A MISSIONARY

MOVEMENT
AT THE SERVICE

WYD
OF THE CHURCH
WWW.JESUSYOUTH.ORG

S 2005
pec ial I s s ue

“Form communities based on faith!

In recent decades movements
and communities have come to
birth in which the power of the
Gospel is keenly felt. Seek
communion in faith, like fellow
travellers who continue together

Star-gazing in
to follow the path of the great
pilgrimage that the Magi from the
East first pointed out to us. The
spontaneity of new communities

Cologne
is important, but it is also important
to preserve communion with the
Pope and with the Bishops. It is
they who guarantee that we are
not seeking private paths, but are
living as God’s great family,
founded by the Lord through the
twelve Apostles.”

“I know that you as young people

World Youth Day 2005
have great aspirations; that you
want to pledge yourselves to
build a better world. Let others
see this, let the world see it, since
this is exactly the witness that
the world expects from the
disciples of Jesus Christ; in this
way, and through your love above
all, the world will be able to
discover the star that we follow
as believers. Let us go forward
with Christ and let us live our lives
as true worshippers of God!
Amen.”
Pope Benedict XVI,
Concluding Holy Mass , WYD 2005.

Inside Stuff “We saw his star at its rising, and

! Star-gazing in Cologne
! Heart Talk
! Jesus Youth International
Gathering
! Youth Arise International
Gathering
! Pilgrimage of Faith
we have come.” (Matt 2: 2)
Cologne took the spotlight as the
world saw yet again the young,
vibrant face of the Church when an
estimated 1 million young pilgrims
poured in from all quarters of the
globe following the footsteps of the
Magi to “discover the star on the roof
of Cologne Cathedral” at the XX
World Youth Day celebrations. It was
an event of special significance for
Jesus Youth as more than 600 of its
members from 14 countries
gathered alongside those from older
movements such as Focolare,
Neocatechumenal Way and
Sant’Egidio, to leave their imprint and
contribute their share to the success
of the celebration. Everywhere for
over a week, one could see
processions of young people of
different nationalities thronging the
streets, filling the churches,
crowding the buses and trains,
streaming through the parks and
gathering in large numbers at the
festival venues, with the
unmistakable WYD backpacks,
colourful caps and scarves, and their
respective national flags. There was
festivity in the air with sounds of
laughter and merriment, music and
singing, shouting and clapping,
interspersed with cries of “Giovanni
Paolo” and “Benedicto”! The spirit
of prayer and signs of faith were also
contd. on page 3 !

1

A new chapter of Church history was written when one
million youth of the world’s nations travelled with the
Church and for the Church, to gather around the Holy
Father and celebrate the World Youth Day in Cologne
as a great festival in the honour of God. One can only wonder at the
innumerable challenges faced and the unimaginable effort taken for an
event of such magnitude. A huge team comprising the staff of the WYD
office, church groups, associations and movements, dioceses and parishes
and around 20,000 volunteers had been working hard over the last three
years just to make those few days from 11-21 August pleasant and
memorable! Several times, when neck-deep in work, bogged down by
mails and faced with dead ends, I’ve asked myself, “Is it really worth
spending so much on a project like this? Will it be worth the while facing all
the hurdles that keep emerging right from the moment we apply for the
visas and as we move on to finances, tiresome journeys, long stretches of
walking, unknown languages, alien cultures, unaccustomed weather and
food, etc.?” But when, at the YAI festival and WYD celebration, I experienced
the awesome beauty of worshipping the King of Kings along with youth
from countries across the world speaking different tongues, when I
witnessed the joy of coming together as a family during the Jesus Youth
International Gathering, and when I jubilantly joined the thousands screaming
‘Benedicto’, at the welcome ceremony, I found myself saying, “Sydney
2008, here I come!”
It was no joke getting things organized in a foreign country from this distant
corner of the world. Yet each time, God sent his angels to help us out. And
often when we found the main doors shut in our faces, He caused new
ones to open. The word ‘thanks’ cannot contain the gratitude that wells in
my heart when I think of people like Fr. John Kallarackal CMI, the Parish
priest of Dormagen (the venue of our catecheses and accommodation
during the JYIG and WYD), Joy Manikath and all the Malayalee families in
Cologne, Fr. Ignatius CMI and the Indian Parish Council in Cologne, the
Sisters of St. Joseph’s in Lourdes, Maura Cattani from RnS, Italy who visited
many parishes seeking permission to accommodate our pilgrims in Rome
“The Lord is my Shepherd and I shall not
want.”(Psalm 23)
These are the words reverberating in my
mind after the Youth Arise Festival, Jesus
Youth International Gathering and the World
Youth Day. From the very inception of these
programmes I have seen and experienced
an unbroken litany of God’s blessings.
I have witnessed and experienced two miracles in which the Almighty
made His presence felt during the preparations for these events. One was
the accident in which Manoj, Henry, George and myself were involved,
when we were traveling at a speed of 160 km on a busy highway. My car
was almost completely destroyed. However, all of us escaped without
even minor injuries. The second was the bright and pleasant weather God
prepared for the days of the World Youth Day. The weather forecast, that
seldom goes wrong, predicted a rainy day; but the day dawned bright and
clear!
Now, when I look back I feel that God has been sending apt persons
whenever necessary. Without those right people in the right places, things
would not have been so smooth and successful. There were difficult times,
of course, but all through the preparation I could see light at the end of the
tunnel. Truly everything went on well, because of His presence and
guidance. I bow my head before the Great Planner and CEO.
The recent past has proved that we are just instruments in the hands of
God. However unskilled and fragile we are, He is mighty. With Him everything
is possible! Praise the Lord.
Fr.Ajy Mooleparambil CMI
Fr.Ajy
(Member, Jesus Youth International Team;
General Convener Jesus Youth International Gathering)
2
and helped us find places to stay, and Msgr. Antony Kollamparampil
without whom our pilgrimage to Rome would not have been possible.
Yet another beautiful experience was the series of Rexband concerts prior
to WYD, in UK and in Germany. This tour afforded innumerable instances
of a typical Jesus Youth life style. The members of the Rexband risked
much, laying aside everything and getting a month off from their jobs so
that the Lord could be proclaimed through their music. One of them even
had to resign his job – a good one too - leaving his future apparently bleak.
And I saw the power of sacrifice, the witness of brotherhood and the efficacy
of prayer all through the tour, particularly in the way so many hearts were
touched and transformed. The same can be said of the Jesus Youth of UK.
It’s been only a few years since Jesus Youth took root in UK. But what an
excellent job they did in organizing the concerts! Rexband was virtually
unknown in England; nonetheless, they succeeded in gathering big crowds
through their commitment and painstaking efforts. Almost all the halls were
fully packed and most of the audience departed with an experience of the
presence of the living God!
After following on the heels of the Magi to Cologne, the Jesus Youth
contingent continued their pilgrimage through Taizé, Lourdes, Assisi and
Rome. It was a time of great blessing with unforgettable moments like the
Masses we celebrated in the Basilicas of St. Peter and St. Paul in Rome
and that of St. Francis in Assisi. The highlight of this ‘Pilgrimage of Faith,’
and undoubtedly one of the greatest blessings for me was being able to
attend the funeral service of a saint of our times – Br. Roger of Taizé.
And now here we are at the end of it all, with a new International team.
Frankly speaking, I didn’t relish the idea of carrying on as
the International coordinator for another term and I had been praying hard
to find a way out. However, I accept this responsibility with joy and
humility, knowing well that the coming years will be a really tough time
personally, but knowing better still that this is the will of God for me and for
our movement. We will be directing our efforts towards new outreaches,
with a special focus on Asia and Africa, different leaders’ training
programmes including the JY International full-timers training programme,
etc. Let us joyfully march ahead together deciphering our call and discerning
the move of the Spirit!
Manoj Sunny
Jesus Youth International Co-ordinator
“Each blessing at the World Youth
Day has a tremendous impact on
our times. Quite by chance I
attended the WYD concluding Mass
with Pope John Paul in 1985 in Rome,
which was then held within the
premises of St. Peter’s Basilica. I
realized its significance for me only
when I came to know many years
later that 1985 was the year
dedicated to the Youth; the year
when Jesus Youth got it’s name.
When Manoj Sunny convinced me in
2000 to attend WYD again in Rome, Pope John Paul had aged, but the
youth were younger in age and more in number. When 2 million attended
the concluding Mass in 2000, I understood how the Lord had blessed this
generation through the Pope. Throughout the following years and through
WYD in Toronto, we as Jesus Youth have continued to understand the
responsibility that the Lord is giving us to reach out with our culture and
faith to the rest of the world.
I decided to get fully involved in the WYD project over the past 2 years,
certain that my involvement would come to an end with the WYD. It was a
shock initially to be asked to join the new iteam as the Assistant Co-ordinator.
But I soon realised like many others that Jesus Youth needs to be nurtured
so that it can be an effective instrument in the service of His Church.For the
first time I saw a possibility that one day many Jesus Youth would actually be
called ‘History Makers,’ something I’d known earlier only as lyrics of a song we
used to sing.
I would like to thank the Lord for allowing me to assist in the organisation of
this Pilgrimage. We went to Cologne to worship Him. May we continue to do
so forever.”
George Ettiyil
(Asst. Co-ordinator, Jesus Youth International Team; General
Co-ordinator, Jesus Youth International Gathering.)

