# RELIVING THE DUQUESNE

EXPERIENCE  MISSION
EUROPE  TO BE HIS
HEALING HANDS ! GLOBAL
NEWSWATCH

JESUSYOUTH
JULY 2006

International Newsletter

40 Spirit
A MISSIONARY MOVEMENT AT THE SERVICE OF THE CHURCH

filled years
AN OVERVIEW OF THE CATHOLIC CHARISMATIC RENEWAL AND ITS ENDURING INFLUENCE

In 2007, the Catholic Charismatic Renewal (CCR) will be celebrating its 40th anniversary. What has its
contribution been to the Catholic Church and what is the way forward? Some of these questions were
examined at the recent international conference organised by ICCRS (International Catholic Charismatic
Renewal Services) in Fuiggi, a spa town outside Rome from 5th-9th June 2006, and the international leaders’
meeting that followed.
These can be hard questions to answer, as CCR is a little different from the other lay movements in the
Church in that it has no founder or formal membership or all encompassing structure. Cardinal Suenens,
one of the moderators of the Vatican II Council and an early champion of the CCR called it “a move of the
Spirit” and simply normal Christianity. As the 20th century progressed, the hierarchy had become concerned
about the phenomenon in the Church of “baptised pagans”, those who had been baptised but showed no
evidence of a living relationship with Christ. Suenens saw the CCR as a response of the Holy Spirit to this.
CONTD. ON PAGE 3

