The Archbishop Expands on His Description of Jesus Youth (BJRE076)

 


The Archbishop Expands on His Description of Jesus Youth

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

Archbishop Thomas Menamparampil has closely known Jesus Youth since its early days. His two famous descriptive comments on JY are well known. Recently, he added two more phrases, making them four descriptions of the Jesus Youth movement. 

My thoughts drift back to 1986. The National Charismatic Convention that year took place in Mumbai. A large group from Kerala participated in it. I was in charge of the Malayalam youth stream. While I was speaking to this large youth group in a hall in Bandra, I noticed a priest sitting at the back of the hall, eagerly listening to my talk. After sending the youth into small groups for discussion, I approached the priest. He introduced himself, saying, “I am Bishop Thomas from Dibrugarh.” That marked the beginning of a warm and lasting friendship. When he learned about our youth work in Kerala, he expressed a desire to come and see it.

After a few months, Bishop came to Ernakulam and stayed for a week. We had numerous meetings, and I also took him to visit groups in Trichur, Kottayam, and Arthunkal. Throughout all the meetings, he learned about JY during its early days of growth, and in return, he shared a great deal about the missionary work he was doing in northeast India. 

He suggested that understanding the spirituality and style of the Taizé community would be beneficial for Jesus Youth. That's how I went to Taizé in 1988 and spent two months there in France. Bishop Thomas had a special relationship with the community’s founder, Brother Roger. As the Chairman of the Youth Commission in India, he invited Taizé to engage with youth in India, organizing two large gatherings in 1985 and 1988. Since Bishop Thomas sent me, I, too, held a special place, always sitting next to Brother Roger during my time there. This marked the beginning of a close connection between Jesus Youth and Taizé. From then on, we began sending two Jesus Youth members every year to Taizé.

A unique bond

From Dibrugarh, he moved on to Guwahati as Archbishop. Archbishop Thomas is well-known worldwide for his missionary zeal, writings on culture, and work with tribal groups. He served as the Chairman of the Evangelization Department of the Asian Bishops. In all major training sessions for Bishops and Catholic movements, he also invited Jesus Youth. For significant Jesus Youth gatherings and international training, Archbishop Thomas always made time to be present. 

During one of the training sessions for Bishops held in Thailand, the Archbishop shared what he found special about Jesus Youth groups. He mentioned that these groups cultivate a unique culture that even very young JY members absorb. Two crucial characteristics of this culture are i. Non-competitive Leadership, and ii. Non-Threatening evangelization.

The recent visit

In January this year, I had another opportunity to spend a weekend with Archbishop Thomas. He was invited by two universities in the US to give lectures and set aside two days for Jesus Youth. His talks to our group focused on the practical aspects of sharing the Good News, the importance of connecting with cultures, and conflict resolution. Everyone greatly appreciated his fresh and original perspective on these topics.

Many of us made the most of our time together, often gathering around the dining table and continuing our chit-chat for long hours. In the larger group, I had already shared his two remarks about Jesus Youth, and during our leader's chat, he mentioned he would add a couple more. He discussed what he observed at the Jaago Conference in India last year. “In Jesus Youth, there are no founders or prominent leaders; instead, everyone feels important and welcomed.” In many other large movements, the personal influence of certain leaders and their overshadowing presence often becomes a heavy burden. This is not the case in Jesus Youth. Another point he made was, “Like many others, Jesus Youth also recognizes the problems around them, but their response to these challenges is typically very different and often quite positive.” Many people in the Church become upset by what is happening in the country and respond with anger and negativity, but he said these young people devise creative solutions.

He summarized it.

The renowned Ave Maria University hosts a Mother Teresa Museum. Since the Archbishop was very close to her, they wished to hear more from him about the saint. I traveled with him to Ave Maria, and during our drive, he took time to summarize his observations on JY, coming up with four phrases.

What are these special marks of JY’s working style?

Non-competitive Leadership: Everywhere, there is a growing culture of competition and self-importance. However, in Jesus Youth, it is different. Here, individuals acknowledge their own vulnerabilities and weaknesses and are open to learning from others. Jesus and His plans remain at the forefront. Furthermore, Jesus Youth does not seek to compete with other groups. Instead, the emphasis is on joyful collaboration. 

Non-threatening evangelization: For many people, “mission” means forcing or compelling others to accept their beliefs. However, in Jesus Youth, it involves eagerly connecting with others through appreciation and love. More than by preaching, individuals come to the Lord as they experience love, joy, and friendship. With genuine concern, they pray for others.

Self-Effacing Leaders: As movements and organizations expand, personality cults can also emerge. Unapproachable leaders often take charge.  In Jesus Youth, key leaders intentionally step back to elevate others. They emphasize the example of Jesus in humility and service. This approach fosters collaboration and allows diverse individuals and their talents to flourish.

Creative response to negative social trends: Everyone is concerned about the growing issues in society. Young people, in particular, are showing signs of decline, which concerns all leaders. The Archbishop specifically noted that the approach of Jesus Youth to this issue is very positive and effective. By utilizing what youth enjoy, they connect with young people and gradually lead them to Jesus. They use friendship, parties, picnics, art, games, and more to reach out to troubled youth. He expressed great appreciation for this Jesus Youth mission approach.

Know and become who you are.

Our small group gathered around the archbishop, listening to his words of appreciation for the movement, and we were overjoyed to hear his comments. However, I felt the real challenge was embodying the beautiful Jesus Youth that the archbishop sees and loves. May the Lord grant us more of His Holy Spirit to grow into this lovely image.

Topics:

            Charisms and styles of JY

            Leadership

            Arbp. Thomas Menamparabil

            History of JY

Highlights:

        1. The Unique Culture of Jesus Youth  

2. Core Leadership Values in Jesus Youth  

3. Evangelization Through Love and Friendship 

4. Creative and Positive Response to Social Challenges 

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