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NORTH AMERICA
9 THE SHEPHERDS’
VOICES 11 JYCONFERENCE
SOUTH ASIA
15 GLOBAL
NEWSWATCH
JESUSYOUTH
JANUARY 2008
International Newsletter
Telling the
Jesus
story
A MISSIONARY MOVEMENT AT THE SERVICE OF THE CHURCH
THE STORIES THAT CIRCULATE IN A SOCIETY, IT IS SAID, ARE A REFLECTION OF THE BELIEFS, THE
VALUE SYSTEMS AND THE QUALITY OF THAT SOCIETY. In earlier times, around the world, there were
fables and legends that instilled faith and courage that influenced generations. There were true
stories of people who braved temptations, trusted in God and reached out to others. However, the
picture is changing. Many of the stories told today, especially in popular movies, portray violence as
a necessary and positive tool to achieve justice. Many others are built on stories that define success
or the accumulation of riches as the fulfillment of some physical and emotional pleasure. Some paint
evil and hatred as more exciting and rewarding than love and goodness. Sometimes even cartoons
and comic books, which very often target little children, leave them with a distorted sense of values,
freedom and justice.
CONTD. ON PAGE 3
HEART TALK
A few days ago I arrived in Melbourne for the preparations of the final ‘Love Beyond
Borders’ conference. Right now, as I sit here in the southern hemisphere, 5000 odd
miles away from home, I find myself reflecting on how His love works wonders far
beyond the borders of our expectations. I think of the five earlier conferences that
have energized the movement, each one unique in its own way - the South East
Asia Conference in Bangkok that saw the largest non-Indian participation; the
Europe Conference in Wales where the concept of JY families took concrete shape;
the Middle East Conference in Jerusalem which became a pilgrimage in the
footsteps of Jesus; the South Asia Conference, which like the land mass it
represents, featured the largest and most diverse group; the North America
Conference which shone bright, clothed in pristine white snow - each one growing
‘‘
beyond the borders of human limitations to become greater signs of God’s glory.
TRULY, ASIA IS A CONTINENT With great expectation and prayers, we now look forward to the graces of the Holy
OF DEEP SPIRITUALITY AND Spirit here at the final conference down under.
MYSTICISM, CLOSELY ATTUNED TO
THE MYSTERY OF GOD, AND FOR I feel blessed to have worked closely with the organizing teams of each conference.
I remember the many instances when the teams thought of giving it all up. Each
THIS REASON IT CONSTITUTES
time His love would strengthen them and help them break through the borders -
FERTILE GROUND WHERE THE physical, financial, organizational and spiritual. Before my very eyes I saw true love
WORD OF GOD CAN BE SOWN AND beyond borders at work in the long hours of prayers, sleepless nights, the loneliness,
BRING FORTH A RICH HARVEST. I AM tears and the tiring journeys. I saw it shine through in the husbands, wives, fathers,
CONVINCED THAT THERE IS A GREAT sons and daughters who selflessly - often taking on themselves much suffering -
NEED FOR THE WHOLE CHURCH TO supported their loved ones who worked for the Lord.
REDISCOVER THE JOY OF
EVANGELIZATION, TO BECOME A Recently Archbishop Thomas Menamparambil spoke of two core values that drive
our movement - an authentic faith and the ability to renounce. A closer look at
COMMUNITY INSPIRED WITH the history of our movement will reveal that His Grace has got it exactly right.
MISSIONARY ZEAL TO MAKE JESUS Our movement has been alive in the Spirit only because of those who set aside
’’
BETTER KNOWN AND LOVED. jobs for their ministry; those who chose less paid professions to be where the
Lord called them; those who rejected promotions and transfers to be more
available; those who decided to use their talents for His kingdom rather than for
Message of the Holy Father fame or money; those who worked for the Lord in sickness and personal
Benedict XVI at the Pan-Asiatic struggles; and those who gave priority to the Lord’s work, come what may. God
Meeting organised by the Pontifical has been faithful to them, very often taking them far beyond what they might
Council for Culture. have achieved if they had laboured for themselves. More importantly, the Lord
has filled them with a joy that reflects His presence in their lives every day.
The next question is a personal one. It is a question often voiced by those who
wonder at my long absences away from home and often see me live out of a few
suitcases for months altogether. There is no simple answer to this. I miss my wife,
my parents and my little ones and carry within me the pain of knowing that they
miss me every day. Yet we know that it is our mission - a mission that calls our
family to live a different life. Frankly, the joy of this reassurance of our mission is
something that shines above the struggles. It is a joy that speaks to my heart-
telling me each moment that I was created for this. Besides, what do I have in life,
A JESUS YOUTH PACKAGE OF GRACE including my loved ones, that wasn’t added unto me because I seek his Kingdom?