“ The trip started in the heart. My heart
was eager to see youth from different parts
of the world, as one among many, as one
in Christ. To experience Christ, with a
backpack for a cross on my back that
grew heavier with every step. At every
step thoughts of things that hurt most in
my life came to my mind. Even though
they were small things, like the thorns of a
rose biting into my skin, it helped me to
look at the suffering of Christ for our
salvation. Germany was an extraordinary
experience because it felt like Christ was
by my side in everything. During the WYD
trip, Christ our Saviour healed the pain in
my shoulder and in my heart.”
Jeslyn Paulose Ellickal, a teenager, USA
contd. from page 1 !
evident at the catechesis sessions,
in the churches, during the Way of
the Cross, at the inaugural and
concluding Masses, and during the
Night Vigil, where young people in
small groups or on their own could
be seen praying, reciting the
Rosary, reading the Bible,
meditating, standing in line for
confession, or simply sharing their
faith experience.
Touchdown
German hospitality knew no bounds
as hosts of families and numerous
private houses, schools and
government buildings opened wide
their doors to welcome and gather
the influx of young pilgrims to WYD.
The barriers of language and culture
were broken as the warmth of the
hospitality and the generosity of the
people took over. Jesus Youth in
particular switched over quickly to
“Guten tag” and “Guten morgen”
and got by quite successfully, with
a mixture of English, Malayalam,
smatterings of German and of
course mime!
Opening Mass
The WYD activities began in the
three German cities of Cologne,
Düsseldorf and Bonn with
simultaneous Masses, overflowing
crowds, waving flags and the
energy of more than 200,000 young
people from countries all over the
world. In Cologne, Archbishop
Stanislaw Rylko, President of the
Pontifical Council for the Laity
opened the proceedings with
greetings in five languages. “You are
entering on a great adventure, and
the main figure in the adventure is
you,” he said. Following the arrival
of the World Youth Day cross in the
stadium, the service began with the
World Youth Day hymn, “We Have
Come to Worship Him.” More than
an hour before the Masses were to
begin, the entrances to some
venues were closed as they were
already filled to overflowing. Many
pilgrims, including a good number
of the Jesus Youth, were
Caught in Action: An animated Cardinal Dias leading the Catechesis
disappointed, and had to satisfy
themselves listening in on the
proceedings, or if they were lucky,
watching everything on giant TV
screens. At times like this it appeared
as though Germany could not hold
the thousands that congregated for
this biggest of Catholic gatherings
on the globe. However, as one
pilgrim who was trying to fight her
way through the crowds and make
it onto a train to the arena said, “It
doesn’t even matter whether we get
on the train in the end. The spirit of
unity, all of us standing here on the
crowded platform, is worth every
minute of it.”
Catechesis
Discovering a Deeper Faith
Catecheses were offered on three
days at various venues to guide and
invite the pilgrims to enter into a more
profound relationship with Jesus
Christ. Jesus Youth was invited to
animate one of the Catecheses and
it was an added blessing when it
Bishop Blase J. Cupich, Rapid City, USA
happened to be the one attended
by its own members. The
catecheses for Jesus Youth was led
on the first day by His Eminence
Ivan Cardinal Dias from Mumbai,
India, on the theme ‘Searching for
WYD
2005
Special Iss
ue
truth, the deepest meaning of
human existence’ and on the
second by Most Rev. Blase J.
Cupich, Bishop of Rapid City, USA,
on ‘Meeting Christ in the Eucharist.’’
Each day the Catechesis was
followed by the celebration of the
Holy Eucharist. On one day there
was a special form of catechesis by
way of a pilgrimage to Cologne
Cathedral and the shrine of the Magi
on the theme, ‘Going on pilgrimage
with witnesses to the faith.’
The Youth Festival
Bridging the World
One of the strengths of WYD is the
experience of new cultures,
countries and people that it offers
through music, performance art and
other cultural events. Well known
bands from different nations
performed, thereby bridging the
world. Picnic concerts were given
on the banks of the Rhine, in city
parks, and other inner-city green
areas with a wide range of musical
performances, from classical to pop
music. Jesus Youth exulted when
young people from across the world
flocked in large numbers to
celebrate Jesus with Rexband as
they performed for the opening
concert at Burgplatz in Düsseldorf.
3
Inspiring Encounters
WYD is a veritable melting pot of
Catholic movements and youth
initiatives. And Cologne afforded
Jesus Youth with the enriching
experience of an encounter with the
Sant’Egidio community. Blessed
coincidence when we gathered on
the feast of St. Ursula in the church
dedicated to her name, to be led in
prayer by members of the
community. Following this, we were
refreshed with cakes and cookies
and a mutual recounting of
experiences and activities. It was
amazing to realize that in as much
as there were differences between
our movements, our cultures and
activities, we were one in spirit!
“It was a great experience for me to be
part of the World Youth Day in Köln, a trip
which gave a new outlook and dimension
to my Catholic faith. It sparked a fire in
me to know more about the Catholic
Church, to practise its sacraments, to
deepen my faith and I can surely say that
a person who experiences the WYD can
never deny how well the Holy Spirit leads
1million youth from all over the world.”
-Bobby Paul (UAE)
Papal Welcome
Awaiting Pope Benedict XVI
One of the highlights of World Youth
Days is undoubtedly the presence
of the Supreme Pontiff. At all the
previous WYD gatherings, Pope
John Paul II who had instituted this
event was able to rally the youth and
challenge them to a life of
commitment to Jesus and the
Church. The great rapport he
enjoyed with young people and the
genuine feeling they in turn had for
this champion of youth, was pivotal
in making WYD a celebration of such
magnitude. And at this WYD, the first
one without him, he was present in
his very absence. Shouts of
“Giovanni Paolo” could be heard
even as the youth lined the streets
and the banks of the Rhine awaiting
the arrival of Pope Benedict XVI.
4
There were many, no doubt, who
wondered how these young people
would receive the new Pontiff. They
didn’t have to wonder long, for as
news came in that His Holiness was
approaching, the cheers went up
even louder for “Benedicto”! As
always, the spontaneity, generosity
and adaptability of young hearts
won the day. Most of the Jesus Youth
had found vantage points from
where they got a good view and
close shots of His Holiness as he
passed by. The feeling as the
expectant crowd awaited His
Holiness was amazing and the
happiness of the youth infectious.
Even the stiff German officials and
policemen who did their rounds
could not but succumb to their
charming ways and good natured
fun and frolic.
“It was a blessing for me to attend the
World Youth Day. I was very surprised
and inspired to see thousands of youth
waiting to see the Pope. What made
them do so? One thought that came to my
mind at that time was that if this old man
could inspire so many youth, as a young
person I should be able to do many things
for the glory of God. My heart filled with
joy when youth from all over the world
praised the Almighty together. It was
beautiful.” - Suja Mathew, Singapore
The Via Dolorosa
Unlike that of the previous World
Youth Days, the Stations of the Cross
were prayed in the parishes, and
lacked much by way of grandeur,
sublimity and pageantry. However,
despite the steady drizzle and
unusually cold weather, young
people turned out in good numbers
to walk the streets of German
villages and towns carrying wooden
crosses and chanting hymns as
they commemorated the ‘Via
Dolorosa’ in this traditional prayer of
the Church. Several Jesus Youth
braved the weather, wearing plastic
bags as makeshift raincoats, to
accompany the Rexband as they
led the singing for the 9 km. walk
from Nievenheim to Knechtsteden,
where there was a concluding
session with an audio visual
presentation of the icons of the 14
stations prepared specially for this
WYD, and also readings and
prayers in different languages of the
world.
At Marienfeld
Vigil and Mass with the Pope
Filled with the joy of the week, the
WYD pilgrims continued their
journey on a pilgrimage path to the
concluding celebrations, the Vigil
and Mass, on the Marienfeld. On
this sacred site there once stood a
Cistercian monastery, a famous
destination of pilgrimages to Our
Lady for 9 centuries till its
destruction in 1950. Despite the
weather forecast that predicted
rain, around 1 million people
gathered here to build “a cathedral
for a day”, and to turn this site into a
place of prayer once again. The
worship of the Blessed Sacrament
began with a festival of light and a
procession. More than 12,000
candles lighted up the hill and the
procession route and the WYD
cross and icon were erected.
Almost everyone of the Jesus Youth
pilgrims was there, battling the
biting cold, having come prepared
to camp out all night, some of them
with little children. Miraculously,
though, it did not rain, and the sun
shone bright the next morning as
the concluding Mass began. The
crowds stretched back as far as
the eye could see, bringing to mind
the exhortation of Pope John Paul II
in his message for this WYD: “Do
not hesitate, my dear young
friends, to respond to Him when He
invites you ‘to the wedding feast of
the Lamb’.” In his homily Pope
Benedict XVI urged the young
people to hold fast to the core
values of their faith. “The Eucharist
must become the centre of our
lives” he said and we must “allow
ourselves, through the celebration
of the Eucharist, to be drawn into
that process of transformation that
the Lord intends to bring about.”
He also warned of the dangers of
secularism and of “religion
constructed on a “do-it-yourself”
basis.” Speaking of the joy of
discovering Christ and of the need
to pass it on he remarked, “Help
people to discover the true star
which points out the way to us:
Jesus Christ!” To all those present
contd. on page 16 !
“The most powerful expression of faith, the
universality of the Church and the
communion of different nations were seen
during the WYD celebrations. The whole
world had come to Cologne to proclaim the
lordship of Christ. Waiting for the Pope along
the banks of the Rhine, the pilgrimage to
Marienfield for the night vigil, and coming
together with people from different countries
and cultures gave us a real experience of
the theme – “We have come to worship Him”.
- Marina Thomas, India

