JESUS YOUTH | KAIROS GLOBAL | DECEMBER 2020

Author: Dr Edward Edezhath

Jesus Youth 85 – A dream come true and seed for the future

Last month the leaders of different talent initiatives of Kerala met together, and wanted to hear my thoughts on how to move forward. These core-team members of young artists, musicians, media enthusiasts and theatre related initiatives have been coming together for many months, but now they were asking ‘what next?’. Over the years I have seen the same thing happening with many such groups. For a time, they go forth with much creative enthusiasm bearing abundant fruits, and then suddenly find themselves out of steam, wondering which direction to take. 

I began sharing my old memories of a late evening meeting at Vimala College, Trichur, South India, in early 1985. The meeting was to finalise details of the forthcoming conference. We were six of us, Jos Jacob, the coordinator of programme team, its members Fr Jose Palatty, Sr Cleopatra and Alicekutty; I was there as the conference convener and Sr Chrisologa to see to our needs. We had with us the many suggestions of the First Line group for the big gathering that was to conclude the International Year of Youth – suggestions on themes, its name, dynamics, preparations and so on. First, we took up suggestions for its name. Fr Palatty blurted out, ‘Why don’t we call it “Jesus Youth 85” and give a rhythm, “tantrara-tantrara” that will be a marching slogan for youth.’ ‘Wow, Great!’ Everyone agreed. Quickly I jotted down on my notepad and then shared with the group, ‘So, the first day we will have the theme, Youth World 85, the second day, Jesus World 85 and the third day, Jesus Youth 85; first looking around, then reflecting on the Lord’s plan and finally talking on our call today.’ 

With the Talent Coordination group, I went on to share how this became not only the plan for the 85 conference but the core elements of the vision of all that we have been doing in the Jesus Youth movement. Sure enough, a zealous and well-oriented discussion ensued in the group, concluding with clear plans for the future. 

Culmination of a long journey

Jesus Youth 85 was, for many of us who worked behind it, a culmination of a long journey that started in 1976. Our initial localised youth evangelisation efforts and social outreach initiatives became well-networked from June 1978. The first big youth gathering that year was a conclusion of many retreats, trainings and planning meetings. By 1981 we all felt the need for a clearly envisioned and well-coordinated youth network. That year, a coordinating team was formed all over again, and fourteen zones came into existence. Preparing a plan and vision document through many consultations was the first step, followed by a few leadership trainings.   

Two important characteristics of these ‘foundational years’ were, first, a sense of being guided by the Lord in small and big ways and second, being part of a committed friendship network. One example of the first was an oft-quoted prophecy. The context was the 175-strong youth gathering on 11th October, 1981 at Vidyaniketan Auditorium in Ernakulam, South India. This was part of a series of youth gatherings in search of clear directions for the future. Through two messages received in prayer, the Lord seemed to tell the group that there is a bright future for the fast-growing network, the way ahead would be ridden with challenges, but the Lord would guide it step-by-step to be a light in the Church.

Another big step was on 25th July 1982, at SH College, Thevara, Ernakulam. The training for about 200 leaders was concluding that day. In consultation with CC Alicekutty, a list was drawn up of eighteen active leaders who had long been involved in the youth ministry with incredible dedication and perseverance. Both of us sat in a corner room and called each of them to ask if they wanted to commit themselves to gather and grow together through the coming years. Without exception everyone said a big ‘yes’ and on that day the ‘First Liners’ group came into existence. Years of third-weekend meetings of this group resulted in the building up of a wide network of youth leaders and initiatives, and also in all the glorious dreams that culminated in that big event called ‘Jesus Youth 85’.

In the pathways of Vatican Two and JP2

Many of us were enthusiastically equipping ourselves through the many national trainings of the Renewal. The Second Vatican Council and its path breaking renewal efforts were the recurring themes there. The catch phrases were, ‘openness to the spirit’, ‘new vision of the Church’, ‘mission of the laity’ and ‘evangelisation’. Then, in 1978 even as we were hammering out a network and getting ready for a big coming together, the young and energetic JP2 appeared on the horizon. In all our ensuing discussions there was this ‘charismatic Pope who loved youth’ and his vibrant vision. His writings and great example were the main input for discussion in our First Line group. Then, when he announced 1985 as a year dedicated to youth we got a clear plan of action consolidating all that we had been dreaming for years. 

‘Jesus Youth 85’ was an event of numerous dimensions and implications. Officially the Kerala Service Team of the Charismatic Renewal was the organiser and in that capacity the Chairman, Fr Abraham Pallivathukal invited everyone, formally dialogued with the bishops and headed all major coordination activity. But behind the scene there were hundreds who actively collaborated and took significant decisions in all fourteen different zones and fourteen major organising committees and many other creative initiatives. No wonder a lot of preparatory materials, merchandise and other creative steps preceded the actual event. We really wanted the traditional ways including the prayer and input modes to be replaced by Spirit-directed new ways. In brief the year-end conference became a path breaking and memorable event for the participants and for the wider community. 

Jesus Youth 85 and its impactful ripples continue to be felt even after three decades. The name, the logo, the songs, the vision behind it, its approach to gather youth, many of its dynamics and much more continue to have enduring influence and is being rediscovered with ever greater meaning and renewed implication. May this enkindling of the Spirit for contemporary times and the dedicated efforts of many who offered themselves for God’s Kingdom continue to bear fruits, a hundred or even a thousand-fold.