IN THE DAYS OF WYD 2008
Once again when we look at the lives of the apostles, the martyrs, and the lives of
YOUTH ARISE INT’L FESTIVAL many committed young people around us, we arrive at the same clear message:
10th - 13th July, Brisbane there is no follower who has not paid the price. The only thing I can add to this
WORLD YOUTH DAY 2008 from my humble experience is that this price, however painful, is nothing compared
15th - 20th July, Sydney to the infinite faithfulness of God and His blessings.
JY INTERNATIONAL GATHERING
21st - 23rd July, Sydney I close with a prayer for many more young missionaries who will dare to take up
FELLOWSHIP & SIGHTSEEING their crosses and follow the one who loved us beyond all borders.
Australia, Singapore, Bangkok
Wishing you all a Blessed year ahead,
For more details,
visit www.jesusyouth.org or write to us
Manoj Sunny
at wyd2008@jesusyouth.org
Jesus Youth International Co-ordinator
COVER STORY Contd. from page 1
JESUS YOUTH
NORTH AMERICA
CONFERENCE
28TH DEC. 2007 TO 2ND JAN. 2008, BISHOP LANE RETREAT CENTRE, ROCKFORD, IL
Participants of the JY North America Conference amidst the beautiful snow-covered landscape
JANUARY 2008 PAGE 5
need of reconciliation’, ‘Community, inspiring panel sharings from
“THE NORTH AMERICA CONFERENCE WAS
God, and myself’ and ‘Committing people who spoke of their
ACCOMPANIED BY A FEW DAYS OF SNOW experiences with Jesus.
yourself for the work of the Lord’.
STORMS. THERE IS A 200 METRE WALK The sessions for families included
BETWEEN THE FAMILY TRACK VENUE TO THE ‘Covenant of Love’, ‘Marriage in The days were filled with prayers,
MAIN CONFERENCE CENTRE. IT WAS A GREAT God’s Plan’ and ‘Lordship of Jesus- adorations, and fellowship
JOY TO SEE THE SPIRITED YOUNG PEOPLE AND Consecrating Families for Mission’. activities. The Holy Eucharist was
FAMILIES WITH LITTLE CHILDREN WALKING There were also optional workshops celebrated in three different rites:
OVER THE SLIPPERY SNOW WITH BURNING on subjects like – ‘Youth Animation Latin, Sryo-Malabar, and Syro-
FIRE AND RENEWED ZEAL. I BELIEVE THAT WE for Adults’, ‘Leaders Forum’, ‘Youth Malankara. On one of the days,
Ministry- Nuts and Bolts’, ‘Using Most Rev. Jacob Angadiath
STARTED A JOURNEY THROUGH SEVERE
Charisms in the Ministry’, and (Bishop, Sryo-Malabar Diocese of
WEATHER, BUT THE FIRE OF THE LORD WILL Chicago) celebrated Holy Mass
‘Setting up Priorities and Managing
KEEP THE JESUS YOUTH OF AMERICA TO BE Time’. The participants could choose and challenged the youth to take
VICTORIOUS OVER THIS LAND.” a workshop from these according to commitments without being
SUNIL NADARAJAN, JY INT’L TEAM MEMBER their personal needs. Apart from afraid. The soul-stirring music
the sessions, there were many provided by the music ministry
The vibrant music ministry Christmas story - enacting the nativity scene
“We had a great gathering of “The LBB “Praise the Lord… the “The LBB conference was a
God’s people and our possibilities programme opened Spirit is moving. It was a Spirit-filled event. All parts of
are limitless. I am reminded here the eyes of many to wonderful sight to see the continent was well
about the rich young man who realise the possibilty many people recommit represented and I can truly
came to see Jesus. He came with of evangelisation their lives to the Lord state that in Toronto, Canada,
all the right intentions, seeking throughout North and to the Jesus Youth we have started to see some of
eternal life not worldly riches, America. Many ministry. The sign is very the fruits of the conference.
and yet he ended up going home received a deep clear asking us to be a There is a renewed urgency
sad. It is important that we learn understanding of blessing to nations. we are witnessing to reach out
from this lesson. He was asked to the Jesus Youth During and after the to the teens and youth and be
let go of that one thing he kept vision and lifestyle. conference while witnesses to the risen Lord.
close to his heart - his wealth. JY Canada looks talking to people, I We hope to go back to the
Each of us have a clear and forward to 2008 as a could see the unfolding next conference bearing the
personal call from Jesus and we year of growth and of a new era for Jesus fruits from this conference.
will know in our heart what the evangelisation, and Youth. Let us whole Lastly we thank the Lord for
Lord is asking us to let go. Do not the Conference has heartedly invest the wonderful hosts from
be afraid to pay the price to follow paved the ourselves, so that the Chicago and all the Spirit-
Christ and you will be a blessing foundation.” Lord may fully use us.” filled speakers at the
to all nations.” Fr. Jose Saji Sebastian, conference.”
