focolare, Communion & Liberation, ICPE, Fondacio, CFC, Catholic
Fraternity, the Neocatechumenal Way, World Marriage Encounter, etc. The
Jesus Youth movement was represented by George Devassy (International
Co-ordinator) and Shijo P. Joseph (Co-ordinator, JY Thailand). JY
volunteers were also present to help during the event.
Salvatore Pennacchio, Apostolic Nuncio in Bangkok.
Archbishop Menamparampil, Chairman of FABC-OE, was
present throughout the programme. The resource persons
included Fr. James Kroeger from the Philippines,
Fr. Jacob Theckanath, Secretary of FABC-OE and Dr. Edward
Edezhath, Animator of Jesus Youth.
At the end of the three-day meeting, the concept of a
fraternity of movements was evolved and a Fraternity of
Catholic Movements in Asia was formed. A council of five
persons with Manoj Sunny as the Convener was elected to
facilitate communication and mutual collaboration among
the Catholic movements in Asia.
 Watch
out
www.jesusyouth.org

1
Jubilee
Conference

2
KOCHI, INDIA
28th Dec. 2010, 4pm to Testimonies
1st Jan. 2011, 9pm on the Web
A web platform to collect and publish testimonies.
A gathering of Jesus Youth Tell your faith story to the world. And read about
from across the world. A other life-transforming encounters with the Lord
time of thanksgiving and from JYs around the world. All this on
celebration together as one www.jesusyouth.org starting June 2010.

3
family. Come and be a part of
this momentous occasion!
1000 one-month
Registrations Mission Commitments
In the Jubilee year, Jesus Youth around the world
open in June 2010. are encouraged to take up one-month mission
To register and get more information commitments - as families or as individuals. The
regarding the Conference, log on to goal is to collect at least 1000 such commitments.
www.jesusyouth.org These mission trips can be undertaken any time
over the next 10 years starting in 2011. You can sign
up on www.jesusyouth.org from June 2010.

The Pastoral Orientation Centre in
Kochi was the venue for the four-
day National Assembly and General
Body Meeting of Signis India – the
World Catholic Association for
Communication in India, held
from 5th to 8th February 2010. The
Inaugural Mass was celebrated
by His Excellency Joseph Kariyil,
Bishop of Kochi and the Inaugural
Ceremony was presided by His
Grace Andrews Thazhath, Secretary
General - Kerala Catholic Bishops’
Conference and the Archbishop
of Trichur. The seminar included
and Youth Culture’ by Dr. Edward
Edezhath was followed by a
presentation on ‘New Media and
Christian Mission’ by Shelton
Pinheiro. With live streaming,
short videos, Vox Pop sessions,
podcast, etc., the JY Media Team
helped to present an overview
of emerging media trends and
the creative scope of media
for evangelisation among
youth. The Assembly on the
whole highlighted the role
of Christian communicators
in the media to build a value
based society and the greater
responsibility they have in
building the young generation.

Signis India several paper presentations and

sessions by numerous distinguished
speakers on the different aspects of
5th to 8th February 2010
the impact of media on youth. The
Kochi
day concluded with ‘Soul Café’ - a
musical evening by the Rexband.

The second day of the Assembly

was animated by the Jesus Youth.
JY Media Team at Signis India
A session on ‘Contemporary Media