Renewal
@work
>> AROUND 120 MILLION PEOPLE
RENEWED, AWAKENED BY A
NEWFOUND RELATIONSHIP WITH
THE LORD, ENTHUSED BY THE JOY OF
PRAYING, AND INFUSED WITH A NEW
LOVE FOR THE CHURCH.
>> LAY PEOPLE IMBUED WITH AN
INTENSE DESIRE TO KNOW, STUDY,
AND LIVE BY THE SCRIPTURES.
>> GREATER AWARENESS OF AND
DEVOTION TO THE SACRAMENTS.
>> RESURGENCE OF SHARING,
SUPPORTING COMMUNITIES AND
PRAYER GROUPS, AS IN THE EARLY
CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY.
>> RESTORATION OF CHARISMS,
HEALING, PRAYER TO THE HOLY
SPIRIT, ETC., INTO THE MAINSTREAM
LIFE OF THE CHURCH.
>> ADVENT OF A JOYFUL SPIRITUALITY
WITH ROOM FOR SPONTANEITY AND
CREATIVE EXPRESSION, WITH THE
REVIVAL OF PRAYER FORMS AND USE
OF CONTEMPORARY FORMS OF
MUSIC IN LITURGY.
>> NEW IMPETUS FOR EVANGELISATION
IN THE CHURCH BY LAY PEOPLE WITH
A GREAT ZEAL FOR MISSION.
>> EMERGENCE OF YOUTH MOVEMENTS,
CREATING A PEOPLE WITH A
DESIRE TO BE HOLY AND TO SERVE
THE CHURCH.
>> COUNTLESS VOCATIONS TO THE
PRIESTHOOD AND RELIGIOUS LIFE.
>> RISE OF NUMEROUS SOCIAL
CONCERN INITIATIVES.
>> BIRTH OF ECUMENICAL
INITIATIVES TO RESTORE UNITY TO
THE BODY OF CHRIST.
>> CURBED THE FLOW OF CATHOLICS
TO OTHER DENOMINATIONS.
HEART TALK
It was around 11 pm one night in Fiuggi, a picturesque hill town in Italy.
I was with a small group of participants of the Leaders’ Colloquium organised
as part of the 40th anniversary of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal. We were
seated in a wayside cafe, chatting over coffee. Suddenly Bishop Christopher
Prowse from Australia, wearing just a collar like any ordinary priest, got up from
our midst with a smile and walked to the next table. He smiled at the people
seated there, said something and smiled again. Soon he was seen talking to
everyone in the cafe- and later blessing them with a genuine concern. We
continued to watch as the Bishop moved into the next cafe, praying for a
pregnant woman, joking with a couple and blessing everyone in there. Soon
the cafe was filled with smiles. This simple, loving, unexpected gesture of the
Bishop opened my eyes to a different dimension of pastoral care. With the
exemplary presence of such Spirit filled pastors and leaders in our midst, how
much more should we Jesus Youth be challenged and inspired to reach out to
people beyond the borders of our inhibitions and comfort levels !
Personally, the last three months, though hectic, have been extremely blessed
for me. I had the privilege of being invited to two meetings organised by the
Pontifical Council for the Laity: the World Youth Day Consultation meeting,
and also the meeting of members of the Ecclesial Movements and New
Communities with the Pope, a highly enriching ceremony attended by around
400,000 young people. As I stood among the throng of youngsters, I was
amazed at the influx of young people to the throne of St. Peter - the heart of
the Church - from the time of Pope John Paul II and continuing unabated to
that of Pope Benedict XVI.
Like the Church and other movements, Jesus Youth is also gearing up for
World Youth Day. The South East Asia Leaders’ Conference, a preparatory
conference for the WYD is scheduled to be held in Singapore from 21st – 24th
Oct. During my last visit to Sydney, the venue of WYD 2008, the initial plans
for hosting the JY delegates were worked out with the local Australia JY team.
The Jesus Youth pilgrims will fly to Brisbane for the Youth Arise International
Festival on the 10th of July 2008, and move to Sydney on the 14th for the WYD
from the 15th – 20th, and continue to stay there for the Jesus Youth
International Conference to be held in the parish of Liverpool from the 21st - 23rd.
For our movement, this is indeed a time of tremendous grace. The training of the first
international batch of full time volunteers is in full swing in Sri Lanka with 24
participants from 9 countries. Besides this, an in-depth leadership programme
covering 350 participants across four continents is also under way. There are four
major conventions lined up for Europe and Asia to be held in the UK, Jordan,Singapore/
Bangkok, and India in 2007. All the lively happenings of our times brings to my mind
the words of Mark Nimo, a renowned speaker and former ICCRS member from
Ghana, as he addressed the Jesus Youth Conference in Bangalore, India. Pointing to
the joyful approach of Jesus Youth to life, our faithfulness in prayer and fellowship,
our commitment and missionary zeal, our readiness to take risks, and the rise of new
initiatives, he said, “You do not know the value of these graces that have been
showered on you. Many others are trying hard to gain them, but they are showered
naturally on you”.
Yes! Grace is flowing in and I believe the time is ripe for us to recieve it freely,
live in its fullness and share it with others. This living and sharing will be
possible only if we are ready to pay the price in an extraordinary way. It is
heartening to see this happening already in the lives of many people I know,
like two young couples in the US - Sunil and Sindhu, Georgie and Sunita. The
four of them and their five children live together in the less spacious floor
upstairs so that they can offer the ground floor and basement for JY gatherings
and activities. Recently I met George Devassy, a zealous young man heading
the JY activities in Thailand, who has rented a two storeyed building and lives
on the first floor with his friends so that the Jesus Youth there can have an
office in the floor below.
Let us like them take to heart Isaiah 54:2 - “Enlarge the place of your tent;
let the curtains of your habitations be stretched out; do not hold back...”
Manoj Sunny
Jesus Youth International Co-ordinator
COVER STORY
40 Spirit filled years
Contd. from page 1
Underpinning the CCR is a shared spiritual
experience known as “Baptism in the Spirit”.
This is a renewal of the experience of Pentecost
in the life of the believer, who begins to
experience the Holy Spirit empowering him
with the same gifts and power as the first
apostles had, as well as a great love of
Scripture, prayer and praise of God.
Spontaneous examples of this began to arise
among Roman Catholics in the 1960s. An
acknowledged key event for the start of the
CCR in the Roman Catholic Church was the
