4 ‘THE DA VINCI CODE’

A REVIEW 6 CROSS
QUESTIONS 7 ONE IN JESUS
‘JESUS YOUTH 2005’
9 GLOBAL
NEWSWATCH
JANUARY 2006

JESUSYOUTH International Newsletter

Back to
A MISSIONARY MOVEMENT AT THE SERVICE OF THE CHURCH

basics WHEN I LOOK BACK ON THE EARLY DAYS OF JESUS YOUTH, IT IS INTERESTING TO NOTE THAT THE
FIRST LEAFLET WE BROUGHT OUT AS PART OF A SERIES ON ‘BASIC FORMATION’ WAS ABOUT SMALL
GROUPS OR ‘YOUTH CELLS’. One of the early conferences ‘Jesus Youth ’87’ had a very specific
precondition for participation; each participant had to be a member of a Jesus Youth cell. Participants
of the conference came from hundreds of cells and we had an unforgettable gathering.
Why this emphasis in Jesus Youth on active participation in these small communities or cells?
There is a specific emphasis on formation and mission in the movement and a Jesus Youth cell is
the best forum for personal formation as well as formation for mission. CONTD. ON PAGE 3

Dear young people, the happiness
you are seeking, the happiness you
have a right to enjoy has a name and
a face: it is Jesus of Nazareth,
hidden in the Eucharist. Only he
gives the fullness of life to
humanity! With Mary, say your own
“yes” to God, for he wishes to give
himself to you. I repeat today what
I said at the beginning of my
Pontificate: “If we let Christ into our
lives, we lose nothing, nothing,
absolutely nothing of what makes life
free, beautiful and great”.
POPE BENEDICT XVI
World Youth Day 2005, Cologne
the HARVEST
IS RIPE.
ARE YOU READY?
FIRST INTERNATIONAL FULL TIME
VOLUNTEERS’ TRAINING
JUN 28- AUG 20, 2006 COLOMBO, SRI LANKA
If you are a Jesus Youth with a
passion to take Jesus to the world
and a willingness to set apart time
for His kingdom, here is your chance
to be part of an intensive
international training programme
to grow in a Christ-centred lifestyle,
to know yourself
and to evangelise youth.
If you think you have it in you and
would like to know more, send an
email with your detailed resumé to:
jyglobal@jesusyouth.org
HEART TALK
Over three decades ago, when I was a schoolboy in a remote corner of the
world, a mighty wind of the Holy Spirit was sweeping across the face of the
earth. Little did I realize how it would change the world or even how it
would blow into my life. Not long after, in 1988, the year I turned 21 and
officially attained adulthood, I first encountered the power of the Holy
Spirit at a Charismatic Retreat. It was an encounter that answered all my
unframed questions and undefined searches – an encounter that simply
turned my world upside down. Gradually, I could see that this new
perspective of the Holy Spirit was changing the entire direction of my life –
everything from my attitudes to my relationships. I experienced a radiating
new joy and a burning desire for the Lord. More than anything, my plans for
the future gave way to the promptings of the Holy Spirit. “ The wind blows
where it wants to, and you hear its sound, but don’t know where it comes from
and where it is going.”(Jn. 3 : 8)
Back then I was not aware of the scope of this experience and its relevance to
the Church. Today, I am awestruck that over a million Catholics in 238
countries have experienced this astonishing power of the Holy Spirit through
the most powerful ecclesial movement of our age – the Catholic Charismatic
Renewal. It touched every aspect of life. Across the globe, prayer groups came
alive in campuses and parishes. Ordinary people, touched by the Spirit,
accomplished extraordinary things. Several new Catholic communities and
movements were born. Meanwhile, on the Indian subcontinent, a group of
young people with a Charismatic experience began to come together with a
desire to serve the Lord. In a few years, they would come to be known as Jesus
Youth. The Jesus Youth spirituality, style of working, emphasis on holiness and
mission to share the Good News through ‘charisms’ have all, in one way or the
other, evolved from the Catholic Charismatic Renewal.
This year, as the Charismatic Renewal turns 40, let us as Jesus Youth, join the
ICCRS (the international body that co-ordinates the Charismatic Renewal)
and the Church in celebrating what Pope John Paul II called the ‘special gift
of the Holy Spirit to the Church in our time’.
Recently, I had the humbling experience of sharing the stage for a prayer session
with Patti Mansfield and David Mangan, two of the first witnesses at the historic
Duquesne University, where the Catholic Charismatic Renewal experience was first
manifested in the mid sixties. We were part of ‘Testimoni dello Spirito’, a
conference in Lucca, Italy, organized by RnS (Italian CCR), Focolare and
Sant’Egidio in collaboration with the Pontifical Council for the Laity and the
Italian Bishops’ Conference. Here perhaps for the first time ever, the secretaries of
four earlier Popes shared their respective testimonies enriched by their experiences
of being with the great Popes of our times. Truly a historic occasion.
‘Testimoni dello Spirito’ - Lucca 2005
I’d like to conclude with a reminder of the most significant fruit of the
Charismatic Renewal – the building of forgiving, loving communities rooted
in reconciliation. Which incidentally is also our thrust for the year 2006 –
reconciliation, sharing, and growth in small cells. For what greater witness
can we give the world than our love?
Wish you all a Spirit-led New Year!
Manoj Sunny
Jesus Youth International Co-ordinator
COVER STORY
Back to basics
Years later, in 1991, when Pope John Paul II
Perhaps it is now brought out an encyclical letter on the
Church’s missionary mandate, Redemptoris
time to reaffirm Missio, I was overjoyed to hear him talk about
these small groups:
the original vision A rapidly growing phenomenon in the young
Churches - one sometimes fostered by the
of the movement Bishops and their Conferences as a pastoral
priority - is that of “ecclesial basic
that to be a communities” (also known by other names)
which are proving to be good centres for
Jesus Youth Christian formation and missionary outreach.