APRIL 2010 PAGE 9

 Jubilee
Journey of the
Cross
IRELAND
The Jubilee Cross journey was launched in
Ireland with a special ceremony at
Our Lady of Visitation Parish, Fairview.
It was attended by about 50 Jesus Youth
from Dublin. After handing over the Cross
to Joan Barrett from Clontarf, Dublin,
Fr. Fergus O’Connor (Parish priest of Our
Lady Queen of Peace, Merrion Road)
concelebrated Holy Eucharist with Fr. Sony
Sebastian Palathra CMI (Pastor, JY Ireland).
The Cross which started its journey in
Dublin will now travel to other cities in
Ireland.
GERMANY
In Germany, the Jubilee Cross is travelling
from the south of the country (Konstanz)
to the north (Berlin). Journeying with the
Cross is a statue of Mother Mary adorned
with Jubilee roses. This special addition
ensures that a rosary is recited daily before
the Cross.
CANADA
The Journey of the Jubilee Cross began
on 13th March 2010. The Cross is to be
hosted by every JY home in Canada
and a common prayer booklet with
guidelines has been prepared to help
the host families. Families hosting the
Jubliee Cross are encouraged to invite
neighbours and friends to partake in
the graces of this ‘pilgrimage’ of the
Jubliee Cross. They are also encouraged
to do acts of charity/mercy like donating
clothes or sponsoring at least one child via the ‘Outreach - Child Support’ project.
QATAR
As part of the Jubilee celebrations
and prayerful preparations, the
Jubilee Cross which was blessed
by JY Qatar Pastor - Fr. Simon
Cheruvathoor, is journeying across
JY homes in Qatar. Special prayers
are conducted around the Cross at
various places and in the Church
as well.
KUWAIT
As part of the Jubilee celebrations,
the Jubilee Cross is being carried
daily to different JY homes where
it is placed for one whole day.
Special prayers are conducted and
then the Cross is moved to a new
host family the following day. The
Cross is visiting even the camps
and hostels in all the four parishes
of Kuwait.

INDIA
The Jubilee Cross Prayan started off in
January from Bangalore, Karnataka, following
which it travelled nearly 5000 kilometres
through 21 areas in the State. The Cross has
made its presence felt everywhere and many
JY families, youth and even people who have
never heard about the Jesus Youth, were very
happy to receive the Cross in their families
and parishes. The Cross is scheduled to
move through the different regions of India
each month. In February the Cross travelled
through the state of Tamil Nadu and in
SINGAPORE March through the state of Andhra Pradesh.
In Singapore, the Jubilee Cross is In the Kerala region, another Jubilee Cross is
journeying through all the prayer moving through the zones. The Cross Prayan
groups, common gatherings and started in January from Neyyatinkara.
homes of Jesus Youth. When at prayer
meetings, members gather around the
Cross, recite the JY Prayer and share
about the many blessings they have
received through the movement.

UK
The Cross has already journeyed to
Liverpool, Manchester, Bolton and
Warrington and was everywhere
welcomed with an inaugural Holy Mass
and a briefing on the importance of the
Jubilee year. People gathered around
the Cross, reflecting on the passion and
mercy of Christ in this Lenten season,
have lifted prayers for the movement
and thanked God for the blessings
showered over the years. The Cross will
continue its journey in UK, carrying with
it a lot of blessings.
USA
The journey of the Jubilee Cross in
the US will take the shape of a cross
spanning the entire country! The
wooden Cross, constructed in the West
region, was transported to the East
coast of the country in time for the
National and Regional Co-ordinators’
Gathering at New Jersey. The Cross was
blessed by the JY National Pastor and
its journey was officially inaugurated
by the handing over of the Cross to the
Youth and Family Co-ordinators of the
North East region. From here, it has
moved down to the South East region.
UAE
Following the Jubilee launch
celebrations at Jebel Ali on 22nd
Jan. 2010, the Jubilee Cross was
handed over to Abu Dhabi where
it passed through the homes of
JY families and prayer groups.
Intercession and prayer around
the Cross was organised at each
stop. Through the year the Cross
will travel to the different Emirates,
where the local Jesus Youth will
receive it with great enthusiasm.

