HOW 'SUBSIDIARITY' SETS THE TONE OF JESUS YOUTH CULTURE | KAIROS GLOBAL | JUNE 2024

Author: Dr Edward Edezhath

I often look back to the little discussion of Fr Fio’s letter in May 1978. In the small library hall of Alwaye Loyola, Fr Paul Lantha, Fr Joe Kizhakedom and I sat and read the National Chairman’s letter to the newly formed Kerala Service Team of the charismatic renewal. ‘Bringing together young people could be your first task,’ he suggested. Next week the coordinating team met with the Advisory Council at Thrissur and in it the initial steps were taken for bringing together young people.

A good charismatic youth convention had already been held in Mumbai. In Bangalore and Chennai youth groups were flourishing. It was in that context that Fr Fio suggested the idea of a youth convention for Kerala. But now, 46 years after the incredible journey that began with the letter, it is interesting to ask, how this journey has been distinct from other similar journeys.  

One comment I heard from Manuel, who came from Chennai for that year’s conference summed up the uniqueness of the journey we took. ‘City youth and rural workers, English and Malayalam styles, students and professionals, even families, come together and work hand in hand. I don’t know how they can do it. You don’t see this variety and close connectedness anywhere else!’

Yes, a Spirit-inspired inclusive approach did miracles and that built Jesus Youth movement. But I think underneath all this there was an important Catholic principle that the Lord guided, to ‘take flesh’ in the movement: subsidiarity.

What is Subsidiarity? 

Last month, in our class here, we discussed Pope Benedict XVI’s encyclical Caritas in Veritate, Charity in Truth. It talks about the need for new socio-economic approaches, especially to meet the needs of the poor and the suffering. I wanted my students to see how his proposals are closely linked to the very important set of principles known as Catholic Social Teachings. We had a good discussion on that. 

After the class during dinner, Alvin still had questions about some of the points. ‘I have heard of these principles, especially subsidiarity. But today I see its importance for Jesus Youth.’ Usually, we discuss subsidiarity in connection with socio-economic matters. International bodies sitting in Vienna or New York discuss and take decisions for all countries, but these decisions can be far removed from the local realities of Sri Lanka, Africa, and South America. The principle of subsidiarity says that decisions and actions should be taken at the most local or immediate level possible, rather than by a higher authority or centralised power. There can be much wisdom in central coordination, but it must be well-balanced with understanding and encouraging local life and initiatives.

Alvin’s question had to do with how in Jesus Youth and in the Church the eagerness for coordination and centralised planning can go against this principle of subsidiarity. Over planning and eagerness for uniformity are the big sins against subsidiarity. Usually, one person or a small group takes up the whole responsibility and tells all others that obedience is the most important virtue. Such strong leadership will slowly kill variety, local creativity and finally the whole organisation or even a country. 

In most places, Communism did just that. China’s Mao said if everyone used similar dress, and same pattern for men, women, and children, with one colour, there will be equality, unity, and easier life. As against this, the Church always taught a Catholic or universal approach; Jews, Greeks, Romans, men, women, children – all are children of God, capable of living together in Christ, keeping their God endowed differences. This is the beauty of the true Catholic spirit, and this also becomes the inclusive approach of Jesus Youth.

Grassroots Dynamics

When we started bringing together youth from different parts of the state, many of us leaders were from one prayer group that met in a college, using English songs. But the lifestyle and meetings of mostly farm labourers who gathered in Idukki and Thalasseri were different. Fishermen youth in Cherthala gathered late at night on beaches for prayer. We learned to accept variety. In songs, meeting styles, teaching content we allowed varied local ways to sprout and grow. 

When we gathered for planning and discussion there was a wide spectrum of ideas and approaches. There would be fights, quoting of supporting Bible passages, heated discussions, and one section blaming the other for killing true spirituality. But there was eventual acceptance of differences, resulting in a common journey together. This is the great miracle of Christian unity founded in Catholicity. But how did it happen? The work of God’s spirit rooted in the awareness of the poverty of the leaders.

Pope Benedict, though briefly, discusses in Caritas in Veritate (#57) why this approach of subsidiarity is important for every person, group, and the world:

An expression of human freedom, which is God given and inalienable.  When we allo each small group and community to decide and do things well, everyone grows in that freedom.

Respecting personal dignity, knowing each person has much capacity to do good and give something to others

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Autonomy of small groups: Every group has surprising capacity to grow and bear abundant fruit. Trusting them is the best help for it.

Antidote to authoritarian styles: Blind zeal of leaders with narrow vision is what kills God’s work. Acceptance and encouragement of grassroots life will remedy it.

Best approach for wider growth: Globalisation is the need of the hour, but a stratified approach is the sure path to ensure wider growth with firm rootedness.

Jesus Youth learned this beautiful style of subsidiarity in a practical way. In the movement we just call it informality, or friendly style, which results in a spirituality of communion and participative leadership. This approach is what led us to an emphasis on small groups and varied evangelistic ministries. May the Holy Spirit challenge us ever more to embrace this genuine Catholic spirit of love and solidarity.