The Jesus Youth Inter national
Gathering (JYIG) was held on 15th
and 16th August 2005 at St. Andreas
Church of Kloster Knechtsteden in
Dormagen, Germany. With more
than 600 Jesus Youth participants
which included teenagers, youth,
singles, married couples, families
with children, priests and nuns from
14 different countries (USA, UK,
Australia, Singapore, UAE, Canada,
Ireland, Saudi Arabia, Germany,
Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Sri Lanka and
India), the JYIG was an enriching
occasion that connected people
from different backgrounds and
cultures together as one great family.
International
Inauguration of Jesus Youth International
Gathering by Rev. Bishop Valerian D’Souza
The programme began on the
morning of 15 th Aug’05 with a joyful
welcome to all the participants by
Manoj Sunny, the Jesus Youth
International Co-ordinator. This was
followed by the formal inauguration
of the gathering by Rev. Bishop
Valerian D’Souza, Bishop of Pune
and Episcopal Advisor of the
National Catholic Charismatic
Renewal Services, India, and a Mass
concelebrated by the Bishop and
33 priests.
The afternoon session began with
music led by the Jesus Youth of
America, followed by the Keynote
Address by Manoj Sunny. He
reminded the participants of their call
to witness to their faith and
convictions through their conduct,
as they were a new generation for
the Lord, gathering for the largest
youth event of the Catholic Church.
This was followed by a brief synopsis
by Dr. Edward Edezhath (India) on
the beginning of the Jesus Youth
Movement in the year 1981 and how
the Holy Spirit has been leading the
movement through the years. Jose
Mathew (UK) then separated the
gathering into groups of 10 where
the participants were asked to
reflect on and discuss the following
questions:
WYD
1. What has God
done in your life
2005
Special Iss
ue
through Jesus Youth? (Personal
reflection)
2. Where is the Spirit leading me
through the Jesus Youth movement ?
(Group discussion)
In the evening representatives of
different countries made presentations
A MISSIONARY describing the beginning, current
MOVEMENT status, the future plans and dreams
AT THE SERVICE of Jesus Youth in their respective
OF THE CHURCH
countries. After Australia, India,
Saudi Arabia and Sri Lanka had
presented their reports, all the Jesus
Youth from non-Indian origins were
Jesus Youth
Gathering Dormagen, Germany
Leaders’ Gathering during JYIG
invited to introduce themselves. It
was surprising to see more than 25
natives from different parts of the
world taking part in the JYIG. Befitting
the occasion, the beautiful hymn “All
over the World” was sung. The
presentation then continued with
reports by the Jesus Youth in UAE,
Oman, Kuwait, Qatar, Canada, USA,
Singapore and UK.
After dinner the participants
attended a concert by the Rexband
for the local parishioners, where
more than 1000 people sang,
danced and clapped to the music,
joyfully praising the Lord.
Inaugural Mass concelebrated by Rev. Bishop Valerian D’Souza and
33 priests from 8 different countries
“The Jesus Youth International Gathering was a great
time of personal sharing and discussion with new faces
of Jesus Youth from across the globe. As Jesus Youth
of Malayalee origin, born and brought up outside India,
we were delighted to see the number of non-Malayalee, The second day of the
g a t h e r i n g
or more so, non-Indian Jesus Youth that completed the
600 Jesus Youth gathered for the JYIG in Germany. It commenced with a
surely reminded us that our mission is to spread the Spirit-filled praise and
Good News to all corners of the world.” worship led by the
Mayrose Pius (Australia) UAE and the US youth
groups. This was followed by a talk
by Rev. Fr. Tom Betz (US), on the
oneness Catholics all over the world
share in the Lord Jesus Christ. He
declared that the International
Gathering in itself was proof that the
Church was alive and one.
Following this session, Timmy, a
youth from USA gave his testimony
on how Jesus had touched his life in
many ways. The gathering was then
“Bind us together Lord, with cords that cannot be broken...” divided for further group discussions,
5