These are groups of Christians who, at the
you have to be level of the family or in a similarly restricted
setting, come together for prayer, Scripture
in a cell and reading, catechesis, and discussion on
human and ecclesial problems with a view to
growing in your a common commitment. These communities
are a sign of vitality within the Church, an
mission. instrument of formation and evangelization
and a solid starting point for a new society
based on a “civilization of love”. (Pope John
Paul II, Redemptoris Missio, 51)
This great man’s words affirmed the Holy
Spirit’s guidance in Jesus Youth. Perhaps it is
now time to reaffirm the original vision of the
movement that to be a Jesus Youth you have
to be in a cell and growing in your mission.
A creative formation plan: We all want to be
in good company. Young or old, in our
friendship groups we are truly ourselves and
joyful, and there we have much to share.
Such informal friendship groups have a great
role to play in the Lord’s plan of formation.
Taking renewed life in the Lord to such close-
knit fellowships is the challenge of true
Contd. from page 1
lifestyle formation. How do we do it? There
is, of course, no rigid pattern, but when this
small group comes together, as the Pope tells
us, there is prayer, Bible reading, sharing,
and reflection on one’s life in relation to the
specific living condition in which one is.
Without such a “little community” of one’s
own, how will a Jesus Youth be able to build
‘a civilization of love’ at home and in the
workplace or places of study?
Its profile: A small group of say 5 to 10 people,
that comes together every other week,
(perhaps by a river side, in the hostel room of
a friend or near the changing room of a
factory), informal but steady and regular -
that’s a Jesus Youth cell. Most often, for
practical reasons, members are of the same
sex, but there are numerous couples’ cells in
Jesus Youth.
How does a cell relate to the others? In one
of the colleges I know, for example, there is
a lively prayer group on Tuesdays, to which
many teachers, students from the hostels and
day scholars come. But the active members
come together in small cells on different days
in places of their choice. There are a number
of cells - two or three among teachers, eight
or nine for those in the hostel, and a few
among the day students. Once a month and
on certain special occasions all these cells
come together. This is the Jesus Youth group
of the college, which has a coordinating team
that keeps in touch with other Jesus Youth
fellowships and teams. In this Jesus Youth
fellowship many new initiatives and ministry
groups are formed.
Path of a disciple: In Jesus Youth we often
talk of an itinerary of holiness with the six
pillars of prayer, Word of God, fellowship,
sacraments, evangelisation and reaching out
to the poor as the specific steps. But cells
somehow become an operative key, constantly
reminding and urging its members to press
on towards the twin goals of holiness and
mission.
Jesus’ plan of building a new heaven and
new earth (Rev. 21:1), given the hectic pace
of life today, is through the special dynamics
of small communities. This will without doubt
help us fulfill Jesus’ saying, “By this all men
will know that you are my disciples, if you
have love for one another.” (Jn. 13:35). May
the Lord help us through this creative initiative
of the Spirit called Cells to be his true
witnesses wherever we live.
DR. EDWARD EDEZHATH
Jesus Youth International Animator
JANUARY 2006 PAGE 3
BOOK
BROWN CLAIMS THAT, ”ALL DESCRIPTIONS OF ARTWORK,
ARCHITECTURE, DOCUMENTS AND SECRET RITUALS IN THIS NOVEL
ARE ACCURATE.” HENCE, SOME VIEW THE DA VINCI CODE AS A
GENUINE EXPOSÉ OF CHRISTIANITY. BUT SCHOLARS SAY THAT THIS
BOOK IS FACTUALLY INACCURATE AND PLAGIARIZED.
Every one is talking about it,
Tom Hanks is starring in its
movie version and many are
criticising it. Thriller-buffs beg,
borrow or steal The Da Vinci
Code - ‘a brew of conspiracy
theory, romance novel and
pseudo-scholarship’, which has
been in the news ever since it
was published in 2003. Author
Dan Brown combines history
with glamour to encourage the
gullible to identify with his
intelligent characters, who are
in search of ‘truth’.
People say that Catholics
criticise anything – even things
that we know nothing about. I
read The Da Vinci Code so that I
would be considered fit to
criticise. This book announces
that Christ was merely human;
and the Holy Grail is not a
chalice, but Mary Magdalene
who was pregnant with the child
of Christ! God forgive me for
repeating this blasphemy. Brown
claims that, “All descriptions of
artwork, architecture,
documents and secret rituals in
this novel are accurate.” Hence,
some view The Da Vinci Code as
a genuine exposé of Christianity.
But scholars say that this book
is factually inaccurate and
plagiarized.
The Da Vinci Code begins with
the murder of Jacques Saunière,
REVIEW
the curator of the Louvre
Museum. He is shot by Silas, an
albino monk. Silas’s gun is a 13
shot model, but he only fires
one shot before Brown declares
that the gun is empty. He had
killed two other men the same
night; one critic wonders if it
took 12 shots to kill them.
Saunière’s gunshot injury has a
mortality rate of less than 5
percent, but Brown announces
that he has only moments left.
Saunière cannot escape because
a drop-down gate is blocking
him. Louvre has no such gate.
The dying Saunière has a
message for his granddaughter
Sophie Neveu. Its not ‘I love
you, please be a good girl’.
Instead, the thoughtful
grandfather poses himself
naked, like Da Vinci’s famous
drawing – Vitruvian Man, writes
cryptic messages all around the
Louvre walls and draws a
Pentacle on his stomach with his
own blood. Hmmm. The Louvre
authorities would kill him for
desecrating their walls thus.
Harvard symbologist Robert
Langdon helps to investigate the
murder. A symbologist?
Intriguing! Harvard? Wow! But
Harvard has no department of
symbology – it is a pseudo-
academic discipline concocted by
Brown.
