Reflections on Jesus Youth (BJRE***)

  In Memoriam Fr Marcelino (By Dr. Edward Edezhath. Published in Kairos Magazine in 2023) Fr Marcelio Iragui OCD, a Spanish Carmelite and the first mentor of many of us in the movement's early years passed away in Spain recently. He was a seminary professor at Alwaye, Kerala, and one of the earliest Charismatic retreat preachers in the country. He loved youth, giving them focused guidance and following up on youth prayer groups.   The baby steps  The first time I saw him was on the stage of the introductory seminar at St. Teresa’s College in Ernakulam, which took place in June 1976. Approximately 200 people gathered for this four-day orientation on Charismatic Renewal, held for the first time in that region of the country. With lively songs and joyful exchanges, the team composed of Frs. Fio, Rufus, and Marcelino led us exceptionally well. “If some of you are interested, we can start a group here,” Fr. Marcelino announced on the last day. This announcement proved to ...

  JY has some magic formula that young people love. (By Dr. Edward Edezhath. Published in Kairos Magazine in 2023)   In a team meeting, we discussed the culture of the movement, and Seenu commented, “I am sure Jesus Youth have some special ingredient that makes it so effective for young people. Many others miss it. We’ve heard about some secret formula behind the unique taste of Coke- something like that. Whatever it may be, a typical Jesus Youth event is always a big hit with young people. They are attracted, brought to Jesus, and continue to grow, quickly taking up leadership. Isn’t it surprising that although many others have tried to imitate it, they haven’t been successful?” Is there a particular ingredient that makes JY truly fascinating? If so, what might it be? One thing is certain: there is certainly an unusual charm to a genuinely JY event. However, I am unsure if we can name it. The effort of so many hearts, minds, and hands. Campus Meet 88 was a groundbreaking even...

 Jesus Youth - a safe place to quarrel and get reconciled  (By Dr. Edward Edezhath. Published in Kairos Magazine in 2023)   "Quarreling is nothing unusual. If your families never fight, either you are angels or one of you is silently suffering." My talk in that family group was on 'Aspiring to be Mature JY Families.' I continued,” Maybe what is needed is to learn to quarrel nicely. I think I can give you some tips on that.’ The whole group laughed a lot, and from different corners of the room, they started asking me for 'tips on fighting effectively.' Is it okay to disagree? Later that day, in another group, we discussed the use of social media and the challenges faced by the younger generation. This topic led to some heated exchanges. When many agreed on a point, Rony took a very different view. However, others were not ready to accept his argument, and naturally, he reacted sharply.  Many in the group were upset that Rony was derailing the smooth discussion,...

  The beauty of the family space in the movement (By Dr. Edward Edezhath. Published in Kairos Magazine in 2022)   “How can this be? Why are so many families at this youth meeting?” my friend asked, amazed by the unusual mix of the audience. The Jesus Youth of a western city had gathered for a day conference. Upon learning that I was in the town, this friend came to meet me. She had expected a youth-only meeting, but the participants were from all age groups. The day’s programs were also quite fascinating for her. First, there was an interactive session, followed by joyful singing and prayer. Later, the attendees were divided into groups and sent to specific halls. Youth, teenagers, children, and couples gathered in designated places. Some priests and sisters also moved into a smaller room. “You call it ‘Jesus Youth, ' but all kinds are here!” She found it very curious. When I went sometime, I sat down to explain the movement's core character to her. JY focuses on reaching out ...

Synodality 3: Participation begins by listening to different voices Jesus Youth and the Synodal Path - 3 (By Dr. Edward Edezhath. Published in Kairos Magazine in 2022) “At this stage, gathering youth can be risky. They want only fun and play, not spirituality. However, even if we try, no youth will come. Moreover, those who do come may create problems.” One priest spoke up strongly, and many others supported this note of caution. The group was discussing whether to hold a youth convention. This is one of my early memories of starting a youth ministry in the Charismatic Renewal in the state, which eventually became Jesus Youth.  In early May 1978, a letter arrived from Fr. Fio in Mumbai suggesting that the newly formed Charismatic Team of Kerala should organize a large youth gathering as their first step. Later that month, all senior leaders convened in Trissur to discuss the matter. As I mentioned earlier, most of them were opposed to the idea. Only three or four of us were young, ...

Synodality 2: We gather to face a challenge Jesus Youth and the Synodal Path - 2 (By Dr. Edward Edezhath. Published in Kairos Magazine in 2021)   Suresh approached some of us with an important issue. “So many of our senior youth come to this city but find no way to connect with the movement,” he said. They were all committed leaders in their own areas a few years ago but migrated to the city for jobs or studies. When they were uprooted from their native places, they also left their “first love” and forsook their faith groups. “If we don’t do anything, they will become lukewarm Catholics, and many of them will abandon their faith. " Suresh had already compiled a long list of once-active youth who have migrated to this big city and are now in hiding.  This became the starting point for several gatherings, discussions, and some practical solutions. Synodality is to face emerging challenges These days, the universal church is reflecting on synodality. The word ‘synod’ signifies jo...