as a continuation from the previous
day. This time over, the questions
for discussion and reflection were
as follows:
1. Where is the Holy Spirit leading
me through Jesus Youth in my
personal life ?
2. Where is the Holy Spirit leading
Jesus Youth ?
After the discussion, personal
testimonies were shared by the four
young people who attended the
“I am really thankful to the Lord Almighty for the way He
has blessed the Jesus Youth movement and for the
international acceptance it has gained in a short period.
I was privileged to be part of its 2 nd International
Gathering.” - Vincent Fernandes (UAE)
Fr. James Anaparambil,India
Animator , JYIT
Dean of Seminarians, Animator of
Professionals’ Ministry, Kerala
Santhosh Mathew, UAE
Engineer - Businessman,
National Team member, Jesus
Youth UAE
Santhosh Joseph, Singapore
CEO of a consulting company,
initiator of Fulltimers’ project
Fr. Ajy Mooleparambil, Germany
Parish priest, Ludgerus Parish
Schermbeck
Rajesh T. George, Australia
Medical Scientist, Co-ordinator,
Jesus Youth Melbourne
Tony Varghese, Oman
Engineer, National Team
member, Jesus Youth Oman
Jose Mathew UK
Social worker, National Team
member, Jesus Youth UK
6
“ Participating in the JYIG was like being at a big family
get together. It was marvellous meeting many Jesus Youth
in person who till then were known only through e-mail or
over the phone. I got to meet many of my Jesus Youth
friends after several years. The talk by Ivan Cardinal Dias
and the presentations on JY activities in different countries
were inspiring and challenging.” Annie John (India)
Fulltime Volunteers’ Training this year Since this was also the inaugural day
at Emmaus, Kerala (India) - George, of the 20th World Youth Day, Manoj
John, Alphonsa and Mayrose. They Sunny brought the gathering to a
testified that responding to the close in the afternoon by speaking projects in their prayers. Gratitude
Lord’s call had made a big about his dreams for the Jesus was extended to all who worked for
difference in their lives. Santhosh Youth movement :- reaching out to the gathering, especially to Fr. Ajy
Joseph, the pioneer who sparked new areas with a special focus on Mooleparambil (Germany) General
off the fulltimership project 14 years Africa; canonical recognition by the Convener, Jesus Youth International
ago, spoke about how after his Holy See as an International Gathering and George Ettiyil (India)
graduation the Lord had put the Association of the Lay Faithful; its General Co-ordinator.
dream in his heart to offer one whole Leaders’ Formation, and the
year to live and experience International Fulltimers’ Training As the Jesus Youth International
missionary life. He urged the young programme planned for July – Gathering 2005 came to a close, a
people at the gathering to deeply August 2006 (either in Sri Lanka or prayer was made for the newly
reflect on giving up one year for the Singapore). He also asked elected International team, as they
Lord. everyone to remember these new began their ministry to guide this
vibrant youth movement to the
Bobby Chacko, Australia
Kingdom of Heaven.
“It was a big event for me as a Jesus Youth to attend the
JYIG. I got a chance to meet many personalities and role
models of Jesus Youth from other countries of whom I
had only heard of about earlier.” Julius Antony (UAE
(UAE)
The new Jesus Youth International Team Saji Sebastian, USA
Software professional,
National Co-ordinator,
Sunil Kumar Nadarajan, USA Jesus Youth USA
Engineer, National Team
C. C. Joseph, India Member, Jesus Youth USA
HR Consultant, Former National Raiju Varghese, India
Co- ordinator, Jesus Youth India Lawyer, National Co- ordinator,
Jesus Youth, India
Manoj Sunny, India
Co-ordinator , JYIT
Engineer, International Co-ordinator
for a second term
Fr. Sebastian Arikat, UK
Animator, JYIT
Also Animator, Jesus Youth UK
George Ettiyil, India
Asst. Co-ordinator JYIT
Engineer, Station Manager of
an Airline company
Fr. Thomas Tharayil, USA
Pastor, JYIT
Also Pastor, Jesus Youth USA
Princy Varughese, USA,
Pur suing a doc torate in Chemis tr y,
National Team member, Jesus Youth USA
Dr. Edward Edezhath, India
Animator, JYIT Mayrose Pius, Australia
Lecturer, one of the initiators of Graduate in Human Resources,
the Jesus Youth Movement attended Fulltimers training in 2005
 CELEBRATING rexband in europe

THE KING OF KINGS summer 2005

It’s 3.30 pm.

Rexband is
preparing for their first concert in
UK in the city of Belfast. The concert
is slated to begin in just over an
hour. The sound is still being set up.
Backstage, amidst the clutter of the
equipment bags, the members
kneel beside a makeshift altar with
a small cross. It has been a long
journey via Frankfurt and
Some of them have left important
projects behind. Some of them
know they will have problems with
their jobs when they get back home.
Will all this be really worth it?
“
programme, many in the audience
open up, some of them for the first
time, to the Lordship of Jesus.
And that in short is the story of the
entire tour. In Belfast, Liverpool,
Birmingham, Chesterfield, London,
Cologne, Schermbeck, Essen,
Dormagen and Dusseldorf, it was
purely the grace of God at work.
One often hears of people
experiencing a feeling of euphoria
when they realize they know God.
During the concert, I felt that way for
the first time. I know God as My Lord -
at last. I never felt that I had a special
relationship with Jesus...until last
night, when I listened as He spoke to
me. Such an amazing feeling! So I
really wanted to thank you for this - if
I hadn’t come to your concert would I

“
And when there were trials and still not know Jesus?
frustrations, the band only needed
to lift their hands in prayer for the From an email to Rexband by a 14 year old girl in
the music to make sense. Chesterfield, UK

And yet, the moment the band

looks at the tiny cross, and its
radiance amidst the shining
candles, the fears, like the darkness
around, recede. As the sound of
praise rises in the air, they know
they have been through this before

Manchester to this historic Irish city.
And they are worried about the
insufficient practice sessions. Even
“
and that every time the Lord has
Some might say my decision to go on this Rexband mission in Europe
been faithful. They know that it is
was a costly one, as I had to forfeit my job at a time when my family was
not music that matters, but the
struggling financially. Yet I realize that the cost is nothing compared to the
Maker. Sure enough, the Lord
joy of knowing that many hearts have received Jesus as their Lord and

as they kneel in prayer, the minds
of many in the band turn to their
families and kids back home.
“
works powerfully during the
Saviour.
concert. And during the prayer
Hector Lewis, Sharjah. Bassist & Vocalist, Rexband
session midway through the

7
IMPRESSIONS
EXPRESSIONS
“Performance as usual was an
invigorating experience especially
through the encouraging cheers and
support of the crowds and my
friends. And the Lord worked
wonders in every venue by
transforming the hearts of many.”
Princy Varughese, USA.
Dancer & Vocalist, Rexband
“It was as if the Lord opened a new
chapter for the Rexband altogether.
The number of Indians in all
audiences put together was less
than other nationalities. Being
brought up in Germany, I expected
people to be shocked by the way
we introduced Jesus. Instead came
many first time Jesus encounters
and transformations. For the
preparation of WYD I had spoken
about Jesus and prayed in the
German language for the first time.
During the programmes in
Germany, I spoke words I had never
spoken before in German, and I
realised the Holy Spirit’s power. This
tour again showed how important
every member is. Each individual
contribution deeply touches some
other person in the audience. For
some it’s the songs or Stephen’s
keyboard solo, for others the
choreography and the skits, and for
yet others the prayer. The
organizers gave everything they had
and shared their time and homes
with us. May God bless them
abundantly.”
George Ettiyil, Rexband Vocalist & Asst.
Co-ordinator, JY International Team
“The Rexband tour to the United
Kingdom was a remote vision that
came true through the prayers and
efforts of many, and was a major
milestone and turning point in the
8
SIX LESSONS THE
lives of many. People went from
door to door to mobilize for the
event, to invite people for the
BAND RE-LEARNT.
concert and to sell tickets.
Eventually everything culminated in
a week of very successful eye-
popping spiritual extravaganza that
many described as – ‘out of
Right through this tour of Europe the band was reassured
this world’.”
about certain lessons that apply to every initiative of
Biju Thomas, Co-ordinator,
evangelization. Here are a few of them.
Jesus Youth UK
“I knew in my heart that bringing
1. JESUS WORKS ACROSS BOUNDARIES
Whether it is the 14-year-old from Chesterfield, the middle
Rexband to Liverpool and organizing
aged man from Manchester, the young boy from London or
a good gathering of people would
the many young people across Germany, the band
stretch our resources and energy
discovered in all of them an ardent yearning for Jesus.
beyond our imagination. Our
A yearning that luxurious lifestyles, access to pleasures and
targeted crowd was 1200, a number
knowledge could not satisfy.
not supported by any logic or past
2. MUSIC DOES MAKE SENSE
Rexband has consistently used styles of music that are
contemporary. But always with its signature style of fusion
and in the context of a Rexband programme. Once again,
during the tour of Europe the brand grew in its conviction
that music is a wonderful way to reach out to many young
people who would not have otherwise opened up to the
message of Jesus.
3. IT’S NOT WHAT WE DO BUT WHAT HE DOES
Though the band strives to give the Lord its best, this
was also a time to rediscover that sometimes,
when they are not able to give their best, the
experience! The days of
Lord works even better with the little they
mobilization brought immense joy
can give. Even during some programmes
and increased our faith in God. It
that the band thought had lacked in
helped us to reach out, as a
musical quality, the Lord often moved
ministry, to those individuals and
powerfully and
families otherwise impossible to
touched many hearts.
reach. It helped us to build a rapport
with English speaking parishes and
communities.Now thanks to the
4. WE ARE NOT ALONE
Sometimes when we live in the
Rexband and the mobilization
periphery of our movement,
network we have a lot of new prayer
our life situations and
groups and contacts in many parts
our ministries, we can
of UK.”
feel lost in the hostile world
Jose Mathew, UK
around us. For the band,
Member, JY International Team
the time at Youth Arise
International and WYD 2005
“A magnificent band like Rexband
was a time of meeting
which is capable of influencing
similar ministries, bands, musicians
young hearts by various means
and movements from around the world with
should be brought to UK at any cost
diverse charisms and specific commitments.
– that was our initial dream. We took
A time of sharing, inspiring and being inspired.
small steps and God performed
A time of knowing that we are part of a great wave.
great miracles to make this dream
a reality. Jesus Youth in UK moved
many steps forward after the
5. JESUS YOUTH LIFESTYLE MATTERS
Everywhere the band went, they were overwhelmed by
Rexband tour. The tour woke up the
the sacrifices of Jesus Youth who went through many
hearts of many English and Asian
trials to use the opportunity of the Rexband concerts to
youth.”
reach out to those around. Many of them, still in the
Joseph Dasan,
process of trying to settle down in a new country, set aside
General Co-ordinator, much of their precious time and resources to ensure that
Rexband tour of UK their friends discover Jesus. And their witness is as
powerful as the Rexband concerts themselves.
6. THE JOY OF SERVING THE KING
In this world, there are definitely many opportunities to
become more popular and more musically recognized. Yet,
for the band members, this was a time of reassurance that
nothing beats the experience and privilege of being at the
Kings service; of seeing hearts being transformed right
before their eyes.
Shelton Pinheiro, Rexband Co-ordinator
 DESTINATION
CHRIST.
‘Roses in Winter’ was the album which established the
signature style of Rexband - a fusion of ethnic Indian and
contemporary pop elements. Rexband has recently
Rexband performing on the WYD stage followed it up with ‘Destination Christ’, the new album