BY LINDA GEORGE
Neveu and Langdon discover that
some clues are hidden in Da
Vinci’s famous paintings. They
finish off where Saunière started
and wrench paintings off the
Louvre walls. Brown gets the size
of Madonna of the Rocks wrong; it
is 6’ 6", not 5’ and really heavy,
but Sophie lifts it anyway. The
Louvre has real security cameras,
but to keep his characters busily
involved in murder, doing
gymnastics on the floor before
dying, tearing up paintings. etc.,
THE PRIORY OF SION IS Brown insists that most of the
NOT AN ANCIENT SOCIETY; cameras inside the Louvre are
IT BECAME WIDELY fake. Are any thieves reading this?
KNOWN ONLY IN 1962.
Neveu and Langdon find that Da
Vinci, Newton, Hugo and Botticelli
THE “DIVINE had belonged to a secret society
PROPORTION” RULE called the Priory of Sion. Saunière
APPLIED TO BEES WOULD was one of its last surviving
NEVER WORK. agents. Blasphemy comes in next
– the Church has been suppressing
THERE IS NO 10TH KNIGHT the ‘truth’ about Christ. Silas, a
“MISSING” IN THE TEMPLE
monk from the Catholic
CHURCH - THERE ARE
organisation Opus Dei, kills those
ONLY NINE.
who know this secret. Silas
practises corporal mortification,
which according to Brown is
scourging himself and wearing a
cilice belt. Eew. Langdon and
Neveu break cryptic codes with the
assistance of Sir Leigh Teabing
(Wolf in sheep’s clothing kinda
man) to finally learn this ‘truth’.
Note that Sir Leigh’s name is an
anagram of the surnames of
Michael Baigent and Richard Leigh
- authors of Holy Blood, Holy Grail,
a heretical book dabbling in God. Brown says that Many of the men in Leonardo’s
Gnosticism. before AD 325, Christ was paintings and drawings are
considered a “mortal effeminate such as St. John the
Brown says that a pregnant prophet” by his followers. Baptist in the Louvre.
Magdalene was sheltered by the But the gospels written by
Jews of Marseilles and gave Eminent scholars scoff at Brown
them do not support this
birth to a daughter, Sarah. This for acknowledging the aid of art
weird theory. Now please
bloodline became the museums, societies and libraries
don’t get me started on
Merovingian dynasty of France. to give the impression that he
“The Bible was falsified
This secret was known to the has done thorough research. As
bit…” The theory of Christ’s
Priory and guarded by the one critic points out, Project
marriage has been debunked
Knights Templar. Sophie Neveu Gutenberg is an online library,
by scholars, with extensive
and her brother, whose last so Brown’s “acknowledgement”
reference spanning
names were changed to Neveu, means that he looked at one of
centuries. Paul would not
(nephew) are descendants of its websites. Editor of Catholic
have advocated celibacy if his
this bloodline. Fictional World News, Phil Lawler, has
Lord was not celibate.
openly declared that Brown had
character Sophie Neveu thus
Brown believes that Da Vinci never contacted the CWN as he
bags an ancestry, courtesy of
revealed this top secret through had claimed.
Brown. Historical evidence
The Last Supper. He points out
shows that the New Testament Some books are considered
that the figure seated next to
and the oldest Christian writings successful if they offend every
Christ is not John, but his wife
highlight the root of the reader at least once. By that
Magdalene. Christ and this person
Christian belief – that Jesus was measuring stick, The Da Vinci
are dressed inversely (blue and
Code is an unqualified triumph.
red) and their figures also form
The book insults not just the
the letter M, which symbolises a
DA VINCI WAS AGAINST THE OCCULT AND HIS NATURE Catholic Church, but Christianity
sacred union. Art historians and
SKETCHES WERE NEVER RELIGIOUS. as a whole. Everyone may be
Leonardo scholars dismissed this
entitled to his own opinion but
OPUS DEI’S MEMBERS DO NOT TAKE VOWS, BAIL OUT THE crazy interpretation on the ABC
everyone is not entitled to his
VATICAN BANK, WEAR ROBES, SLEEP ON STRAW MATS, News in 2003 and added that it is
own truth. Truth is but one. So
COMMIT MURDER FOR THE CHURCH OR PRACTISE BLOODY traditional to paint John, the
don’t believe all that you read.
CORPORAL MORTIFICATION. youngest disciple, as beardless
I do not. I believe what
and long-haired. If that figure is
NUNS DID NOT COMMISSION DA VINCI TO DO THE A. W. Tozer wisely said - the
Magdalene, then where is John?
PAINTINGS; A CONFRATERNITY OF MEN DID. unbelieving mind would not be
The faces of Jesus and Philip in
convinced by any proof and the
CONSTANTINE DID NOT MAKE CHRISTIANITY THE the same picture are delicate too.
worshiping heart needs none.
RELIGION OF THE ROMAN EMPIRE IN A.D. 325.
THE MONA LISA IS NOT A SELF-PORTRAIT BY LEONARDO, LINDA GEORGE is a Joynetter and member of
BUT THE PICTURE OF THE WIFE OF A LOCAL MERCHANT, the JY Media ministry. Born in India and raised
ACCORDING TO LEONARDO’S ASSISTANT CAPROTTI’S in the UAE, she worked for the BBC in England
NOTES. as a Broadcast Journalist. Currently working as
a columnist for a British paper, she makes her
THE PYRAMID OF THE LOUVRE IS NOT COMPOSED OF 666 home in Dubai where she lives with her
PANES OF GLASS, SAYS ITS DESIGNER husband and 10 month old son.