APRIL 2010 PAGE 11

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GLOBAL NEWSWATCH
‘Emergo 2010’, Kuwait
KUWAIT
 ‘Emergo 2010’
The fourth Jesus Youth National Conference
‘Emergo 2010’ was held on 25th February
in the Cathedral Church, Kuwait City.
Around 650 youth from difference parts of
Kuwait participated. The Conference was
inaugurated by Mons. John John Kallarackal,
First Secretary, Nunciature of Kuwait.
Dr. Edward Edezhath was the main speaker
for the programme which also included panel
sharing, testimonies, audio-visual, Holy Mass
and Adoration.
 Discipleship Formation Programme (DFP)
The initial training for DFP 2010, a year-long
formation programme for youth, was held from
7th-18th January in Kuwait. The training was led
by Adv. Raiju Varghese, JYIT member. Twenty-
six people attended this training and they
have taken a one-year commitment to work in
different labour camps and ladies hostels.
Mano Mathew
BAHRAIN
 Three-day Event
A series of events was organised from 6th-
8th March 2010 during the visit of George
Devassy, the International Co-ordinator to
Bahrain. The first day had a talent workshop
for the Audio-visual and Music ministry
followed by a programme where nearly 250
Parish youth participated. The next day had
sessions and interaction intended for the
‘Teens Retreat 2010’, Singapore
JY Gathering, Bahrain
leaders and on the last day, all the core team
members, animators and elders of Bahrain
came together for a special time of sharing
and discussion. During his visit, George
also met all the key leaders who have been
instrumental in initiating JY in Bahrain.
Siby Varghese
SINGAPORE
 ‘Teens Retreat 2010’
Around 50 teens from all over Singapore
participated in ‘Teens Retreat 2010’ from
13th-16th Feb. It was held at St. Anthony’s
Primary School, Bukit Batok. The retreat,
conducted by Dony Peter and C.C. Joseph
from Bangalore, was a Spirit-filled experience
for all the teens. The sincere and heartfelt
testimonies at the end of the retreat testified
to the grace of God and His blessings that
were poured out during this time.
Shimy Stephen
IRELAND
 Youth Leaders’ Retreat
Based on the Jesus Youth lifestyle, a retreat
was organised for the leaders of the youth
ministry from 15th-18th January 2010. Led by
George Devassy, it was held at St. Columban’s
Retreat Centre, Wicklow. For all, the ‘lifestyle’
retreat was a first and proved to be a life
changing experience. With less inputs and
more group sessions, sharing and interaction
with elders; the retreat has helped the
leaders to have greater love for the Lord and
Youth Leaders’ Retreat, Ireland
Teens DTP, Oman
His ministry and has instilled among all a
strong sense of family.
Alexander Kuruvilla
OMAN
 JY Families Growth Retreat
A growth retreat was led by Fr. Jose Palatty
CMI for JY Families from 22nd February to 14th
March 2010. In all, 90 families from Ghala,
Salalah and Sohar participated. The retreat
was intended for those who had attended
the earlier retreats organised by the National
Family Team. Jesus Youth of Oman is also
blessed to have a new pastor, Fr. Baby
Mathew Erathel OFM Cap.
 Teens DTP, Ghala
Teens Grace of Ghala with the support of the
Teens Ministry held a Discipleship Training
Programme for teenagers. The programme
was conducted at the Ghala Parish Hall from
17th-21st March 2010. The participants were
students of Class 8 and above. C.C. Joseph
(India) was the main resource person.
Binoy Xavier
AUSTRALIA
 ‘The Light’
A one-day teens’ programme ‘The Light’
was held on 30th January 2010 at Perth, WA.
Nearly 60 teens participated. The resource
team included Bro. Bony Abraham (MGL), Lijo
George, Jonathan Delaney, Nimmy Alex and
the Jesus Youth of Perth.
‘The Light’, Australia
APRIL 2010 PAGE 13
JANUARY
 GLOBAL NEWSWATCH
JY Family Gathering, Germany
 Discipleship Weekends
To revitalise and strengthen the commitment
of the Jesus Youth leaders, a discipleship
weekend was organised at Sydney, NSW
on 13th - 14th March and then at St. Frances
De Sales, Oak Park, VIC on 20th - 21st March
2010. Colin Calmiano from Bangalore was
the resource person for both these weekend
gatherings. Through his talks, he led the
