How ‘Subsidiarity’ Shapes Jesus Youth Culture (BJRE079)

How ‘Subsidiarity’ Shapes Jesus Youth Culture

(By Dr. Edward Edezhath. Published in Kairos Magazine in 2024)

I often reflect on the brief discussion about Fr. Fio’s letter from May 1978. In the small library hall of Alwaye Loyola, Fr. Paul Lantha, Fr. Joe Kizhakedom, and I sat together to read the National Chairman’s letter to the newly formed Kerala Service Team (KST) of the Charismatic Renewal. “Bringing together young people could be your first task,” he suggested. The following week, the KST met with the Advisory Council in Thrissur, where initial steps were taken to gather young people.

A successful charismatic youth convention had already taken place in Mumbai. In Bangalore and Chennai, youth groups were thriving. In this context, Fr. Fio proposed the idea of a youth convention for Kerala. Now, after nearly five decades of an incredible journey since that letter, it’s intriguing to consider how this journey has been distinct from other similar experiences.

One comment I heard from Manuel, who traveled from Chennai for that year’s conference, captured the uniqueness of our journey: “City youth and rural workers, English and Malayalam styles, students and professionals, even families, come together and work hand in hand. I don’t know how they do it. You don’t see this variety and close connectedness anywhere else!” 

Yes, a Spirit-inspired, inclusive approach accomplished miracles and established the Jesus Youth movement. However, I believe an essential Catholic principle that the Lord guided was at the core of this, which is to ‘take flesh’ in the movement: subsidiarity.

What is subsidiarity?

Last month, in our class here, we discussed Pope Benedict XVI’s encyclical “Caritas in Veritate,” or Charity in Truth. It addresses the need for new socio-economic approaches, particularly to meet the needs of the poor and suffering. I wanted my students to see how his proposals are closely connected to a crucial set of principles known as Catholic Social Teaching. We had a fruitful discussion on that. 

After class, during dinner, Alvin continued to inquire about some of the points. “I have heard of these principles, particularly subsidiarity. But today, I realize its significance for Jesus Youth.” Typically, we discuss subsidiarity in relation to socioeconomic matters. International bodies meeting in Vienna or New York deliberate and make decisions for all countries, but these decisions can be far removed from the local realities of Sri Lanka, Africa, and South America. The principle of subsidiarity asserts that decisions and actions should be taken at the most local or immediate level possible, rather than by a higher authority or centralized power. While central coordination can provide much wisdom, it must be well balanced with an understanding and encouragement of local life and initiatives.

Alvin’s question concerned how, within Jesus Youth and the Church, the desire for coordination and centralized planning can contradict the principle of subsidiarity. Overplanning and a push for uniformity are the major offenses against subsidiarity. Typically, one individual or a small group assumes total responsibility and insists that obedience is the most important virtue. Such strong leadership can gradually stifle variety, local creativity, and ultimately undermine the entire organization or even a country. 

In many places, Communism did exactly that. China’s Mao claimed that if everyone wore similar clothing and adhered to the same styles for men, women, and children, using only one color, there would be equality, unity, and a simpler life. In contrast, the Church has always taught a Catholic or universal approach; Jews, Greeks, Romans, men, women, and children are all children of God, capable of living together in Christ while embracing their God-given differences. This embodies the beauty of the true Catholic spirit, which also reflects the inclusive approach of Jesus Youth.

Grassroots dynamics

When we began bringing together youth from different parts of the state, many of us  leaders came from a prayer group that met in a college, using English songs. However, the lifestyles and meeting styles of the mostly farm laborers who gathered in Idukki and Thalasseri were different. Fishermen youth in Cherthala congregated late at night on the beaches for prayer. We learned to embrace variety. In songs, meeting styles, and teaching content, we allowed diverse local practices to flourish and thrive.

When we gathered for planning and discussion, a wide spectrum of ideas and approaches emerged. Arguments arose, supporting Bible passages were quoted, and heated debates ensued, with one faction blaming the other for undermining true spirituality. However, there was eventual acceptance of these differences, leading to a shared journey together. This reflects the great miracle of Christian unity founded in Catholicity. But how did this come to be? It is the work of God’s Spirit, rooted in the leaders' awareness of their own poverty.

Pope Benedict, though briefly, discusses in Caritas in Veritate (#57) why the approach of subsidiarity is important for every person, group, and the world:

An expression of human freedom that is both God-given and inalienable.  When we allow each small group and community to make decisions and act effectively, everyone experiences growth in that freedom.

Respect personal dignity, recognizing that each person has the capacity to do good and contribute to others.

Autonomy of small groups: Each group has a surprising capacity to grow and bear abundant fruit. Trusting them provides the best support for this.

Antidote to authoritarian styles: Leaders' blind zeal and narrow vision undermine God’s work. Acceptance and encouragement of grassroots initiatives will remedy this.

Best approach for broader growth: Globalization is essential, but a layered strategy is the best way to achieve broader growth with strong foundations.

Jesus Youth learned this beautiful style of subsidiarity in a practical way. In the movement, we simply refer to it as informality or a friendly style, which fosters a spirituality of communion and participative leadership. This approach has led us to emphasize small groups and diverse evangelistic ministries. May the Holy Spirit continually challenge us to embrace this authentic Catholic spirit of love and solidarity.

Topics:

Subsidiarity

Planning

Movement building

Charism of the movement

Control Spirituality