JOYnet Initiatives
Praise God in his holy
Perpetual
Praise & Worship
place, praise him in his
mighty heavens. Praise
him for his powerful
deeds, praise his surpassing greatness. (Psalm 150:1-2)
Inspired by the success of the Chain Rosary in the month of
October, Joynet has begun an initiative known as Perpetual
Praise and Worship, where members commit to spend 15
minutes each week / day to praise and worship the Heavenly
Father. As several people from various time zones around the
world participate in this beautiful venture, the chain of worship
will be carried on continuously without a break. If you wish to
offer 15 minutes of your time in praising and worshipping the
Almighty, visit http://www.jesusyouth.org/joynet/intercession/
for more details. - Jolly Jacob, New Delhi
The Jesus Youth media
ministry was sparked off
Media Ministry last month to enable Jesus
Youth from different
countries working / interested in music, dramatics, newspapers and
magazines, literature, film, TV, fine arts, internet, etc., to keep in
touch and support each other in their mission of evangelisation
through the mass media. The ministry is in the process of
concretizing ideas that can be put into action. Among the many
initiatives on the priority list are revamping the Jesus Youth
website, sharing the Gospel through podcasts and blogs, reaching
out to the secular press, etc. If you are interested in sharing the
Gospel through the media, we welcome you to join this network. We
are also on the look out for a name for this new ministry. E-mail us
at jyglobal@jesusyouth.org if you have any ideas/suggestions.
- Mathew Joseph, Bangkok

JANUARY 2006 PAGE 5


CROSS QUESTIONS
Five questions on Christian entrepreneurship
How long have you been involved in Jesus Youth
and what kind of business are you involved in?
Way back in 1989 I had a personal experience of
God’s loving presence at a Jesus Youth Campus Meet.
I am currently the Director of a company that
provides technical and commercial support for a US
based Technology Corporation.
As a Jesus Youth and an entrepreneur rolled into
one, what is your approach to money?
Once I realized that everything I have is God’s gift,
my attitude to finances altered radically. Now I know
that I am a steward of God’s resources more than an
owner, and that God has a specific purpose in making
me an entrepreneur.
So is it difficult for a Christian to be an
entrepreneur?
It is definitely challenging. For example, being a
Christian entrepreneur also brings with it a great
amount of responsibility. It also means that God has
given me stewardship of all the employees who work
for my company, and that their livelihood depends on
my respecting their work and paying them well.
In today’s business scenario, under-invoicing and
cutbacks are considered part of the game. How do
you deal with these aspects?
The temptation to make easy money is stronger when
such deals are the normal procedure. But I think it
all depends on your approach to life. When the joy of
living with a clean conscience before God is far more
important than the extra money, the option
diappears. Some time ago, my company would have
made a huge amount of money if I had conveniently
closed my eyes to an accounting error. Thankfully,
God gave me the grace to realize the futility of
keeping that money.
Would you share an experience where you had to
encounter a difficult situation?
Recently, during a financial crisis, someone remarked
that there were legal means to circumvent the full
payment of taxes. But my belief is that when I don’t
pay taxes, I am stealing from the whole society. I
could easily find legal loopholes to evade taxes, but I
firmly believe that I am answerable to God. So
ultimately, I paid the entire amount, though I had to
avail a substantial personal loan to do so.
How do your fellow businessmen react to your
attitude to business?
Some find my approach to business utterly foolish.
Some question it. Some others respect it. But the
world of business definitely needs more Christian
entrepreneurs to proclaim that integrity and business
can go together.
Binu Augustin, one of the early Jesus Youth
Campus Co-ordinators, is now settled in
Cochin with wife Sephy and son Amal.
‘DESTINATION CHRIST’
BY REXBAND
A Review by Alwyn Christy
The diverse musical
influences are the first
thing that strikes anyone
who listens to the
sounds that emanate
from Destination Christ,
the new album of
Rexband. The mix of
traditional Indian and
Western influences and
tones is truly distinct. The important thing is that unlike some fusion
tracks the mix and transition are very smooth with Rexband. From the
immense energy in ‘Peace Like a River’ to the adlibs in ‘Run to You’ and
the lead singer’s improvisations in the ‘Holy Spirit Chant’, this album is a
pleasure to listen to.
Growing up listening to everything from Petra, White Heart, Michael Card,
Iona and everything in between, I think Rexband has created a unique
signature sound and do have the talent to make it big. I would even say
they are well on their way to leave their mark on the global Christian
music scene. There is also a unique sound mixed in with the predefined
musical tones that makes the band easy to listen to. I have to admit that
I did find my foot tapping along to a number of songs in the album,
which is always a good sign that the music is reaching my inner self! The
lyrics are probably what does the most for me, with open and deep
emotions being expressed, conjugating about a life with God and all the
challenges it contains.
Alwyn, who has been involved in the Christian music industry for over
10 years is currently setting up his new record label in the US. He has
run sound for Worship leaders like Frank Ralls, Scott Underwood, Andy
Park, Lindell Cooley, and Lamont Rich. He is a part of the Sound
Engineering of Life Christian Church in Saint Louis, Missouri, the home
of worship leaders Charlie Leblanc and Jacque DeShetler.
‘TREE OF LIFE’ WINS STATE AWARD
The short film ‘Tree of Life’
directed by Leo Thaddeus and
produced by Mampillil Brothers,
has won the Kerala State Award
in the Best Tele-film category.
The film, a JY presentation,
advocates respect for life,
especially the life of an unborn
child. Congratulations to Leo
Thaddeus, Alphons Joseph,
Joseph Nellickan, Martin Jose and
all the talented artistes and
technicians of this production!
ICTHUS
In today’s secular work places, where expressing one’s
faith in God is considered taboo, some Jesus Youth
found a creative way to share and grow in their faith
in the work place by forming a virtual cell group named Icthus. Icthus,
which draws its name from the fish symbol used by early Christians to
identify themselves at the time of persecution, is a closed group of
professionals who, apart from daily intercession, have reflections on the
Bible, the Catholic Church and saints and join in the Chain Rosary and
the Way of the Cross over the Internet.
REPORT
One in Jesus ‘JESUS YOUTH 2005’, THE LARGEST EVER CONFERENCE OF
JESUS YOUTH IN INDIA, WAS HELD FROM 12TH TO 15TH OCTOBER
2005 AT CHRIST COLLEGE, BANGALORE. IT BROUGHT
TOGETHER OVER 3000 JESUS YOUTH FROM DIFFERENT PARTS
OF INDIA.