members to reflect on Christian discipleship
and leadership.
Mayrose Pius
GERMANY
 One-day Programme, Herdringen
On 27th February 2010, JY Germany together
with the parish of St. Antonius and Vitus in
Herdringen, conducted a one-day programme
for the local youth. The programme based on
the theme ‘Finding the treasure’ comprised of
skits, presentations, testimonies and Praise
and Worship. The day ended with Holy Mass
celebrated by the Parish priest.
 JY Family Gathering, Cologne
The first ever JY Family Gathering in Germany
was held on 30th January 2010. Seven young
couples participated. Enriching thoughts
by Fr. Thomas Kattathara SJ on ‘Family as a
vocation’ and subsequent workshops helped
the participants to have a blessed time.
Fr. Ignatius Chalissery CMI, of the Indian
Catholic Community of Köln Diocese,
Discipleship Weekend, Australia
imparted priestly blessings at the concluding
Eucharistic celebration.
Vimal Vattappillil
UK
 Pre-teens’ Retreats
From the month of February, a series of pre-
teens’ retreats were conducted in Worcester,
Coventry, Stock-on-trent and Salford. The
retreats were for children between the ages
of 5 and 12. Various dynamics like games,
letter writing, drawing and action songs were
included in the programme which helped the
children to have a joyful time.
 ‘Jesus And Me’ (JAM 2010)
‘JAM 2010’, an initial level programme was
organised for the teens in London on 13th
February 2010 at the parish hall of Our Lady
& St. George Walthamstow. There were 25
teens and 15 pre-teens as participants. Short
talks, testimony sharings, Adoration and Holy
Mass were the main highlights of the day.
 Teens Retreat, Manchester
A teens retreat was organised at Highfield
Hall in Bolton. There were 32 participants.
Abhy Thomas and Shelton D’Costa were the
main resource persons. The teens left with
a desire to follow Christ in their actions and
so be examples to this world. The retreat has
also helped the local JY to reach out to a few
new places in and around Manchester.
One-day Programme, Germany
Teens Retreat, UK
 UCLAN Mission Week
UCLAN Catholic Chaplaincy, Preston organised
a mission week from 7th-12th February 2010.
Jesus Youth UK actively participated in various
outreach activities like the one-to-one campus
evangelisation, worship night with prayer
ministry and the audio-visual night.
Abhy Thomas
INDIA
 Leaders’ & Animators’ Gathering
More than 30 animators and current leaders
came together in St. Mary’s School, Andheri
from 12th - 14th February 2010. George
Devassy and Subin Jacob were the main
resource persons. During these days the
group was enlightened on what they should
be ready for as JY leaders. The programme
concluded with a short planning session
for each of the ministries - Campus, Teens,
Professionals and Nurses.
 Training Programme, Lucknow
A Jesus Youth training programme was
conducted from 29th-31st January 2010 at
the Diocesan Social Service Centre, Uthretia.
Twenty-one youth from ten different
parishes of Lucknow diocese attended the
programme. Holy Mass across the three
days was celebrated by Fr. Ignatius D’Souza
(Vicar General, Lucknow), Fr. Ronald D’Souza
(Youth Director, Lucknow) and Fr. Elias (Asst.
Youth Director, Lucknow). The group was also
UCLAN Mission Week, UK
,
GLOBAL NEWSWATCH
Leaders’ & Animators’ Gathering, India
blessed to have the graceful presence of
Sr. Benigna (National Lady Animator, ICYM),
Sr. Sunitha (Lady Animator, ICYM Lucknow)
and Sr. Julie throughout the programme. The
resource team for the training included Subin
Jacob, Sr. Jaya, Jibin and Abhilash.
 Bible Course
Around 28 Jesus Youth from across India
started the Jubilee year with a ten-day Bible
course. The course was held in Mumbai from
12th to 23rd January 2010. It was conducted
by the Catholic Bible Institute under the
guidance of Rev. Dr. Fio Mascarenhas and
Dr. Renu Silvano. Sessions were held daily
with the evening time set aside for personal
study and group activity.
 Junior Evangelisers’ Training, Kerala
Fifty-two youngsters from across Kerala are
part of this year’s JET (Junior Evangelisers’
Training). The first module of the training
was held from 11th to 14th February 2010
