Gifting Young People with Rich Memories - (BJRE039)
Gifting Young People with Rich Memories
(By Dr. Edward Edezhath - Published in Kairos Magazine in 2021)
The art ministry team had its first meeting at Chavara Bhavan, Kainakary. When I tried to check how to go there, Google Maps said, “Can’t find a way there.” Later, I realized there was no direct way, as I had to cross the river in a private boat. This Jesus Youth coordinating team was having their first physical gathering after the long spell of COVID-induced isolation, and they had chosen an out-of-the-way place. I was wondering why they did that. But my trip there was so enjoyable and unforgettable that I understood why those youths chose that place. Every young person who spent the weekend would never forget that ‘first’ meeting.
Gifting of unforgettable memories
“Your session is for this group of fresh youth,” Chackochan told me, briefing me on the forthcoming input. But you will have to talk as you walk with them through the forest over a riverbed. In between, you can sit on a boulder, and they can gather around. Finally, you all will climb the hill.” That session on Discipleship became unforgettable for every one of us.
Most Jesus Youth programs are unrepeatable. Almost every time, it follows a time of dreaming, planning, and prayerful preparation, finally making it not merely a retreat, training, or conference but a creatively memorable event for the participants and everyone associated with it. For example, as summer vacation was approaching, two young women came up with a vague idea of organizing something for children. But after a few rounds of sitting, it evolved into a weeklong camp parallelly happening for different age groups, combining games, skill training, and faith formation. A range of youth leaders worked behind it. The whole series became quite varied and eventful. Finally, it was a glorious experience for everyone who entered that campus.
Memories make or mar each one of us.
Healing of Memories was a new concept we learned when we entered the Renewal. God created us for love, but the presence of sin in the world inflicted wounds. Every one of us continues to suffer from those wounds, conscious or hidden. Inner Healing points to the possibility of rectifying these past damages. So, we have reflection sessions, inner healing prayers, and even opportunities for conversations to help heal these past hurts.
The burden and bondage of sins and past hurts are painful realities for young people. In most JY programs, there is a time to heal those emotional hurts. But we can have more. Healing of past hurts can be a starting, but our groups can be wonderful places where youth receive beautiful memories.
While negative experiences and hurtful memories make a person bitter and dejected, loving and joyful occasions in life, help a person come alive and become energetic. Helping a person heal from past negativity is only a first step, which should be complemented with the gift of building memories. Providing each person with such a positive, formative experience is the essence of rich community life in the movement.
Creating rich memories for youth
Each person is a bundle of memories. We are talking about gifting young people with beautiful memories through Jesus Youth groups and programs. What are some of the approaches for giving young people memorable experiences?
1. Friendship: ‘I felt accepted’. ‘I found wonderful friends in that group.’ Young people find a friendly setting most enriching and feel drawn to persons who value relationships.
2. Beauty. Nice music, a beautiful stage setting, art, media, and the like, which are very much present in Jesus Youth programs, make them so special.
3. Fun and play. Most gatherings begin with ice-breaking activities and have interludes or evenings set apart for games. For many, long after childhood, this became the first time to unwind and relax.
4. Travel. In the movement, journeying comes in a variety of ways. Programs are held in special places, and traveling there becomes memorable. During programs, there are outings and pilgrimages, and people are sent on visits or missions. Jesus also used travel as a memorable setting.
5. Encounter times. Often, there are reflective times during programs when one discovers oneself or is led to a deep God experience. Such ‘encounters’ become memorable. Young people often remark, “After discussions, games, and talks, when we came to the quiet adoration time, I really experienced a deep touch.”
6. Community experience. Our ‘Kanji (gruel) gatherings’ used to be unforgettable and formative. Now and then, quite informally, many would gather to get to know one another, celebrate something, and share some food. We all need some network to which we truly belong.
7. Meaningful prayer and Holy Mass. What truly makes JY different is the unforgettable times of praying together and celebrating the Eucharist.
8. Acts of mercy. Regular slum visits made a big difference in the early days of our youth group. I have seen so many youths transformed through the work camps Raiju organized. Service opportunities and times with the sick and poor become memorable acts of true self-giving.
Memory is so important for a Christian. Israel kept alive the memory of God’s saving act from Egypt. Jesus instructed his followers, “Do this in remembrance of me.” In Jesus Youth, we pass on beautiful memories to the growing generation in many ways, and they become the foundation for their faith, life, and mission.
I am sure the art ministry gathering was quite memorable for many of those who came for it. Cars and bikes could come only to the boat landing. From there, special boats were arranged. A long boat ride and a lengthy walk later, you reach a serene pilgrim center. There, a joyful fellowship time with good food awaited each of them. How could they forget such a beautiful experience?
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