THE PROGRAMME WAS THE CULMINATION
OF A YEAR’S PREPARATION AND PRAYER.
Two sets of study material in English and
Malayalam were sent to all the
registered participants before the
conference, so that they would be well
equipped, both spiritually and
intellectually. The most important
preparation was the 24 hours round the
clock intercession before the Blessed
Sacrament for 200 days prior to the
programme. During the programme too,
there was constant intercessory prayer.
There was a Jericho prayer every 3
hours.
The programme was well planned with
talks, fellowship and planning sessions.
The theme of the programme was ‘Only
Jesus’ based on Acts 3 where Peter
and John say, “Silver and gold have I
none, but such as I have, I give.” Mark
Nimo an internationally renowned
preacher from Ghana was the main
speaker for the conference. Through
his inspiring sessions, he challenged
the participants with his testimony,
stories and anecdotes. Another
resource person of international repute
was Rev. Fr. Tom Forrest C.Ss.R. who
urged the participants to work for
evangelisation. The programme was
blessed by the presence of Most Rev.
2500 Youth delegates
from over 100 dioceses
across 19 states
300 Volunteers
100 Priests & Religious
Dr. Bernard Moras (Archbishop of
Bangalore), Most. Rev. Isaac Mar
80 Jesus Youth Families
Cleemis (Bishop of Tiruvalla),
Most Rev. Dr. Robert Michael Miranda
(Bishop of Gulbarga), Cyril John (NST
Chairman) and Colin Calmiano and Fritz
Mascarenhas (ICPE Community). The
delegates from international Catholic
movements like Sant’Egidio and
Focolare gave a new dimension to
commitment in Christian life. A
highlight of the conference was the
Rexband show, which ended with a
powerful annointing session led by
Mark Nimo.
Apart from the talks, there were
optional seminars on topics like ‘How to The delegates of Sant’Egidio and Focolare (above)
study the Word of God’, ‘How to lead Organising Team and Ministry Co-ordinators - ‘JY 2005’ (below)
Praise & Worship’, ‘Time Management’,
‘Prayer Groups’, etc. Planning was also a
crucial part of the programme, with
participants meeting according to their
ministries and also regions, to discuss
future plans and dreams.
The National Conference was born out
of a prompting of the Spirit to
evangelise India and gradually reach
out to the whole of Asia. The
conference concluded with each
participant committing to give Jesus to
as many people as possible.
JANUARY 2006 PAGE 7

RESOURCE SPEAK AFTER THOUGHTS
“How can I “Jesus Youth 2005 was an eye opener for
evangelise? I me to see the tremendous potential of our
usually use the youth. I was also strengthened in my faith
dangerous prayer and commitment to live with Jesus and for
“Use me”. Say, “I Jesus and to re-dedicate myself in my
give You permission religious life.”
to use me”, and SR. KOCHUTHERESIA. C.L. (SCCG),
you will never be Principal , Our Lady of Lourdes School of
the same. This is Nursing, Dharwad.
one prayer the Lord
cannot refuse to “One of the most amazing gatherings I
answer.” have attended. What really inspired me was
the strong commitment of Jesus Youth to
“You have the Holy Spirit but does the do the work of God and to glorify Him in
Holy Spirit have you? We need the power every single thing they do. This conference
to be holy. The ‘secret’ is the Holy Spirit.” was a real awakening in the aspect of
- MARK NIMO International Preacher commitment.”
REMYA THOMAS, Chennai
“What does the
world look like when “The programme shook a lot of my
the lights go off? concepts. I thought I was a ‘Jesus Youth
People who do not leader’ but realized that there is a long
know Jesus are living way to go in growth. I also realized that
in darkness. No red being a Jesus Youth is something not to be
light to stop us, no taken for granted, but treated with a great
green light to deal of seriousness. Our relationship with
continue. Jesus is Jesus is a treasure and should be given a
the light that high level of commitment and importance.”
darkness cannot ROSHAN OOMMEN THOMAS, Kerala
overcome. Jesus is the only light!”
- FR. TOM FORREST C.Ss.R. “Jesus Youth make a difference in
International Preacher campuses through their culture of
prayer, discipline, teamwork and
academic calibre. I appreciate how Jesus
Youth works with one vision and one
inspiration - Jesus. We need young
people with inspiration in colleges. We
need Jesus Youth in colleges.”
FR. THOMAS CHATTANPARAMBIL,
Principal – Christ College, Bangalore
“Having taken up the responsibility of
co-ordinating this mega event, it was
only the Lord’s grace that helped me
realize His plans for the programme. As
we went ahead with the preparations, we
were strongly convinced that the
Theme Choreography and Theatre presentation
conference would be a great blessing for
the Jesus Youth in India.”
SOJI JOSEPH, General Co-ordinator,
‘Jesus Youth 2005’
“’Jesus Youth 2005’ was a milestone for
the Jesus Youth family. Ours being a
missionary movement, this conference
has been instrumental in giving a new
impetus to serve the Church with greater
zeal and enthusiasm.”
ADV. RAIJU VARGHESE,
Jesus Youth National Co-ordinator, India
OTHER EVENTS
KERALA
n Cultural Exchange
The Cultural Exchange Programme, an annual
feature over the last four years, which brings
together tribal and rural youth from across
the country for a live-in Catholic faith
experience, began on 9th Dec. in Kerala with
about 300 participants from 27 dioceses
across 18 states of India. The 30-day
programme, beginning with a week-long
retreat, followed by a two-week stay in Jesus
Youth families, will culminate in a grand
finale from 27th to 31st Dec. 2005 at St.
Rita’s Church, Kaliyar.