Duquesne weekend in 1967, when a group of
students from Duquesne University
experienced the Baptism of the Holy Spirit
while on a retreat. One of the key vehicles to
help spread the understanding of the Baptism
in the Spirit was the ‘Life in the Spirit’
seminars initially developed by the Word of
God community in Ann Arbor in the US.
Part of this new move of the Holy Spirit was the
re-emergence of the charisms, which St Paul
talks about in his letters, including speaking
in tongues, healing and prophecy. (cf. Rom 12
& 1Cor. 12) These were considered normal in
the Christian life in the early Church but had
gradually disappeared from normal Church
practice or had become institutionalised. Their
restoration into the mainstream life of the
Church has been a key contribution of the CCR
over the last 40 years.
The Catholic Church has always believed in the
use of extraordinary charisms, but in the past,
they tended to be seen as restricted to special
people, ‘saints’. The CCR showed, however that
the Holy Spirit was showering these on very
ordinary lay people, who had no theological
formation, equipping all kinds of people to
evangelise and serve the Church.
A sign as to how much the CCR has influenced
the attitude of the Church in regard to the
charisms can be seen in the Pentecost 1998
address of Pope John Paul II. Here he publicly
acknowledged the importance of the
“charismatic dimension” in the Church, which
he said had tended to be forgotten, and which,
Instead of it being
simply a matter of
head knowledge
about doctrine
and beliefs,
the Charismatic
Renewal helped
the Christian faith
to become a real
and living reality in
the every day lives
of people.
he affirmed, was “co-essential” to its
“hierarchical dimension”. He went on to urge the
whole Church to open itself docilely to the gifts
the Holy Spirit was wishing to bestow on it.
The CCR initially spread so quickly and so far,
precisely because there was no particular
structure or controlling authority or entry
qualifications. Instead, the personal witness of
those touched by the Holy Spirit encouraged
their listeners in their turn to commit
themselves more fully to Christ and his
message. Instead of it being simply a matter of
head knowledge about doctrine and beliefs,
the Charismatic Renewal helped the Christian
faith to become a real and living reality in the
every day lives of people. The CCR thus became
a huge impetus for evangelisation in the
Church both on a one-to-one level and through
events and programmes.
At a time when Vatican II was in its infancy
and Catholic practice tended to be confined to
the rosary, benediction, and Mass going, this
was all heady stuff. As there was no
precedent for this in Catholic liturgy, these
gatherings initially tended to be modelled
on those of the Pentecostal Church or
charismatics of other persuasions with praise
and worship, personal witness, Bible sharing
and prayer for healing. Many of the early
Charismatic meetings were ecumenical, and
being non-Eucharistic gatherings, it was
relatively easy for those of different
denominations to be united. Fr Peter Hocken,
a historian of this 20th century move of the
Holy Spirit, believes these ecumenical roots
are intrinsically linked to its calling and that
the CCR has been sent by the Lord as part of
his plan to restore unity to the body of Christ
to prepare for the Second Coming. This call
to unity seems to be at centre stage once
again for Pope Benedict XVI has also
signalled unity to be one of the key focuses
of his pontificate.
The CCR has given rise to countless
vocations to the priesthood and religious
life. It has prompted many lay people to want
to know more about their faith and attend
Bible studies or to do more formal theological
studies. One of the changes brought about
by Vatican II was a new understanding of
what it meant to be Church. Instead of the
two tier system that had existed before,
whereby the professionals - priests and
religious - were called to be holy and serve
the Church, it was now understood to be the
responsibility of all the people of God, and
the CCR has helped create a people who were
willing to take on this challenge.
Charismatics are known for their ability to
pray spontaneously and for their beautiful
worship songs, many of which have filtered
into normal parish life, without people
realising where they have come from. This
has happened because of the lack of
structure within the CCR generally, which
has meant that once people have been
baptised in the Holy Spirit, they have tended
to return to the parish situation and serve
there. A survey undertaken by the English
NSC in 2005 shows that those who have had
their faith awakened through the CCR are
among the most committed in the Catholic
Church. In the UK many of the diocesan
teams evangelising young people, as well as
paid lay youth chaplains and lay youth
workers in parishes, often come from a
Charismatic background. The survey also
revealed that many chaplains, spiritual
directors, pastoral assistants, and deacons
felt they owed their vocations to the CCR.
In countries like Brazil, where the hierarchy
has really backed the CCR, the effect on the
Church has been phenomenal. Today it is
reckoned that 12 million people have been
baptised in the Holy Spirit and there are
20,000 prayer groups. It is generally
recognised that in Latin America the CCR has
Contd. on page 4
JULY 2006 PAGE 3
CHARISMATIC RENEWAL
IN, AND FOR, THE CHURCH!
“And that we might live, no longer for ourselves
but for Him, he sent the Holy Spirit from you,
Father, as his first gift to those who believe, to
complete his work on earth, and bring us the
fullness of grace.” (4th Eucharistic Prayer of the
Mass, based on 2 Cor.5:15).
There is no better description of the purpose of
Pentecost, and of the Charismatic Renewal
(which has been personally experienced by
millions as a “new Pentecost”), than this text.
The coming of the Holy Spirit upon so many
members of the Church has one main purpose:
to enable them to live, no longer for
themselves but for the Lord Jesus Christ and
his Body the Church! The Acts of the Apostles
showed what Pentecost means in practice ,
namely, the inner experience of God’s love