Fr. Thomas Kadukappillil, Thaiparambil, Co-ordinator Leny Veliyathuparambil,
Pastor, JY America Pastor, JY Canada JY America Co-ordinator JY Canada
under the guidance of a few “At LBB, I met exemplary people of God, “LBB was one of the most touching
Rexband members, the Taizé burning to work for Christ and proclaim Him to experiences I’ve ever attended. I could feel
prayer, inner healing sessions God’s presence among us and I truly felt
the world. They were all an inspiration to me.
and the Praise Night were some
The Adoration filled me with a sense of peace - like I was in God’s kingdom here on earth.
popular highlights of this
Conference. Behind the scenes, the kind of fulfilling and sustainable peace Everything was perfect, from the new white
several volunteers worked day that is found in Jesus alone. I will not forget snow to the New Year’s celebration. I am
and night to make this the love I found at this retreart - the Love that going back as a completely different
conference happen. knows no borders!” Mimi Pukulakatt, Canada person.” Hima Pius, FL
JY INTERNATIONAL
The Jesus Youth International Team, comprising of members from different
countries, had a meeting at Vijaypuram Diocesan Centre, Munnar, Kerala, from
22nd to 25th Nov. 2007. Held in India for the first time, the meeting included
THE SHEPHERDS’
Jesus Youth South Asia Conference in
India. The panel was moderated by
Dr. Edward Edezhath - Animator, JY
International Team and one of the
VOICES
founding members of the Jesus
Youth movement.
MOST REV. ABRAHAM MOST REV. THOMAS MOST REV. MATHEW MOST REV. CHRISTOPHER
VIRUTHUKULANGARA MENAMPARAMPIL, SDB MOOLEKKATT, OSB PROWSE Auxiliary Bishop of
Archbishop of Nagpur, India Archbishop of Guwahati, India Archbishop of Kottayam, India Melbourne, Australia
SOUTH ASIA
CONFERENCE
Cardinal Varkey Vithayathil inaugurates the JY South Asia Conference in the presence of Archbishop Abraham Virthukulangara, Bishop Christopher Prowse and other dignitaries.
A LANDMARK CONFERENCE IN THE HISTORY OF JESUS YOUTH WITH OVER 7000 PARTICIPANTS
INCLUDING MORE THAN 200 PRIESTS & RELIGIOUS AND 270 FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN.
“Jesus Youth! Dare to spread the love attended this landmark Conference held from 27th to 30th December 2007
of Christ beyond borders across the at Bharata Mata College, Cochin, Kerala, India. But what made the
whole world” – thundered His Conference different and unique from all previously held events was not
Eminence Cardinal Varkey Vithayathil the massive participation, but the beauty and the vibrancy of a diverse
amidst deafening applause by over group consisting of youth, couples, families, teenagers, children and even
7000 enthusiastic Jesus Youth infants. An added blessing was the presence of more than 200 priests,
responding to the hope he had nuns and seminarians.
entrusted in them at the Inaugural
Ceremony of the Jesus Youth South The sheer magnitude of the conference was overwhelming, but the keen
Asia Conference. And this is exactly involvement and enthusiasm of the participants made the programme a
what the four-day Jesus Youth South focussed and vibrant event. His Excellency Christopher Prowse, Auxiliary
Asia Conference hoped to achieve. Bishop of Melbourne was the main speaker for the Conference. Several
other key leaders and resource persons also conducted sessions for the
More than 7000 participants from event. Besides few common sessions, the youth and families were
different parts of India along with divided into two sections and were imparted simultaneous sessions on
JESUS YOUTH several delegates from Bangladesh, varied topics pertaining to their life situations. The focus of the youth
SOUTH ASIA
CONFERENCE 2007 Bhutan, Sri Lanka, and Maldives sessions was on helping the participants in deepening their relationship
“Families become blessed through the renewal “This is the first time in the history of the
of couples. Here in this conference, they were Jesus Youth Movement that such a big
together for four days and this helped them to gathering of more than 7000 delegates was
grow in one vision. I hope after the conference, held. And that too, three different conferences
these people will form two or three cells in their - Youth, Family and Children – were conducted
own parishes and be guides for other young simultaneously. Our God is a God of surprises;
couples and for those who are in search of a life Praise God! The Herculean task of organizing
partner. As Pope John Paul II said in his such a mammoth conference for 4 days by a
Apostolic letter ‘Familiaris Consortio’, the dedicated group of people is to be highly
Church encourages couples for couples’ praised. God used these people as His
ministry. So JY families have to be trained well instruments. May God continue to use all Jesus
and need to go deeper in the subject to work Youth to spread His ‘Love Beyond Borders’,
more effectively among couples.” wherever they are.”