HARYANA
n Evangelisation Training Programme
A North Indian Evangelisation Training
Programme for 50 youth was held from 31st
October to 2nd November 2005, at Our Lady
of Fatima School, Gurgaon.
JABALPUR
n Campus Retreat
The annual retreat for 200 campus students
was conducted on 27th November 2005 at
St. Aloysius College, Jabalpur.
NAGPUR
n Leaders’ Training Programme
A three-day training programme for 40
leaders was held at the Pallotine House,
Nagpur from 2nd to 4th December 2005.
ERODE
n Teens’ Programme
A two-day programme for 75 students of
Classes 6 to 12 was conducted on 19th and
20th of November in Erode.
KARNATAKA
n Programmes in Mangalore
A two-day retreat for 300 students was
held at St. Agnes High School from 20th -
21st Oct. 2005. A Leadership Training
Programme for 40 leaders from different
ministries was held at the Evangelization
Centre from 29th Oct.-1st Nov. 2005. A one-
day initiation programme for over 1200
students was held on 27th Nov. 2005 at St.
Aloysius College.
n Nurses’ Programme
A one-day programme for nearly 300 nurses
took place in Davangere, Karnataka on 27th
November 2005.
VISHAKHAPATNAM
n A one-day initial programme for around
600 youth was conducted under the
guidance of Toms Michael and John Kurian
at Rose Hill, Vishakhapatnam.
GUJARAT
n ‘Penuel’ was held from 27th Oct - 30th Nov.
in Lourdes’ Convent School, Surat for 100
youth from South Gujarat. 1000 participants
from 6 mission centres came together for a
mega Night Vigil on 19th Nov. 2005. Two
retreats were held in December for youth
and for teens at Unai with more than 300
participants.
GLOBAL NEWSWATCH
Toronto Youth Retreat, Canada
USA
n Houston Parish Retreat
Chicago’s Sunil, Sindhu, Joe, Binu, and Sony
were welcomed to Houston, Texas by Rev.
Ligori Johnson Philip to conduct a 2-day
parish retreat for the youth of the St.
Joseph Syro-Malabar parish. The retreat took
place from October 28th - 30th and was
attended by about 80 youth.
n McAllen Jesus Youth Encounter
For the first time ever, Jesus Youth
conducted a 2-day encounter programme in
McAllen, Texas on the weekend of November
11th. A resource team from New Jersey,
helped conduct the mini-retreat along with
several active Jesus Youth from Houston,
Dallas, and McAllen as well.
n Northeast Regional Retreat
In our hectic lives, quiet-time is needed to
maintain spiritual balance. With this in
mind, the Service Team of the Northeast
region (comprising of the NJ, NY, and New
England states) had a weekend of
reflection, sharing, relaxation and fellowship
from September 16th - 17th in Merrimack,
New Hampshire
n Northeast Regional Youth Fest
In a very scenic area of the mountains of
Peekskill, New York, a group of sixty Jesus
Youth met on October 22nd for the tri-
monthly Northeast/Mid-Atlantic Youth Fest.
The theme for the day was “I am with you
Florida One-day Programme, USA
always, until the end of the age.”
(Mt. 28:20). Participants fondly recollected
and shared their WYD experiences while
watching the World Youth Day video
compiled by JY of Chicago. The group was
also privileged to have a Franciscan priest
join them and provide the keynote talk
based on the theme.
n Florida One-Day Programme
On 8th October, Jesus Youth conducted a
one-day programme at the Our Lady of
Health Syro-Malabar parish in Coral Springs,
Florida. The programme was attended by
about 50 youth, many of whom were
touched and inspired by the programme.
n Dallas Christeen Retreat
Chicago’s Jojo and Litty enjoyed their
Thanksgiving weekend in Dallas, Texas
conducting a Christeen retreat for the
children of St. Thomas Syro-Malabar parish.
The retreat concluded with beautiful prayers
being offered in Adoration by the children
to Jesus. - Lisa J. Austin
CANADA
n Youth Retreat
The active participation of Jesus Youth
Canada along with sixteen Jesus Youth
volunteers from USA under the leadership of
Sunil and Dr. Sindhu ( JYNT members, USA)
was instrumental in successfully conducting
the annual youth retreat at St. Thomas
Apostle Mission parish from 8th to 10th
McAllen JY Encounter, USA
Houston Retreat, USA
October 2005 for 100 youngsters. Rev. Fr. Edwin
Gonsalves, the Youth Director in the Office of
Catholic Youth (Archdiocese of Toronto) was
invited to speak to the participants during the
course of the retreat. A special feature was a
visit by the youth to an old age home in
Etobicoke, which was much appreciated by the
seniors. This was one of the biggest events of
Jesus Youth in Canada.
n Talent Night
During the Talent Night held in the parish
hall, Jesus Youth presented the message of
Christ through dance and song. The youth
presented live music and a skit depicting the
revival of Lazarus followed by a dance and
recitation. The dance was so captivating that
it was performed once again at the Kerala
Ecumenical Christian Fellowship function.
- John Bosco
ITALY
n Prayer Meeting in Rome
The dream of having a prayer group in Rome
was realized on 14th November 2005, when
10 Jesus Youth along with Fr. George
Kumbloomottil and Fr. Joshy Mayyattil came
together at the International Youth Centre
of the Vatican for a time of prayer. They
have decided to have weekly gatherings on
Sundays at 4 p.m. under the guidance of
Msgr. Antony Kollamparampil at the Urban
Pontifical College near St. Peter’s Bascilica.
- George Grinson
JANUARY 2006 PAGE 9
GLOBAL NEWSWATCH
Fr. Arikat celebrates his 60th Birthday in UK
60th BIRTHDAY GREETINGS
The Jesus Youth International Team and the
newsletter editorial team heartily greet our
beloved Fr. Sebastian Arikat, Animator -
Jesus Youth International Team, on his 60th
birthday. The occasion is all the more joyous
as Fr. Arikat completes his 20th year with
Jesus Youth, and we raise our hearts in
gratitude to the Giver of all good things for
this ‘gift’ to the movement!