IMPRESSIONS
EXPRESSIONS
Thank you very
much - Danke
Schön! On
August 10th, 2005
around midnight,
the members of
Rexband came to
us to the parish
of Schermbeck. In the evening your
star arose for us during the concert
in the church of St. Ludgerus. The
spirit of happiness and zest for life,
the virtuosity of your music and
your faith in God surprised and
fascinated us. With you we have
seen His star arise and we came
with you to worship him. May God
bless your belief, your hopes and
your love.
Fr. Franz Gerd Stennecken, Pastor,
St.Ludgerus Parish Schermbeck
“ Earlier I had only heard of Jesus
Youth & Rexband. Only when I
hosted them in my parish for the
Rexband concert and the Jesus
Youth International Gathering did I
Burgplatz, Dusseldorf that was released in UK in the summer of 2005. Alphons
Joseph and Stephen Devassy are the two virtuoso
musicians of the band who have played a significant role
in evolving, defining and shaping the signature
sound of the band, including the tracks in
“’Thank you, Rexband’ we say to the new album. Alphons is today a
your great performances in
respected music director in films and
Schermbeck and Essen in August has already scored music for four
2005. We – belonging to the grand
movies. The JY Newsletter team
parents’ generation caught up with Alphons in the
– were very much
Rexband Studio to quiz him on the
affected by your project.
instrumental
music, your songs,
NT: Is ‘Destination Christ’ in some way a
and your sharings progression from ‘Roses in Winter’?
between the different songs. What
In a way, yes. At the time when we
we admired most was your ability recorded Roses in Winter, the Lord was
to form all different types of your
just leading us to the ethnic style of
music to an integrated whole. music that has kind of become our
Gisbert Passmann
signature.
Chairman, Youth Arise Foundation, Germany
We were just
finding our
“Why should I, bearings in
gray-haired
our lives and in
grandfather of our spirituality.
more than 65 From ‘We who
years, who like stumbled in darkness
the music of
have now found a great
Bach, Handel and light’ (Roses in Winter) we
Messiaens go to a concert of Rex-
have tried to move ahead; ‘we
Band, a band of rocky poppy are a journey people
modern young musicians? destination Christ’. And this
theme of ‘journey people’
nicely fits into the theme of WYD
2005 and the journey of the Magi.
And as the current trends in the
world of music are reflected in the
album, the progression is also
definitely musical.

NT: Can you tell us about some of

Rexband leading worship at YAI International Festival, Essen
truly experience
the vibrancy of
youth. It was a
truly enriching
experience for my
parishioners too
as they were
inspired by the
joyfulness, prayer and music of
Jesus Youth and t h e R e x b a n d .
Fr. John Kallarackal,
P a r i s h P r i e s t , Domargen, Germany
Host of JY International Gathering
the tracks in ‘Destination Christ’?
Hmmm…Rexband being an
outreach of Jesus Youth,
many of its songs have
evolved from youth
programmes. Even songs
like ‘Destination Christ’,
‘Peace Like a River’ and ‘We
have Come to Worship Him’ in
“What a surprise, when I entered this album were written and
St. Ludgerus Church this evening,
composed for specific
the church was as full as I wished programmes. The song
Sunday Masses were. Very soon
‘I will run to you’ is a personal
not only our eyes and ears were testimony…musically, it fuses jazz
activated, but the whole body began
progressions with Indian classical music.
to react to the rhythms sweeping The tracks ‘Rhythm of Praise’ and Wakin’Time
through the holy room.’Yes Lord,
show strong Hip Hop/remix/trance influences.
yes Lord, yes, yes Lord .. Amen.’” We were inspired to compose a tribute to John Paul II
Ekkehard Liesmann,
and thus evolved the song ‘A Courageous Life’.
Deacon, St.Ludgerus Parish,
Vice-Chairman, Youth Arise , Germany
9
IMPRESSIONS
EXPRESSIONS
“I could see that the participants
enjoyed the music very much. All
of them unanimously said the band
was superb and powerful!!! They
Anointing prayer before the concert
said that they could really feel the
power of Holy Spirit during the
programme. What they enjoyed
most was the ‘Silent Cry’ of the
unborn baby and the power of
prayer. The whole performance
lifted the audience up to experience
the outpouring of the Spirit and pray
from the heart. After the
performance, people came forward
to meet and greet the members of
the band with great enthusiasm.
The tour of Rexband put a fire and
deep enthusiasm among Jesus
Youth of UK. One young man told
me that after travelling with
Rexband he has become a new
person.”
Fr. Sebastian Arikat, UK
Animator, JY International Team
“I am so thankful to all you Rexband
members. Your testimonies have
Preparing to go onstage
inspired many young people here.
Whenever I see the youth and
children in my parish who attended
the Rexband programme, ….they
start singing, ‘Yes Lord’…….with
the actions...”
I remember an incident during the
Düsseldorf Rexband concert. I saw
a 24 year old girl – she was raising
her hands and praying at the end of
the concert. Six months back I had
quarelled and debated with her as
she argued for the cause of
abortion, against the Catholic
Church and against the Pope. But
at last she was touched and she
prayed. It is truly unforgettable.“
Fr. Ajy Mooleparambil,, Germany
Asst. Parish Priest, St.Ludgerus Parish.
Member, JY International Team
10
“ As we experienced
in Cologne, the
Rexband concerts
are indeed a
powerful way to
witness to the word
of life. When the
members used their
talents to glorify God, it became a
moving experience. The fusion of
Eastern and Western streams of
music and dance was truly a feast
for the eyes, ears and the heart.
Representing the Indian Catholic
Church in Cologne, we were
delighted to host the first Rexband
concert in Germany.”
Joy Manikath, Germany
Friend & well-wisher of Jesus Youth
“Went with our parish priest &
friends to the Liverpool show last
night. Thank you for the gift of your
From a theatrical presentation
Spirit-filled selves! A wonderful jaw-
dropping spine-tingling evening
brimming with shared JOY! What
an ear-opener, eye-opener and
heart-opener! It made me feel that
once the link with our dear Father in
heaven is lived for real, we can be
truly brothers & sisters on this little
planet and the scale of things and
all our differences are of little
significance! We can be simply one
Person! By this music He says, Be
Me. Please think of Manchester
when you come to England again!
Excerpt from an e-mail to Rexband
from Manchester
“I was one of the members of the
audience at 7th August 2005, at
Southall Community Centre. I was
very suprised by your performance
and I am only 14 yrs old. I think my
belief in God and in Jesus is now
even greater. Thank you!”
Excerpt from an e-mail to Rexband
from London
The band in a lighter moment
DESTINATION
CHRIST.
NT: What about the musicians who have
collaborated in this project?
Interestingly, some of the most sought after musicians in
India – over a dozen musicians and technicians- have
gladly collaborated with us on the album. And many of
them like Naveen who is one of the leading exponents of
wind instruments in the film music industry or Amal Raj, a
brilliant musician, are also people of strong faith. For us,
the Rexband, it is part of our ministry to also collaborate
with musicians in the secular field and thus reach out to
the larger community of musicians. Most of them
gladly join in prayer and request us to pray for
them too. Very often it gives musicians a
different experience than working in a highly
commercial atmosphere.
NT: Are some of the tracks in Rexband albums
too contemporary for a gospel band?
(Smiles) I work in the film music
industry and I always try to stay
updated on styles and trends in the
field of music. And we in the Rexband
believe that as Christian musicians, we
too need to keep pace to stay
relevant to the younger generation.
Besides, though Rexband ministers
in worship within Christian
youth groups, the
primary ministry of
the band is to
reach out to
young people
who are outside
the mainstream
of organized
groups and
churches. And we
have found, especially
during our recent tour,
that when the music
relates to their tastes,
young people often open up
to deeper aspects of faith.
NT: What prompts musicians like you to
set aside time and resources to work on
this album? Any specific struggles during this
project?
Personally, my talent was shaped and
moulded during my early years of music
ministry in the Jesus Youth. And only
much later did the Lord make this talent
my profession. So I am always clear in
that my first priority in music is for the
work of the Lord. Recently, soon after
my wife’s conception I had to leave for
Chennai for nearly three weeks for the
arrangement and orchestration of the album.
Though it was difficult for us, the Lord took
extra care of her and we were both able to go on
the Rexband tour and even
stay for the night vigil at Marienfeld.

