BEAUTY OF FAMILY SPACE IN THE MOVEMENT | KAIROS GLOBAL | JANUARY 2023

Author: Dr Edward Edezhath

‘How can this be? Why are so many families attending this youth meet?’ My friend asked me in amazement, seeing the unusual mix of the audience gathered there. Jesus Youth of a city had gathered for a day conference. This friend came to meet me learning that I was also there. She was expecting a youth-only meeting, but the participants were of all age groups. The day’s programmes also fascinated her. First there was time for interaction and then joyful singing and prayer. Later they were divided into streams and sent to specific halls. Youth, teenagers, children, and couples met in designated places. There were also some priests and sisters and they moved into a smaller room. ‘You call it “Jesus Youth,” but all ages are here!’ She found it so curious.

I sat down to explain to her the core character of the movement. JY has the focus of reaching out to children and youth and helping them grow as vibrant missionaries, but families, priests, religious and youth join hands on this platform. Over the years it has grown into a large joyful community with a mission of evangelising today’s young generation. Perhaps this is what makes Jesus Youth quite different from all sorts of other similar groups. 

Was it always like this?

‘What was the original plan? Did you work like this from the start?’ To answer, I had to tell her some history. The preparatory work started in 1978. There were already many youth active in charismatic renewal in our state and the coordinating team gave me the task of going around and gathering them, with plans for a big conference. Fortunately, we adopted a style of a large team, meeting, interacting, and planning for each step. One good turn was the whole thing did not end with the ’78 youth convention. 

Within a couple of years, a sizable community of active leaders started meeting regularly to gather and grow together, continuing to carry out the mission of building youth in their respective areas. This group, known as the ‘First Line Leaders’ was a sending-forth-communion made up of elders and youth. The focus was not on the age or state of life of the participants, but on an exciting mission of changing the youth world. That spread everywhere and continues even today.

So, when people ask, why do you have families in Jesus Youth or is it not a change from the original intention, my answer is, nothing has changed but rather the seeds have grown, branched out and borne fruit. We are a variety of people joining hands for a mission towards the youth.

During the long journey of the movement there have been questions from here and there, ‘Why are you not like other youth organisations?’ suggesting that Jesus Youth follow the pattern and working mode of others. Somehow, reflections and discussions at different levels helped the community to remain on its special path.

And today, looking around the world we see different, what the Church calls, Ecclesial Movements with similar mixing. Finally in 2016, when the Vatican officially approved Jesus Youth as an international movement this speciality of its hybrid character with mission-to-youth focus was recognised and highlighted by the Church. Thanks be to God!

Families and youth together in new mission

‘Wow, Great! Whose idea was this? Who would have given you this excellent orientation?’ By now my friend was getting a clarity on the nature of the movement and was curious to see how it emerged. ‘In one word, the Holy Spirit.’ From the beginning we gathered as an intimate community and there was a process of finding the way and growing together. These days the Church talks about a process called ‘synodality’ or a community walking together in mission. Perhaps, from the beginning the Holy Spirit had been quietly inspiring and guiding the leaders to gather and work in such a synodal manner and the result has been this beautiful way of being and ministering.

Jesus Youth journey of growth has been quite special. When some other groups focused on a lot of teachings and study, or on prayer and pious exercises, or still others on many activities and projects, we gathered to talk, reflect, and move ahead following the inspirations emerging from the community. Maybe this made the big difference.

Families have a special role

‘I am curious,’ she said. ‘What can families do in a big way? Especially in these modern times when they are so challenged and burdened?’ I made a quick listing of ideas, with examples of JY families from different countries.

Small groups: We, four families belong to this joyful little cluster. All are so different, but we talk a lot, support in every way possible and back up everyone in their mission.

Accompanying guides: Either one of the couples or both extend accompaniment of other families or youth. In many countries JY is active and continues only because of these foundational people. What can replace the prayer support that these senior friends offer!

Open homes: Here youth, alone or in groups, come to chat, eat, and grow in Jesus.

Animating families: There are so many activities, teams, and initiatives in JY in each place. Smiling and attentive presence of families keep the teams alive and growing.

Mission trips: We have Project Child Support and families visit those homes. Some go to care homes and poor colonies regularly. Some go on a ‘One Month Mission’ to faraway places.

Parish and neighbourhood presence: Many JY families find their rich mission in parish life or socio-political groups. In JY fellowship they receive inspiration to make a difference there.

If we had no families in JY!

By now my friend Sanjana was so excited. ‘This is so good for families and also for youth. Everywhere youth ministry is in such poor shape, but you have hit upon a marvellous treasure. Surely others should follow this beautiful Jesus Youth model.’ My joy was that she made a decision to be active in Jesus Youth and wanted to grow as part of a family group.