UNITED KINGDOM
n Night Vigil Celebrations
Every first Friday of the month, Liverpool JY
come together for the night vigil. This
month they celebrated the 24th night vigil,
thus completing 2 years. There were 60
participants. Fr. James Kiliyanani from Paris,
France gave a spiritual input during the
night vigil.
n Life in the Spirit Seminar
This was a series of programmes covering
various spiritual topics organized in London
and attended by 20 participants. It helped
the participants to deepen their spiritual
lives. The main speakers were Fr. Sebastian
Arikat (Pastor, Jesus Youth UK) and Dr. Julio
Kandathil (Animator, Jesus Youth UK).
n Nurses’ Meet
Nearly 20 nurses gathered together for half
a day in London on 10th December 2005. The
main session was taken by Sunil Simon.
The New JY National Team, UK
JY at ‘Christmas Festival’, UAE
n JYNT Reconstitution
The new JY national team was formed for
UK, consisting of 10 team members, 2 ex-
officio members, 1 pastor and 3 animators.
50 JY members were present for the
election which took place on the 7th and 8th
of October 2005. During the reconstitution
meeting, Fr. Sebastian Arikat (Pastor, Jesus
Youth UK) helped the members in evaluating
their spiritual life, and Manoj Sunny (Jesus
Youth International Co-ordinator) spoke on
how leaders ought to be filled with and led
by the Holy Spirit. The team members are
Pradeep Mathew (Co-ordinator), Joby
Mundackal (Asst. Co-ordinator), Jose
Mathew, Shibu Varkey, Sunimol Cinto,
Dhanya Joseph, Ajesh Abraham, Joseph
Dasan, Smitha Manual, Thomas Stephen,
Prince James, Biju Thomas, Sunil Simon
(Animator), Dr. Julio Kandathil (Animator),
Sr. Ancilla Tharappel (Animator) and
Fr. Sebastain Arikat (Pastor). - Joby Mundackal
BAHRAIN
n Exodus 2005
On 3rd November 2005, more than 900 youth
from different parts of Bahrain gathered at
Bishop Trinanzi Auditorium, Manama. Jesus
Youth supported the youth wing of the
Malayalee Charismatic group to organise the
programme. Their dream of bringing 1000
souls from many parts of Bahrain (especially
from the labour camps) was beautifully and
‘Exodus’, Bahrain
magnificently realized in this event by the
bountiful grace of God. His Lordship Paul
Hinder, Bishop of the Vicariate of Arabia
was the guest of honour and he gave a
motivating message, which encouraged the
participants. - Sebastian Joseph
KUWAIT
n Leaders’ Gathering
Thirty first line leaders gathered together in
the City Cathedral Hall on 21st November
evening to spend time with Rev. Fr. Joseph
Anthikkad, a retreat preacher and well
wisher of Jesus Youth from Kerala, during
his visit to Kuwait. Special permission was
taken to organise this gathering.
n Outreach Ministry
An outreach ministry has been newly formed
to reach out to the youth in labour camps.
Regular weekly visits to these camps by
Jesus Youth volunteers has resulted in a few
cell groups being formed.
n Christmas Carols
Christmas Carols were conducted in Jesus
Youth families, labour camps and hostels.
Rev. Fr. Mathew Kunnepurayidam blessed
candles, which were then given away as
Christmas gifts.
n Thanksgiving Day
30th December 2005 will be celebrated as a
day of thanksgiving by the Jesus Youth in
Kuwait. They plan to have a gathering for
reflection, workshops and group sharing.
- Biju Antony
GLOBAL NEWSWATCH
‘Nawajwala’, UAE
OMAN
n Nee Entethanu (A Night with Jesus)
‘A Night with Jesus’ on 20th November 2005
saw 450 young adults from different parts
of the country coming together at the Holy
Spirit Catholic Church, Ghala, Muscat to
deepen their vision for the evangelisation of
Oman. The Lord’s presence and providence
was evident through out the programme.
This was a milestone in the history of Jesus
Youth in Oman and a turning point for the
different Jesus Youth ministries working in
Oman like the couples’ ministry, nurses’
ministry, etc.
n Leaders’ Training & Youth Retreat
A two-day residential Leaders’ Training
programme was conducted on the 14th and
15th of September 2005 at Ghala, Muscat for
40 potential leaders from different parts of
the country. In November, a two-day in-house
retreat for selected youth from different areas
of the country was held at the Holy Spirit
Catholic Church, Ghala, Muscat. This was the
first retreat of its kind to be held in Oman. As
only a select group attended the retreat, the
resource team was able to give each
participant personal attention.
- Bobby Jacob
NEW ZEALAND
n Youth Gatherings
Jesus Youth organised meetings on the 13th
and 14th of December from 7p.m. to 9p.m.
‘Nee Entethanu’, Oman
at Our Lady of Sacred Heart Church, Epsom
and St. Mary’s Church, Avondale. It was a
blessing to see quite a few youth
participating in the event. C.C. Joseph,
India and Rajesh Thalapallil, Melbourne,
Australia led the meetings. Both the
meetings were blessed by the presence of
the parish priests – Fr. James Mulligan and
Fr. Ioane. After the meetings, the youth got
a chance to talk to Joseph and Rajesh and
get more information about Jesus Youth.