Way back in AD 800, Bishop
Liudger of Munster laid the
foundations for a Benedictine
monastery in the little town of Essen.
Later, this became the site for the
Romanesque Basilica of St.
Ludgerus around which Essen
developed into a sprawling city.
Henry Cappello, President, YAI
Almost 1200 years later, in the
summer of August 2005, this city
with its rich Christian heritage
became the meeting place of over
2000 young pilgrims from across 26
countries around the world. These
young pilgrims came together in the
breathtaking Grugahalle at Essen,
representing Spirit-filled Catholic
Diverse movements.
One Destination.
movements and organizations with
different charisms and ministries.
For Jesus Youth, the largest group
after the Italians, this was a unique
opportunity to discover how the
Spirit works through different
movements among different
cultures. It was also a platform for
Jesus Youth to share the beauty and
unique charisms of their movement
with others. It was a time to inspire
and be inspired, a time to build new
networks, a time to forge new
bonds, a time to learn new lessons,
a time to reach out far beyond
boundaries, a time to set aside
prejudices, and a time to experience
Bishop Valerian D’Souza of Pune, India
A journey through the heart of
Youth Arise International Festival, Essen
“There is only one human being of
whom you can say, ‘We have come to
worship Him’. And that one
incomparable person is Jesus Christ”
Fr. Tom Forrest, YAI Festival 2005, Essen, Germany
the power of Christ at work in the Manoj Sunny, the Jesus Youth
universal Church. The pilgrims of the International Co-ordinator and an
Jesus Youth who were predominantly Executive Director of YAI, was one
from Asia-Oceania, USA, Middle of the Programme Co-ordinators of
East and Europe, actively the festival. George Ettiyil, the
participated in the liturgical Assistant International Co-ordinator
celebrations, gave testimonies, led of Jesus Youth was the stage
discussions and spent time in manager of the event. Rev. Fr. Ajy
sharing about the Lord’s work. Dr. Jacob, an Inter national Team
Abraham Mathew, a renowned member of Jesus Youth was in
Jesus Youth leader from the US charge of the liturgy of the festival.
presented a different perspective
of the WYD theme for the
participants as he led them through
the unseen aspects of the journey
of the Magi.
This year, Jesus Youth worked very
closely with Youth Arise International
in the organization and programme
development of the festival in Essen.
Salvatore Martinez, President, RnS Italy
“Wow! For the first time, I got to see the Rexband. They made me happy to be a JY. Their
constant reliance upon God and the way they shared their message - it just flowed ! There
was this other group – when they sang ‘Beautiful One’, it blew me away. Salvatore
Martinez’s message was amazing. So was Bishop Valerian D’Souza’s explanation
of the Mass. He also plays the guitar- how awesome is that! The manner in which
they conducted the adoration was so powerful. So many healings....it was simply
amazing. The Praise night was sooooooo much fun! The music was amazing and
the skits powerful”
Jaisy Joseph, USA. JY Participant, YAI Festival 2005, Essen
11
 The festival brought together some
of the most inspiring and Spirit filled
leaders and speakers from across
the world. Henry Cappello, the
President of YAI opened the Festival
with his message that pointed
towards the richness and beauty of
coming together from around the
world to worship Christ. Fr. Tom
Forrest, erstwhile President of
Evangelisation 2000 brought the
audience alive with his fist-thumping
proclamation of the incomparable
power of Jesus and the privilege
of worshipping Him. Salvatore
Martinez, through his poetic
imagery and probing thoughts led
the group into asking themselves,
“Whom are you seeking?” Bishop
Valerian D’Souza, the singing
bishop from India, enchanted the
crowd with his music and his talk on
the Holy Spirit, and led them through
a deep understanding of the Holy
Mass. Fr. Thomas Rosica, CEO of
Salt+Light Television prepared the
entire group for the WYD
celebrations through his message
and moving video presentations on
Pope John Paul II and past WYD
celebrations. The presentation of
‘Project China 2008’ by Catherine
Lui and Henry Capello created
tremendous excitement among the
youth. As part of the Bibles for China
project, the participants freely gave
a Bible each for 2000 Chinese youth.
Some of the highlights of the Festival
were the testimonies of young
people from around the world, the
praise and adoration sessions by
Italian RnS and Rexband, the awe-
inspiring Eucharistic adoration led by
Salvatore Martinez and the video
presentations on Pope John Paul II.
Henry Cappello introduces the YAI Council
“YAI gave me an opportunity to interact with youth from different countries and
cultures and imparted the strong feeling of oneness in Christ irrespective of
differences in external matters. It also helped us to be more humble as we shared
the common living facilities. It is also to be commented that in spite of inconveniences,
all of us, especially those with small children were extremely joyful in the Lord and
able to express it freely. Also the key role played by Jesus Youth in the programme
made me more aware of our potential in the international scenario.”
C.J. James, Kuwait. JY Participant, YAI Festival 2005, Essen.
12
“Youth Arise Festival was one of the lively and happening events of the ‘Pilgrimage of Faith
2005.’ The praise and worship sessions were my favorite, which showed how vibrant the
Catholic Church is. Standing amid thousands of Catholics, who were in their 30s or
younger, I saw how big our Church is and how vast God is and that we are really
universal. The guest speakers including Bishops and priests had inspirational
messages for young people. I have never felt closer to God than I did sitting there in
adoration. So many young people came to embrace and welcome our Holy Father into our
Church and into our lives.”
- Milan Chacko, Australia. JY Participant, YAI Festival 2005, Essen.
“Personally speaking YAI Sing and
Pray Festival was one of “the” most
spiritually uplifting and socially
enriching experiences of all during
the Pilgrimage of Faith. We were
really thrilled to meet people from all over
the world there, and we had all come there
for just one reason “We had come to Adore
Jesus”…the exhortations to “never be satisfied
by mediocrity” and “not be afraid”, really hit Presentation of WYD theme song by Rexband and RnS, Italy
the right spots in my intellect and heart. I had
many prejudices, which kept me away from
people who are different from me. But YAI
gave me an opportunity to closely interact “The adoration at Youth Arise was
with people from different nations simply amazing; I saw miracles
and cultures. I got to see the world happening during the singing and
praising. I cannot express the love
as God sees it.”
-Deepak.J.Nath, India. and power that filled the place!”
JY Participant,
Gentry Mathew, USA.
YAI Festival 2005,Essen
JY Participant,
YAI Festival 2005, Essen
True to its name, the gathering was
Rexband joins the Mime ministry from Gibralter also a time of great festivity and
for the grand finale.
celebrations. With international
ministries like Italian RnS, Rexband,
Cenacolo, Carrick Ministries and
“While in the hall of the YAI festival,
it is difficult to ignore the fact that several theatre and cultural
there is no other place like this ministries, every day was filled with
where youth can come from any music, joy and dancing. The
Dr. Abraham Mathew, USA corner of the world, wave their
flags, share their hearts and feel ‘Celebrate Jesus’ Festival on the final
One in the Spirit. This is the place where the day brought together all the different
youth of today get together to evangelize the ministries and groups as they led
world of tomorrow.” the audience from one celebration
Joy KP, UAE, JY Participant,
YAI Festival 2005, Essen to another - celebrations springing
from their unity in Christ.
Shelton Pinheiro
“We adore you Lord Jesus Christ.”
Jesus Youth presents Classical and folk dances of India