Synodality 1: The Spirit of JY is journeying together in joy. Jesus Youth and the Synodal Path - 1 (By Dr. Edward Edezhath. Published in Kairos Magazine in 2022)   This was many years ago. For a JY teen leaders’ training, they wanted me to give a session on ‘A new lifestyle with Jesus.' “We will walk and talk,” Chackochan told me. “All of us will walk through the dry riverbed and climb the hill. You can provide input as we journey. In between, you can sit on a boulder; everyone will gather around, and you can explain a point. Perhaps they will also share their thoughts.” Eventually, the session was well-received and memorable. Looking back, it became a parable of what life in the movement should be: ‘journey together, talk, and act. ' Synodality is the central focus. In recent times, the Church has taken an unusual step. Pope Francis announced a two-year listening and dialogue process called the “Synod on Synodality.” While we have heard of Synods, the expression “Synodality” s...

We need someone to say, “Come!” That is the essence of JY leadership (By Dr. Edward Edezhath. Published in Kairos Magazine in 2022)   I was at a teens’ camp. It was time for the Holy Mass, and everyone had gathered in the chapel. However, as often happens, all the front seats are empty, and everyone sits far away from the altar. “This looks quite shabby,” I thought. “But how can I encourage these youth to fill the front seats?” After a few seconds, Anita, one of the main volunteers at the camp, entered. With a gentle smile, she quickly moved around the hall, gesturing for the group to move forward. Lo and behold! Within a few seconds, all the front seats were filled. Now, the whole place looked well arranged. Furthermore, that day, participation in the Mass was quite active, perhaps because everyone knew someone was actively guiding them. As I sat there, I continued to reflect. Anita did what Christian leadership ought to be: someone raising the voice to say, ‘Come.’ The tragedy of...

  Focus on forming faith habits (By Dr. Edward Edezhath. Published in Kairos Magazine in 2021)   In a recent prayer meeting, one message was this: “I am forming some habits in you and molding your character. Walk in my path, and I will prepare you little by little for heavenly joy.” This was followed by a shared reflection on Galatians 3:27 – you who were ‘baptized into Christ have put on Christ. ' Sangeetha’s reflection connected to dressing up for a marriage party. “Looking into the mirror, I would say, I look so beautiful.” Putting on Christ is like that; we gain a new and beautiful image. Others spoke up about their transformations, making a gradual difference in their lives.  Through habits to a lifestyle Listening to this, I reflected on the importance of habit formation within the Jesus Youth movement. We have gained many insights throughout our journey to establish a vision for the movement. A retreat or a series of classes is insufficient for a person to grow in ...

 Is there a Jesus Youth style of doing things? (By Dr. Edward Edezhath. Published in Kairos Magazine in 2021)   I remember how we started a new youth group in a parish hall in our city. Some active Jesus Youth took the initiative to bring young people from various parts of the city to the Monday meetings. A newcomer, Peter, was quite enthusiastic and engaged in these gatherings. However, after several meetings, the Jesus Youth members became upset with how Peter prayed. “He does not understand the Jesus Youth way of praying. His style is so different.” So, what was the issue? His prayers were too lengthy; he prayed too often and would quote a Bible passage along with its reference during each prayer. The Jesus Youth, accustomed to prayer meetings, found his style rather bothersome. I have often overheard the remark, “This is not Jesus Youth style,” in response to conference plans, leadership patterns, group decision-making, prayer styles, song selection, and more. Leaders have...

  Jesus Youth is a community of wounded healers. (By Dr. Edward Edezhath. Published in Kairos Magazine in 2022)   There are times when you go to class with a plan, but everything takes an unexpected turn. This happened to me again recently.  That was a seminar for youth. For the warm-up session leading to the discussion topic, I asked the group to talk about the most significant challenges contemporary youth face. A lively discussion ensued. Finally, Teresa, a teenager, spoke up. “The greatest struggle that most of us face is that almost no one understands what we go through. Even when we are deeply sad and lonely, not even our parents notice it. Everyone is too busy. They are reluctant to connect with us even when they see us upset. " Her friend sitting nearby eagerly shook her head and added, “If only we had more concerned people and places where we could feel listened to, understood, and accepted." I wanted to convey that what you are asking for is a regular, lively Je...

The Weekly Challenge is essential for fostering JY fellowships (By Dr. Edward Edezhath. Published in Kairos Magazine in 2021)  “The main challenge is that everyone is so busy, and our groups struggle." I was speaking to the Jesus Youth leaders in that big city. “Of course, when they gather, they enjoy themselves and generate many ideas. But you rarely see them for a long time once they part ways. This disrupts any plans we make. People are so unpredictable, and we don’t know how to move forward.” This led to significant discussion and reflection. Fellowship is an essential ingredient of faith life. The early Christians took the commandment of Jesus very seriously. The Lord asked them to love as he loved and noted that “by this all men will know that you are my disciples” (Jn 13:35). Consequently, they developed a lifestyle of meeting together regularly, sharing fellowship meals, and responding to the needs of every person in their community (Acts 2:46; 4:35). As centuries passed, ...

  Healing has a special place in Jesus Youth.  (By Dr. Edward Edezhath. Published in Kairos Magazine in 2022)  Our prayer group used to have a weekly slum outreach. I remember my first visit. “Lawrence can get violent and might attack you. Don’t go near him!” the young man’s mother warned as we entered a small hut. In a corner of the room, we saw a dirty-looking young man in chains. In that poor and shabby area, this was yet another deeply disturbing scene for us. That was in early 1978. My friend Joy and I were making our first exploratory visit to see what the young people from our group could do there.  There were about 50 huts in that colony, and we visited each to get to know them. When we reached this house, Lawrence’s mother told us the young man's story. As a child, he was taken to a church feast and, in the crowd, he was accidentally stepped on the head, which caused him serious problems ever since. Occasionally, he could become violent, so he had to be kept...