The Enthusiasm and Dynamics of Jesus Youth 85 (BJRE096)
The Enthusiasm and Dynamics of Jesus Youth 85
(By Dr. Edward Edezhath - Published in Kairos Magazine in 2025)
Just a couple of weeks ago, I found myself in Houston, TX, standing outside St. Angela Merici Church when I met Josy and his wife. A few other Jesus Youth were there too, and soon we were chatting away like old friends. Josy, it turned out, was the one who designed the Christmas card we used to prepare for the Jesus Youth ’85 conference! I even had a PDF copy of it on my phone.
As we stood there reminiscing, Josy began to share some wonderful memories from those hectic but grace-filled days leading up to that historic gathering forty years ago. I was glad that I had most of the movement’s early materials stored online. When someone said, “Could we take a look at the Jesus Youth materials? It would be great to see what you all did back then,” I was more than happy to oblige.
Later that evening, we gathered at home, opened up some old files, and dived into the story of Jesus Youth 85. The group was full of questions—curious, inspired, and eager to learn about the roots of the movement. As I watched their excitement grow, I realized I was the one most moved. What began as a casual sharing turned into a heartwarming journey back to some of the most joyful days and the people who made them unforgettable.
A Journey from 1976
One of the things that caught everyone’s attention that evening was a simple but precious document — the Milestones, a list I’ve been keeping since 1976. It’s a record of small beginnings that slowly shaped something much bigger.
In June of that year, two large retreats were held in Kerala, and in Cochin, a lively prayer community, St. Teresa’s Group, was born. A couple of months later, a retreat for college students took place at St. Paul’s, Kalamassery. From then on, year after year, something remarkable was happening — interconnected events that brought together young people from across Kerala.
A Seven-Year Journey
Then came the first big leap. In 1978, we organized the first major youth gathering proposed by Fr. Fio — and I still have a pink brochure and a few old program badges from that event. It was the culmination of years of effort: local youth meetings in different cities, five central retreats in Cochin, and countless small initiatives by passionate young people.
That December, nearly 800 participants came together at Sacred Heart College, Thevara. My friends were full of questions about that year — how it all came together, what kind of work young people were doing then, and what kept them so motivated.
We also looked at a 1981 document — the first attempt at a strategic plan for a connected statewide movement. It proposed dividing Kerala into 14 zones, each with its own youth leadership. “What led to that?” someone asked. The answer brought back memories of a great challenge from Fr. Gino: to form a dedicated youth team and adopt a more focused approach to youth ministry. That spark led to a series of consultations and, eventually, to the structure that would carry the movement forward.
The First Line Group
Soon, we reached a photo of the First Line Group — the key architects of what became Jesus Youth 85. Eighteen of us began meeting in July 1982, after two major self-awareness and leadership training programs. We stayed connected for years, not just as a team, but as a close-knit community with a shared sense of mission.
We weren’t just organizing events; we were building zones, forming leaders, and training others in self-awareness, ministry, and leadership. Those years were a time of vision, friendship, and deep commitment to helping young people meet Christ in real, transformative ways.
The Legacy of a Pope
Looking back, it’s amazing how the wider Church journeyed alongside us. In 1978, as we were preparing for our first big youth conference, a new pope was elected — John Paul II, the young, vibrant shepherd who would become the great champion of youth. His words and example continually inspired us.
Then came his bold announcement: 1985 would be the International Year of Youth. Suddenly, the whole world seemed to be looking at young people with new hope. The Jesus Youth network — by then a statewide charismatic youth movement — joined that global wave with enthusiasm.
I even found a few photos from the International Charismatic Youth Conference held in Rome in 1985, which I was blessed to attend. It brought together youth from 75 countries, led by Fr. Fio. I had written an article about that experience for a local newspaper, describing our encounter with Pope John Paul II. The ideas and inspiration we received there deeply influenced how we shaped our own conference later that year.
A Name and the Teams
Next, we looked at some old planning notes — pages filled with ideas, names, and sketches. The First Line group had proposed four possible names for the 1985 conference. Finally, one was chosen at a meeting in Trichur. The three main themes — Youth World 85, Jesus World 85, and Jesus Youth 85 — reflected the movement’s unfolding vision.
And of course, we spent some time talking about the conference logo — the one that later became the movement’s logo. Designed by Jose Jacob, it captured the spirit of Jesus Youth beautifully. I showed everyone the preparatory leaflets and materials Jose created to help participants enter into the vision of that groundbreaking gathering.
Who Were the Participants?
When we tallied the numbers, we found about 216 farmers, 77 teachers, 345 students, 270 workers, and many others — nurses, businesspeople, artists, and so on. Each came with their own dreams and callings. These details helped us organize workshops that spoke directly to real lives — and reminded us that holiness grows in everyday contexts.
A Program Full of Surprises
The Jesus Youth 85 conference, held from December 26–29, 1985, was organized by the Charismatic Renewal of Kerala and coordinated by a large and passionate team. We had one big question before us: Can we have a youth conference without endless talks?
After much discussion, we decided on one major input each day and filled the rest of the time with creative, participatory sessions: Day 1: Youth World 85 by Fr. Gino, Day 2: Jesus World 85 by Fr. Vellanikal, Day 3: Jesus Youth 85 by Alicekutty
In between, we packed the days with panel discussions, serendipity exercises, picture-based reflections, life-situation workshops, theatre, and music. One highlight was a panel titled “Being a Christian Today” featuring a politician, a professor, a social worker, and a police officer — all sharing how they witnessed to faith in their public life.
Looking back, we could all see that the seven years of preparation bore fruit in that dynamic, joy-filled event. It marked the beginning of a new phase — a movement alive with ministries, creativity, and missionary zeal that soon spread across India and beyond.
Plans That Brought Everyone Alive
As Josy and I revisited those old memories, what stood out most was the sheer energy of those preparatory days. People from every corner of the state — dancers, artists, writers, theatre enthusiasts, planners, musicians — all got involved.
Jose Jacob, our program and publicity coordinator, regularly brought out a series of beautiful leaflets, encouraging the formation of a new culture, small groups, and offering reflection materials. The creativity, energy, and teamwork of those days truly embodied what Jesus said: “You will know a tree by its fruit.”
Forty years later, that fruit is still ripening. What began in 1978 and took a big leap in 1985 continues to inspire, form, and send out young people around the world. The pilgrimage goes on — and the joy of Jesus Youth 85 still lives in every new heartbeat of the movement.
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