“This is a precious opportunity for
thinking more deeply about the
meaning of life as a “pilgrimage,”
guided by a “star,” in search of the
Lord. Together we shall consider the
Magi, who … were among the first to
recognize the promised Messiah in
Jesus… Like the Magi, all believers
– and young people in particular –
have been called to set out on the
journey of life in search of truth,
justice and love. The ultimate goal
of the journey can only be found
through an encounter with Christ,
an encounter which cannot take
place without faith.”
These were the words of Pope
Benedict XVI to the young pilgrims
at WYD 2005 during the welcome
ceremony. As for the Jesus Youth
pilgrims, 450 of them not only
followed the footsteps of the three
kings, but also journeyed at the
heels of several other saints to
Rome, Taizé, Lourdes and Assisi in
two batches either before or after
the WYD celebration in Cologne.
This prayerfully anticipated
“Pilgrimage of Faith” was a time of
great blessing as many of them have
A Jesus Youth journey of Faith
testified. “All through the pilgrimage
the song in everybodys heart was,
‘Behold how good and pleasant it is
for brothers to dwell together in
unity’. Each day had it’s store of at
least one touching experience for
everyone to treasure and take back
to their mission countries,” says Rijo
John from UAE.
The first stop on the pilgrimage was
at Taizé, France. After two hectic
weeks of listening to talks, singing,
shouting and endless walking in
Cologne, the three days of prayer
and reflection were a welcome relief
and gave the pilgrims time to listen
to God’s voice in the silence of their
hearts. It was a privilege to
participate in the solemn funeral of
Bro. Roger, the founder of the
community in Taizé. Yesudas Simon
from Singapore expresses his
Celebrating Holy Mass at St. Peter’s Bascilica, Rome
Msgr. Antony Kollamparambil guiding pilgrims
thoughts about the funeral service:
“One thing that touched me during
the funeral of Br. Roger was the way
in which the brothers of the Taizé
community were pleading for the
pardon of his murderer. I was
reminded of the words of Christ on
the cross. Everywhere in Taizé, I
could see many signs of peace
even in the midst of violent death.”
WYD
2005
Special Iss
ue
Proceeding to Lourdes from Taizé,
the pilgrims were touched by the
simplicity and purity of the place
where the Virgin Mary had
appeared to St. Bernadette with the
message of prayer and penance.
The beautiful grotto with its clear
spring and the chapel at the site of
the apparitions stirred in everyone
a strong desire to seek the
intercession of Our Lady of the
Immaculate Conception. “I could
experience the love of Mother Mary
in Lourdes, and this prompted me
to pray for a chance to visit the place
again with my family,” says
A.R.Antony from Kuwait.
From there the pilgrims journeyed
to Rome, the city where history
permeates every monument,
bringing to mind what the Holy
Father had said at the WYD: “Along
13

this interior journey we can be
guided by the many signs with
which a long and rich Christian
tradition has indelibly marked this
land...from great historical
monuments to countless works of
art… from documents preserved in
libraries to lively popular traditions,
from philosophical inquiry to the
theological reflection of many great
thinkers, from the spiritual traditions
to the mystical experience of a vast
array of Saints.” Awe struck by the
magnificence and grandeur around
them, the pilgrims found the time too
short to take in all that places like
the Sistine Chapel and the Vatican
Museum had to offer. As Binu
Abraham from the US puts it,
“During our visit to the Vatican
Museum, where there is a profusion
of art, words could not express
what the eyes had seen. Each and
every painting in there was unique.
One of my favorites was a painting
of Saint Anthony of Padua
preaching to the fish. I realized then
that what gives significance to any
work of art is the question that it
places in your heart.”
The welcoming arms of the
colonnade at St. Peter’s Basilica, its
impressive cupola with 700 steps
14
“Interacting with various youth movements and
groups opened my eyes to the universality and
vibrancy of the Catholic Church. As we entered
the chapel at Lourdes reciting the rosary, the
relevance of Jesus Youth dawned on me more
powerfully than ever. I also realised that much
more needs to be done to be a true missionary
movement at the service of the Church.”
Dr. Kochurani Joseph,
Vice President, Catholic Council of India
“Pilgrimage of Faith was a most singular
experience in our life. Kneeling down before
Peter’s throne at the main altar of St. Peter’s
Basilica we thanked our Lord for making us a
part of Catholic Church. We asked pardon for all
the dark spots in the bridal garment of the
Catholic Church caused by our sins, and pledged
our fervent allegiance to the Church.”
Shimmy and Jeena, India
leading to the top, the extraordinary
‘Pieta’ by Michelangelo, all resonate
with the rich history and tradition of
the Catholic Church. The Jesus
Youth pilgrim group had the great
privilege of celebrating Mass at the
main altar of St. Peter’s. This leg of
the pilgrimage was indeed a time of
spiritual rejuvenation, for the sacred
sites like the Catacombs, the
Coliseum, the various churches and
basilicas spoke of the early Christian
martyrs and saints who had
sacrificed their lives for the sake of
the Gospel. Another spiritual high
point for the pilgrim group was
climbing the Holy Steps – the steps
that Christ climbed on his way to
meet Pilate.
Next on the pilgrim itinerary was
Assisi, the birthplace of St. Francis
and St. Clare. Josena Katathara
from the US summarized her
pilgrimage experience at Assisi thus:
“I was dumbfounded at the beautiful
sight of St. Francis Basilica situated
on a hilltop. I felt the presence of
St. Francis in the nature around us.
In the museum housing the relics of
St. Francis located in the basement
of the Basilica we saw his tunics, his
slippers, the stone he used as a
pillow, and the mat he used to kneel
and pray on which still retains his
bloodstains. It challenged me to be
a true disciple of Christ.”
The JY pilgrims were a motley
group and included people of
diverse ages, vocations and states
of life. Particularly inspiring was the
presence of some elders like the
sprightly Mr. Jose Joseph from
USA, who was always seen carrying
is heavy cameras, and clicking
pictures, documenting every
significant moment. Thanks to him,
our newsletter sports some
wonderful pictures.
Check out
http://www.jesusyouth.org/e_library.htm
For the information of those who
participated in the Pilgrimage of Faith ’05
and for those who plan to go on a pilgrimage
to Rome, a detailed account of the pilgrim
sites in Rome has been prepared by Msgr.
Antony Kollamparambil and uploaded
to the Jesus Youth website.
As the “Pilgrimage of Faith” came to
a close, each of the pilgrims was
revived by a time of learning and
renewed through a deepening in
faith. Bobby Chacko of Australia
aptly sums up the whole experience:
“The pilgrimage was a turning point
for me. It was really the experience
of a lifetime to be so closely exposed
to God and His Kingdom and to be
in His presence everywhere we
went.”
As the Holy Father points out, “By
inviting us to venerate the mortal
remains of the martyrs and saints,
the Church does not forget that, in
the end, these are indeed just
human bones, but they are bones
that belonged to individuals touched
by the transcendent power of God.
The relics of the saints are traces of
that invisible but real presence
which sheds light upon the shadows
of the world and reveals the
Kingdom of Heaven in our midst.
They cry out with us and for us:
“Maranatha!” “Come Lord Jesus!””
Deepa Sabu & Anu Pinheiro