- Liza Johnson
UAE
n Nawajwala
The 10th Annual National Gathering of the
Jesus Youth in UAE was held on 2nd
December 2005 at St. Francis of Assisi
Church, Jebal Ali. This gathering of around
1000 Jesus Youth from the different
emirates of UAE had the same theme as
World Youth Day 2005 – “We have come to
worship him.” (Matthew 2:2). This year’s
gathering was special as it was the 10th
anniversary of this annual event. The day
began with music and praise and worship,
followed by a talk by Vinod John on the
theme of “Worship”. Poly, Sherly and
Vincent then spoke about their personal
turning points in life as well as the role of
ministries in Jesus Youth. After a time of
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, all
New Beginnings, New Zealand
‘Nawajwala’, UAE
entered the church in a procession for the
Holy Eucharist celebrated by Rev. Fr. John
(Vicar, Jebal Ali). Fr. John released the first
copy of the Souvenir brought out for this
occasion after Mass by giving it to Joemon
(Jesus Youth UAE Co-ordinator). Following a
presentation on the World Youth Day and
lunch, Jesus Youth of Sharjah presented a
skit based on the temptations faced in
single life and how the crucifix helps one to
resist them. Joemon then spoke about the
various Jesus Youth activities in the Middle
East. The highlight of the day was a
spectacular musical show by the ‘Covenant
Singers’. The programme ended in the
evening with a vote of thanks by Shaji.
n Rosary Gatherings
The Jesus Youth in Abu Dhabi made October
2005 a time of grace and special devotion to
Mother Mary by organising daily Rosary
gatherings in the different houses of the Abu
Dhabi parish for the whole month. Each day’s
prayer included the Rosary, Holy Eucharistic
Novena, intercessions for special intentions
and a message. Many Jesus Youth made a
personal commitment to attend the prayer
every day. On the last day of the Rosary
gatherings - 31st October - a large group
attended the celebration and also testified
to the miracles, healings and blessings they
had experienced during the month.
‘Yes Lord’ Youth Retreats, Australia
JANUARY 2006 PAGE 11
 GLOBAL NEWSWATCH

‘Yes Lord’ Youth Retreats, Australia ‘Arise Shine Out’, Singapore

n Growth Retreat 2005 2005. For all the 37 participants, it was a MALAYSIA
A two-day growth retreat organised by the time of reflection, sharing, healing, and of n Jesus Youth in Malaysia is gradually
Jesus Youth in Sharjah on 3rd and 4th course fellowship. growing in faith and number. The Jesus
November 2005 was the first of its kind in the Apart from an evening programme held on Youth Gathering takes place on the first
past 10 years. Rev. Fr. Joseph Anthikkad and 6th December in Adelaide, a retreat was Sunday of each month at the Assumption
Mr. Shaji (Idukki) were the resource persons also held in Sydney from 15th -18th Church, Kuala Lumpur. The gathering with
for the retreat. The 220 young participants of December with 16 participants from more than 40 members, which took place in
the retreat were helped to identify the ‘Christ different cultural backgrounds. C.C. Joseph December, was anointed, with the gathered
Experience’ in their current life situations and from India was the main resource for the group taking bold decisions to renew their
also to maintain a strong relationship with God retreats along with Mayrose Pius, a Jesus lives in preparation for Christmas. - Saju P.J.
with the help of Mother Mary. Youth fulltime volunteer for this year. The SOUTH KOREA
n Agape retreats were the result of strong n After much perseverance and prayer, a
’Agape’ - a one-day programme for around intercession and the efforts of many Jesus small prayer group has been initiated in
300 participants was held on 30th September Youth in Australia. - Bobby Chacko Jangeyeung, Koje Island from November
2005 in Fujairah. SINGAPORE onwards. Let us pray that this little
n Jesus Youth at Christmas Festival n Arise Shine Out fellowship bears much fruit in the future.
Jesus Youth in Abu Dhabi made their presence ‘Arise Shine Out’, a programme for 350 - Abita Antony
felt on 9th December 2005 during the annual
participants organized by the Singapore THAILAND
Christmas Bazaar at St. Joseph’s Cathedral,
Jesus Youth National Team, was held on n A mixed group of people from India,
Abu Dhabi by conducting music, video
12th June 2005 at St. Michael’s School. Burma, the Philippines and Thailand have
presentations and skits throughout the day for
Most Rev. Nicholas Chia, the Archbishop of started gathering for a time of prayer every
the parishioners. Every year the Christmas Saturday evening in the Huamak campus of
Singapore, delivered the inaugural address.
Bazaar packed with food stalls, games and Assumption University, Bangkok, Thailand.
Rev. William Goh, Spiritual Director, SACCRE,
entertainment shows is held on the church - Dony Peter
and Fr. Tom Mangattuthazhe conducted the
premises to bring together the parishioners in
sessions. The programme also included a
the spirit of Christmas. This year the music
panel sharing by representatives of various
and audio-visual presentations by Jesus Youth
ministries on their God experience and on
helped remind the parishioners of the ‘Christ’
how they have come to be a part of the
in Christmas.
Jesus Youth Movement. - A. P. Roy
n Training Programme
A two-month long Training Programme was GERMANY
held in Abu Dhabi for 41 participants during n Jesus Youth Gathering
October and November 2005. The sessions Following the first Jesus Youth Gathering
concentrated mainly on Kerygma, self- held in May with just 4 members, the
awareness, Jesus Youth lifestyle, the Bible, second one held on the evening of 14th
and the Church. - K. G. Mathews October saw the group slowly growing in
number. The group first had a beautiful time
AUSTRALIA
with the Lord, singing hymns of praise in
n Yes Lord O Mary, faithful handmaid
English, Malayalam and Telugu, that went
“It has not been easy living a Christian life of the Lord who
on till the wee hours of the morning. They
as a youth in this day and age. But the treasured the Word in
retreat jump started our spirituality and were also blessed to celebrate Mass in your heart,
provided us with the tools we need to live English, as the Masses are usually in help us your children
our lives in Christ.” This is what Shamila German. Towards the end of this gathering, to become true disciples
Fernando, a 21-year old from Australia had Anil Israel was unanimously elected as the of your Son, devoted to
to say about the retreat ‘Yes Lord’ held in Co-ordinator. They hope to meet at least His service.
Melbourne from the 8th to 11th December once every two months. - Anil Israel

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