at Niveditha, Aluva. The JET team, through
homework and regular contact, is now
preparing the group for the next module to be
held in May.
 JY Gathering
The Jesus Youth of Jammu-Srinagar diocese
arranged a New Year gathering on 2nd January
2010. Nearly 300 people, including Jesus
Youth members, their parents and the zonal
team, attended this programme. Organised
Bible Course, India
Youth Meet 2010, Qatar
at St. Peter’s School, the JY of Jammu-
Kashmir were encouraged by the presence of
Most Rev. Bishop Peter Celestine (Bishop of
Jammu-Srinagar).
Siljo Thomas
QATAR
 Youth Meet 2010
A one-day programme based on the theme
‘Awakening’ was held on 26th March for
the youth of Our Lady of Rosary Church.
Nearly 270 youth of different nationalities
participated in this programme inaugurated
by Fr. P.M. Peter OFM Cap, the Vicar of Our
Lady of Rosary Church. C.C. Joseph was the
main resource person for the event.
Jibin Stephen
UAE
 National Reconstitution
After days of prayer and preparation, JY UAE
had its reconstitution of the National Team
on 5th March 2010. Around 250 members
from all the Emirates were present. For the
first time in the history of JY UAE, national
teams for different streams were formed:
the Service Team with P.V. Jojomon (Co-
ordinator) and Dennis Mathew (Asst. Co-
ordinator), Family Team with Prejomy Jose
& Reeja Prejomy (Co-ordinator) and Saby
Varghese & Manju Saby (Asst. Co-ordinator)
and the Youth Team with Bejesh Solomon
(Co-ordinator) and Jecko George (Asst. Co-
New National Service Team, UAE
Jubilee Launch, North East Region, USA
ordinator). The new teams were announced
by George Devassy and anointed by Fr.
Varghese Chempoly (JY Middle East Pastor).
 Jubilee Launch
The Jesus Youth Jubilee celebrations were
formally launched on 22nd January 2010.
Around 600 members from different regions
of UAE came together at St. Francis Church,
Jebel Ali to make this event memorable.
Following a solemn Holy Mass, the Jubilee
candle was lit by Fr. Johnson and the Jubilee
prayer was recited by all present holding
lighted candles. Following a procession
with the Jubilee Cross and candle, Vincent
Fernandez (Jubilee Co-ordinator) made
a presentation on the Jubilee year. The
Calendar and plans for the Jubilee were also
shared in the gathering.
 Service Team Panel Training
Prior to the reconstitution of the National
team, a residential training was conducted
on 19th and 20th of February 2010 for all the
Service team panel members. The training,
led by Manoj Sunny and George Devassy, was
hosted by the JY of Umm Al Quwain group.
 Family Retreat
The first JY family retreat in UAE was led by
Manoj Sunny and Beena Manoj on the 15th
and 16th Jan. 2010. Held at St. Francis Church,
Jebel Ali, nearly 30 families from the different
Emirates participated. The participating
Family Meet, Canada
APRIL 2010 PAGE 15
 GLOBAL NEWSWATCH
National Team’s Annual Summit, USA
families welcomed the idea of ‘mission
families’ and surrendered themselves to the
Lord’s mission.
 ‘Worship Night’, Dubai
The music ministry of Dubai organised a
‘Worship Night’ on 6th Feb. 2010 at the Main
Hall of St. Mary’s Church, Dubai. Based on
the theme, ‘How great is our God’, the event
consisted of lively Praise and Worship songs, a
skit and a worship dance. ‘Worship Night’ is a
series of Praise and Worship events that have
been happening since 2008 in Dubai.
 National Gathering
This year’s national gathering of JY UAE ‘Shine
Out’ was conducted on 2nd December 2009 at
St. Francis Church, Jebel Ali. The programme
built on the theme ‘Be an Example’ (1 Tim.
4:12) was held in two different streams, for
youth and family. More than 800 youth and
130 families participated. Dr. Manoj (USA)
and James P. Thomas (Al Ain) were the main
speakers.
Sharon Fernandez
CANADA
 Teens’ Follow-up Programmes
As a follow-up to the teens programme in
October, ‘Cornerstones’ was organised on 30th
December 2009. To help the teens to become
more active, leaders were also appointed for
each region. On 17th and 18th of March 2010,
the second line teens came together again for
‘Harvest’. They were told about small groups
and JY Prayer and encouraged to organise
outreach initiatives locally.