Source of
new life
Br. Roger, the founder of the
renowned ecumenical Christian
community of Taizé, France, entered
the life of eternity on 16th August
2005, aged 90. As news of the violent
death suffered by this beloved friend
of Pope John Paul II came in, many
Jesus Youth were filled with disbelief
and grief. The Jesus Youth
movement shares a deep-rooted
relationship with the Taizé
community. Every year a few Jesus
Youth leaders visit the community
and live there for some months. Br.
Roger’s passion for reconciliation
has set many Jesus Youth on fire,
inspiring them to be missionaries of
an “inner life and human solidarity”
amidst the challenges of a
secularized and fragmented world.
A group of 300 Jesus Youth pilgrims
on their way back from the WYD in
Jesus Youth Fulltime Volunteers
gone out in all to serve the Lord in His Vineyard. Two training programmes
were held this year. One at Emmaus, Kochi, Kerala in English, and the other
at Don Bosco Training Institute, Okhla, Delhi in Hindi. Altogether there were
53 boys including 3 seminarians and 32 girls from various parts of India
and 3 from abroad - 1 from Australia and 2 from USA. This year for the first
Nathente Kude
It was a great occasion for the Jesus
Youth of Abu Dhabi when around
700 youth gathered in St. Joseph’s
Catholic Church on 9th August to
celebrate the one day seminar -
Nathante Kude (With Jesus). During
the programme inaugurated by Fr.
Antony, Pastor, JY Abu Dhabi, Vinod
John gave a teaching on the Word
of God, Joy Babu made a video
presentation on Eucharistic miracles.
Fr. Kuriakose gave a talk on the Holy
“Christ Jesus inner Light, enable me to
welcome your presence, that I may know joy.
I love you, perhaps not as I would like to, but
I do love you. Love of all loving, you know that
I will give my very life for you and your gospel.”
Cologne were blessed by the
opportunity to meditate close by Br.
Roger’s body that was placed in the
Church of Reconciliation and to
participate in the funeral service held
on 23rd August 2005. The message
of peace and forgiveness conveyed
during the funeral ceremony was
true to the spirit of Taizé and its
determination to remain a sign of
reconciliation amidst violence.
Dr. Edward Edezhath, one of the
founders of the Jesus Youth
movement spoke of the ties that bind
him to Taizé and it’s founder :
“My first encounter with this great
visionary was in the year 1988. The
2 months I spent in the community
was an experience that transformed
me. I shared many a meal with
Br. Roger and had many opportunities
to speak with the brothers. The Spirit
“They are called to be
disciples and make disciples.”
The Fulltime Volunteers’
Training Programme is a one
year formation for a life long
commitment. With the present
14th batch, 785 fulltimers have
Mass. His Excellency Bishop Paul
Hinder of the Vicariate of Arabia
dropped by unexpectedly during the
programme. He shared his insights
regarding the WYD. Joy K.P.,
Coordinator, JY Abu Dhabi gave an
(Prayer of Br. Roger of Taizé)
blows where it wills. At Taizé I have
always found this to be true,
especially of this man of God, so
spontaneous, brimming with
thoughts of God, beautiful plans and
ideas, with numerous dreams and
visionary projects, and joyful
expressions of love and kindness.
My joy knew no bounds when on
Maundy Thursday Br. Roger
washed my feet during the
Passover ceremony.
Floral tributes on Br. Roger’s grave
time, we could speak of this as an
international training programme
because of the participants from
outside India. These youngsters
were placed in different parts of India
and abroad for one year to bear fruit
for His kingdom.
Bishop Paul Hinder of the Vicariate of Arabia
introduction to Jesus Youth. After a skit
by the audio-visual ministry and a
Eucharistic adoration led by Mathews
K.G., the programme ended with Mass
at 3 pm in the Church.
WYD
2005
Special Iss
ue
Br. Alois, the new Prior of Taizé
Br. Roger was in Chennai, India, for
the intercontinental meeting “The
Pilgrimage of Trust on Earth” held
there in 1988. His time there was
mostly spent in a hut, in a slum. He
was most joyful in the company of
hordes of children who clung to him.
The time there in the company of
Br. Roger is still fresh in my mind. If
anyone wonders why youth loved
him so much, they only need to read
his letters. For they reveal that he
shared and experienced all the
doubts and confusion that plague
youth everywhere, the only
difference being the strong hope
giving presence of Christ in his life
that changed this strange mix of light
and darkness, transforming it into a
lovely canvas of eternity.”
“I was touched again by the way in which He laid
down His life for me; I know it is my time now to
glorify His name. My life is in the hands of my Jesus.”
Mayrose Pius
Pius, Australia
“ I believe that this training was totally guided by
the Holy Spirit for it had just the perfect blend of
spirituality and personal development which could
transform an ordinary person into an effective
missionary of Christ.”
Ajjo John Rajasthan, India
“During my forty days in Emmaus I was blessed
not only to gain new brothers and sisters, but to
give my life completely to Christ as well. Once I did
this, the Lord strengthened my faith and deepened
my relationship with Him.”
John Joseph
Joseph, USA
O Mary, vessel of
singular devotion,
on seeing the infant
Jesus with you,
the Magi fell down
and worshipped Him.
Pray for us, that in the
sacred Host we may
recognize and adore
His presence in our
midst. Amen.
15
 “Personally, I never really had a great
connection with the most Holy Sacrament, the
Eucharist. I was always told that the Eucharist
was Jesus, but I considered it mere
symbolism. During the adoration led by the
Pope in Marienfield, I saw him kneeling in
front of the Holy Sacrament during the
benediction along with the million youth from
around the world. As I saw this, my attitude
before the Eucharist was changed forever. I
now see the Holy of Holies in the Eucharist
and treat it as the richest treasure on the face
of the earth. As Catholics we should all cherish
the Eucharist. It is the greatest gift that we can
ever receive.” - Abin Kuriakose, USA
contd. from page 4 !
His Holiness recommended two
fundamental texts – the Catechism
of the Catholic Church and the
Compendium of the Catechism. His
words struck a chord in the hearts
of Jesus Youth when he said, “Form
communities based on faith!
...continue together to follow the path
of the great pilgrimage that the Magi
from the East first pointed out to us.”
Auf Wiedersehen
As this ‘festival of faith’ drew to a
close the pilgrims returned home
Printed and Published by Mr. Manoj Sunny on behalf of Jesus Youth International Office, 6F Thadikaran Centre, Palarivattom P.O., Cochin – 682 025, Kerala, INDIA
Ph: +91 484- 3095859, Fax: +91- 484- 2346084, Email : jyglobal@jesusyouth.org Website : www.jesusyouth.org
Editorial Team: Shelton Pinheiro, Beena Manoj, Josun Jose, Deepa Sabu & Anu Pinheiro, Layout Design:Sanil C.A., Printed by SR Graphics, Kottayam, Ph :+91 481-2301142
16
Thousands of tiny photographs of young people form this larger than life
mosaic of Pope John Paul II outside Cologne Cathedral
“ ‘I have looked for you. Now you have
come to me’ Pope John Paul II. This is the
call that still gathers youth from all around
the world in hundreds of thousands,
crossing the seas and mountains to come
together and sing, shout and praise their
Creator. At Marienfield with nothing for
shelter but the night sky and being one in
the million spending the night in vigil
with the Pope was an unforgettable
experience.” -Yujin Koola, UAE
“One of the most wonderful experiences I
had at World Youth Day was staying with
a German host family. They were so
welcoming, warm and generous. Although
they weren’t always praying or talking
about God, they showed us an amazing,
endless love. Now I know what is meant
by the saying ‘And they’ll know we are
Christians by our love.’ I pray that God
may reward them tenfold for all the good
things they did for us.” Nita Abraham, USA
“I’m really impressed
by the Christian
conviction and
commitment that I
could find in the
members of Jesus
Youth, which is
nurtured by the spirit
and experience of personal prayer. Its
orientation and vision as a Catholic Youth
movement greatly coincides with my
understanding of a youth association in the
Catholic Church. As a relatively young
movement, it is still on the search to define
its identity and mission. In this process, I
feel that Jesus Youth should discover its
Christocentric and ecclesial dimension
and arrive at a clarity about its specific
role and mission, especially in relation to
similar ecclesial and youth movements in
the Catholic Church.”
Msgr Antony G. Kollamparampil
Congregation for Divine Worship and the
Discipline of the Sacrament, Vatican City State
taking with them many personal
impressions “in the baggage of their
hearts.” WYD is undoubtedly a gift
of God that has afforded
innumerable youngsters with
experiences that have enriched their
faith and their lives through several
encounters – with Christ, with the Holy
Father, with other youth and with
people from the host country. May
the many contacts and partnerships
formed during WYD endure, and
may this experience of the Universal
Church enable us to be witnesses
of the joy of Christ, the star that we
follow.
Beena Manoj