BONFIRE 2025 | KAIROS GLOBAL | JANUARY 2026

Author: Sam Biju

Intro: Sam Biju writes about the recently concluded JY leaders’ training programme with enthusiastic voices of the participants. 

For this reason I remind you to rekindle the gift of God that is within you (2 Timothy 1:6)

The journey toward hosting the annual National Leaders’ Training Programme, Bonfire ’25, for the youth in Germany began early in 2025. Though many opinions were weighed and schedules considered, the dates that aligned with our team and resources fell during All Hallows’ Tide – a grace-filled season that reminded us to trust in God’s timing. 

Stepping out in faith, we planned a full three-day immersion beginning Wednesday evening and concluding on Sunday afternoon. Unlike the previous year, which included a public holiday, this year’s schedule required participants and team members to step away from two working days – an offering that proved challenging for many young people seeking a renewal in their faith journey. Through every uncertainty, God’s providence prevailed, and the power of intercession paved the way for a profoundly Spirit-filled encounter. 

The programme opened with a retreat led by Father Johns, who invited us to deepen our spiritual life through personal prayer, Scripture meditation, and the frequent reception of the Eucharist. He reminded us that every person who receives the Eucharist becomes a living tabernacle, carrying Christ’s light into a world longing for hope. This image stirred many hearts, rekindling a desire to return to the sacraments – especially Holy Communion and confession – with renewed devotion. 

The days that followed offered workshops designed not only to build skills but also to form missionary disciples. Participants learned how to lead prayer gatherings, organise praise and worship, and use their God-given talents to serve in ministries such as music, drama, media, and creative evangelisation. Laughter and friendly competition during games and sports strengthened bonds, nurtured teamwork, and taught the grace of humility. 

Throughout the programme, elders from the Jesus Youth movement shared their personal testimonies – stories of faith, perseverance, and God’s gentle guidance over decades. Their witness brought clarity and encouragement to many young adults navigating questions about vocation, ministry, and the challenges of modern life. One of the most touching moments was the Taizé prayer evening, where soft candlelight, meditative chants, and deep silence opened hearts to an experience of God’s peace that many will not soon forget. 

As Jesus Youth Germany prepares for Lumen – the national conference celebrating JY’s twentieth anniversary in Germany this year, we look forward with great hope. We pray that many more young adults will be drawn to Jesus, discover their purpose in Him, and shine as radiant witnesses amid the growing Catholic revival sweeping across Europe. May the fire kindled at Bonfire ’25 continue to blaze in every heart, lighting up communities and guiding others toward Christ. 

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Longing for Fellowship

‘Hey dear, there’s a five-day youth meeting in Berlin called Bonfire. Could you come along?’ asked Treesa as I sat in my WG in Hamburg. 

An opportunity to be among a group of young people in the presence of God, I thought. Having lived away from my parents for nearly eight years, discerning life’s choices often felt difficult, and I longed to hear the perspectives of youth my age. 

As the programme began, Fr Johns proclaimed, ‘We are the living Tabernacle of the Lord,’ emphasising the power of the Eucharist – the daily encounter with Jesus, who longs to dwell within us. This is how God showed His love among us: He sent His one and only Son into the world that we might live through Him. 1 John 4:9-10. 

Another key highlight was the fellowship we nurtured during the sessions: we discussed podcasts, movies, books, mortifications, and developed a healthy sense of competition to grow in grace. I left with more than I expected: a circle of like-minded companions, meaningful guidance, and renewed zeal to reflect Christ’s love in everyday life. 

- Sharlet Teresa Shaji, Hamburg 

Rekindling the Fire of Faith

I finally reached Germany in September 2025 after years of planning and praying. Having done some ministry through the JY movement in India, I wanted to have a quiet time in Germany and did not want to involve myself too much. But my elders in Bangalore had other plans, and they connected me to someone in JY Germany, and that is how I started going for the daily Rosary that took place in Berlin during October. And from them I came to know of Bonfire and was invited to the same. 

Bonfire 2025 was a really beautiful experience. The retreat part was the best, as it renewed my spirituality and rekindled the fire I had for the faith in me. Fr Johns, through his small encounters, kept us attentive to Christ and to His words. He prepared us for confession, and it was one of the best confessions I had had in a while; it was like a child opening up to his father about the mistakes he had made. 

The next days of the programme mainly dwelled upon the horizontal and vertical pillars of Jesus Youth. Pillars are what make the Jesus Youth movement special. Even though I had heard these sessions before, there were practical difficulties and laziness that kept me away from them. But after Bonfire, I have decided to continue my life by doing the six pillars daily. Other sessions on how to do praise and worship, conduct a prayer meeting, and apologetics were extremely practical and helpful. 

The fellowship that we had at Bonfire 2025 is extremely special. The vibrant and diverse participants coming from different parts of Germany and spending almost five days together was beautiful. Be it the resources or the volunteers, everyone became one group in the name of Christ and enjoyed a Christ-centred fellowship throughout and after the programme. 

- Godwin George, Berlin