FR. JOSE KOTTAYIL, Secretary, Kerala Catholic FR. THOMAS KALLUKALAM, Animator,
Bishops’ Conference - Family Commission Kerala Youth Central Team
GLOBAL NEWSWATCH
Family Gathering, New Zealand ‘Cultural Exchange Programme’, India Night Vigil, Bahrain
AUSTRALIA
14th Dec. 2007 at Our Lady of Sacred Heart JY Volunteers take one year commitment
Campus Meet, Sydney
Parish Community Hall, Epsom, Auckland. Following a 5-month training programme
Over sixty young students and professionals
Liza Johnson called ‘YES’, thirty-nine JY volunteers took a
came together for a Campus Meet at
one-year commitment to work for Christ at
Plumpton, Sydney on 20th Oct. 2007, to BAHRAIN
the Holy Mass in St. Mary’s Church, Dubai on
discuss the various complexities and Night Vigil
26th Oct. 2007. Over 400 people were present
opportunities in leading a Christ-centred JY Bahrain and the Youth Ministry of
at the ceremony. This training continues with
life. Malayalam Catholic Community held a Night
a one-year formation and follow-up, leading
Christmas Celebrations, Brisbane Vigil on 1st Nov. 2007 at Bishop Gremoli
to a life long commitment.
JY Brisbane helped conduct a Christmas Social Hall in which over 300 youngsters
Service Team Meeting
programme for the Malayalam Church participated. His Beatitude Moromn Mor
community on 2nd Dec. 2007 at Holy Spirit JY Service Teams from all seven emirates of
Baselious Cleemis, the Major Archbishop of
Church, New Farm. UAE gathered on 7th Dec. 2007 at St. Francis
Syro-Malankara Catholic rite gave an
Vision Breakfast, Brisbane inspiring message on the occasion. of Assisi Church, Jabel Ali, to discuss the
JY Brisbane was invited to a ‘Vision Sebastian Joseph forthcoming JY UAE re-constitution and to
Breakfast’ along with other major Catholic evaluate the challenges ahead.
UAE K. Kuriakose
youth groups on 3rd Nov. 2007 at Nudgee
‘Santhwanam’, Abu Dhabi
Junior College, Indooroopilly. The JY Oceania INDIA
About 700 young men gathered for
Conference was presented at the meeting. Cultural Exchange Programme, Kerala
‘Santhwanam’ – a programme organised at
Leaders’ Training, Adelaide Over 280 youth from 31 dioceses across 17
St. Joseph’s Cathedral Church, Abu Dhabi, on
Over 20 youngsters participated in a states of India gathered for the Cultural
13th Oct. 2007.
leaders’ training programme held on 3rd and Exchange programme in Kerala from 8th to
‘Samrudhiyude Neerchaalukal’, RAK
4th Nov. 2007. 30th Dec. 2007. The programme comprised of
A one day programme ‘Samrudhiyude
Mayrose Pius a two-day orientation, weeklong retreat at
Neerchaalukal’ was organized on 9th Nov.
NEW ZEALAND 2007 at St. Anthony of Padua Church, Ras Al the Divine Retreat Centre, an 11-day stay
‘Rise ‘n’ Shine’, Auckland Khaimah, in which over 450 youth with JY families of various zones, final
Twenty youngsters participated in ‘Rise ‘n’ participated. gathering ‘Mahostav’ and participation in the
Shine’- a programme held at the Carmelites ‘The Great Call’, Dubai JY South Asia Conference 2007.
Monastery, Auckland on 6th Oct. 2007. Over 800 nurses came together for ‘The Growth Retreat, Delhi
Family Gathering, Auckland Great Call’ - a nurse’s meet held on 27th Nov. Twenty-five JY leaders participated in a
As part of their Christmas celebrations, the 2007. The meet called upon nurses to use growth retreat held from 16th – 18th Nov.
entire JY New Zealand family gathered on their profession to serve the Lord. 2007 at the Don Bosco Provincial House,
Christmas Celebrations, Italy ‘The Great Call’, UAE ‘Rosarium Fiesta’, Singapore
Printed and Published by Mr. Manoj Sunny on behalf of Jesus Youth International Office, 6F Thadikaran Centre, Palarivattom P.O., Cochin-682 025, Kerala, INDIA, Ph: +91 484- 3295859 / 4054870, Fax: +91-484-2346084, Email : jyglobal@jesusyouth.org
Website : www.jesusyouth.org Editor-in-charge: Shelton Pinheiro Editorial Team: Beena Manoj, Anu Pinheiro, Jubie John & Deepa Sabu Layout: Sanil C.A. Printed by SR Graphics, Kottayam, Ph :+91 481-2301142