‘Witness!’

On 27th February 2010, about 20 youth from
various campuses in Toronto met together at
Sisters of St. Joseph Convent, Hamilton for
‘Witness!’. The programme was intended to
empower and equip campus youth to live a
passionately Catholic lifestyle. Sessions were
given by Fr. Kevin Cull (Vocations Director of
Hamilton diocese), Sindhu Michael and Roy
David. The programme concluded with Holy
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‘Shine Out’, UAE ‘Witness!’, Canada
Mass celebrated by Fr. Jose Thaiparambil and Church, Coral Springs, Florida for the Jubilee
Fr. Dominic Barber (Vice-Rector of launch. The gathering, in the presence of the
St. Augustine’s Seminary). Jubilee Cross, started with Eucharistic Adoration
followed by Holy Mass celebrated by Fr. Joseph
 Family Meet
Bai (Archdiocese of Shanghai, China). Then a
To get the adults to take a more active and
small presentation on ‘JY Today’ and the Jubilee
supportive role in youth formation and
year celebrations was given by Sunil Nadarajan
related outreach activities, a programme was
(National Co-ordinator, USA).
organised on 12th March 2010 in Toronto. The
programme focussed on the six pillars and North East Region
on encouraging others to be more involved On 30th Jan. 2010, about 300 Jesus Youth came
in our various ministries. Fr. James Cherickal, together at St. Matthews Church, Ridgefield, NJ
Fr. Issac Tharayil and Fr. Jose Thaiparambil to mark the launch of the Jubilee year. Holy Mass
provided input on key topics. was celebrated by Fr. Jose along with four other
Roy David priests. Following this, there was a procession
with 25 candles, each candle representing a
USA
year of the movement. The occasion proved to
 National Team’s Annual Summit be a blessed time of sharing, reconnecting and
The National Teams and Regional Co- celebrating in the Lord.
ordinators came together at St. Paul’s Abbey, Thomas Pulickal
NJ from 12th -15th Feb. 2010 for the annual
leadership training and reflection. The
training was led by Manoj Sunny. Fr. Vinod
Madathiparambil, the National Pastor, guided
the participants through a fruitful reflection
on ‘Caritas in Veritate’ (Papal Encyclical). The
JY Jubilee was the animating theme of this
summit. The blessing of the Jubilee Cross
and prayer around the Cross was a moving
experience for everyone.
 Jubilee Inauguration
Western Region
The region marked the inauguration of the
Jubilee year on 2nd Jan. 2010 with Holy Mass
in two locations. In Phoenix, AZ, nearly
60 Jesus Youth from Southern California
and Phoenix came together. Fr. Mathew
Munjanatt (Pastor, JY Western region)
celebrated the Mass and gave a Jubilee
message. In San Francisco, around 75
members from the Northern California area
participated in the Holy Mass celebrated by Most holy and afflicted Virgin,
Fr. Jimmy Thottappally.
Queen of Martyrs and of all Saints,
South East Region Obtain for me in heaven this grace,
Around 100 members gathered together on To see my God there face to face.
27th Feb. 2010 at Our Lady of Health Catholic
Amen.