poured into our hearts by the Holy Spirit
(through the life, death and resurrection of
Jesus Christ), and the outward ability to share
it in practical and steadfast ways. Today’s
members of the CCR, among them cardinals
and bishops, priests and religious, laity both
married and single, and innumerable youth
(like Jesus Youth) likewise, give evidence of
the same fruit of the Spirit.
In his splendid Apostolic Letter, Novo Millennio
Inuente (nos.30-41), Pope John Paul II
situated the whole programme of Christian
activity for the Third Millennium (and therefore
of the CCR too) in the context of the call to
holiness. “Since Baptism is a true entry into
the holiness of God, it would be a
contradiction to settle for a life of mediocrity,
marked by a minimalist ethic and a shallow
religiosity... The time has come to re-propose
wholeheartedly to everyone this high standard
of ordinary Christian living: the whole life of
the Christian community and of Christian
families must lead in this direction.” Notice
that, as the Popes often point out, the
teaching of Scripture is that Jesus does not
want only some individuals to be renewed, but
the whole Body of Christ, the whole Church!
Pentecost was not just something wonderful
Contd. from page 3
stemmed the haemorrhaging of Catholics to
other denominations.
In India the CCR saw the birth of several
powerful ministries such as the Divine Retreat
Centre at Potta, with thousands of people
attending retreats, being converted, healed,
and prompted to serve the Church and society
in new ways. The renewed understanding of
the power of prayer has affected the whole
Church and led to a huge increase in
intercessory prayer towers at many retreat
centres and parishes and in Mass attendance
among young people in Catholic states such
as Kerala. Here CCR has given rise to youth
movements such as Jesus Youth, which
that happened to a few private individuals but
to the whole group of apostles and disciples of
the time! Pentecost created a new reality
(previously non-existent), namely, the
Church! And throughout salvation history, the
focus of the work of the Spirit has been the
building up of this Church.
That is why, if the CCR is genuinely of the Holy
Spirit, it cannot but be an ecclesial
phenomenon, IN the Church, and FOR the
Church! Over 120 million Catholics, having
experienced in new and deeper ways the love
of God, the grace of Jesus Christ, and the
fellowship of the Holy Spirit, have become more
faithful members of the local and universal
Church, and have helped to build it up in
Spirit-filled and Spirit-led creative and
courageous ways. The testimony of three
Popes, of numerous National Conferences of
Bishops, and of hundreds of thousands of the
laity, confirm this fact. For example, Pope John
Paul II said: “As you celebrate the 25th
anniversary of the beginning of the Catholic
Charismatic Renewal, I willingly join you in
giving praise to God for the many fruits which
it has borne in the life of the Church. The
emergence of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal
following the Second Vatican Council was a
particular gift of the Holy Spirit to the Church
…” ( L’Osservatore Romano, March 14, 1992).
At an earlier audience granted to the
International Leaders’ Conference (of which I
happened to be the Chairman), the Pope used
very strong language. “The vigor and
fruitfulness of the CCR certainly attest to the
powerful presence of the Holy Spirit at work in
the Church after the Second Vatican Council…
Because of the Spirit, the Church preserves a
continual youthful vitality, and the Catholic
Charismatic Renewal is an eloquent
manifestation of this vitality today, a bold
statement of ‘what the Spirit is saying to the
Churches’ as we approach the end of the
Second Millennium…”( Ibid., May 14, 1987).
evangelise and disciple their contemporaries
very effectively, and which have spread all over
the world. It is difficult to quantify exactly
how many people are involved in the CCR,
because it depends how you define what CCR
is. Missionologist David Barrett, however,
claims that 120 million people have been
touched by the CCR worldwide over the past
40 years.
In conclusion, the CCR is essentially about
transformed people rather than a growing and
powerful movement. The problems that one can
see - divisions, dying of the charisms,
diminishing fervour and commitment, groups
or individuals going off track, are human
failings, which have happened since the
THE COMING OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
UPON SO MANY MEMBERS OF THE
CHURCH HAS ONE MAIN PURPOSE:
TO ENABLE THEM TO LIVE, NO
LONGER FOR THEMSELVES BUT FOR
THE LORD JESUS CHRIST AND HIS
BODY THE CHURCH!
So too, the Catholic Bishops Conference of the
USA, in its “Pastoral Statement on the CCR”
(1984) declared: “Since our last two
statements, we have seen the CCR mature in
its grasp of the core of the Gospel and those
realities which belong constitutively to the
inner nature of the Church... many lives have
undergone a deep conversion, and have
radically re-oriented their lives toward God...
Many have rediscovered the meaning of
Church, Eucharistic life, Mary’s role, and the
ancient discipline of fasting... Many too have
rediscovered the centrality of the cross, which
remains at the heart of Christian discipleship
even after the glory of the resurrection and the
outpouring of the Spirit...”
In conclusion, I would like to suggest an area
in which the Charismatic Renewal must make
more efforts to foster a genuine “new
Pentecost”, in the Church and for the Church.
It concerns teaching our people genuinely
sanctifying Catholic ways of praying – for
example, lectio divina , the ancient prayer
method of using the Scriptures. In just one
year since his election, Pope Benedict XVI has
been recommending this repeatedly. I am
convinced that such scriptural prayer will help
us in a very powerful way “to live, no longer for
ourselves but for him...” We will then fulfill
the prophetic words of Pope John Paul II
(Message for the World Youth Day 2002), “Dear
young people, let the Gospel be the measure
and guide of life’s decisions and plans! May
God make you too the saints of the Third
Millennium!”
FR.FIO MASCARENHAS SJ
Former International Council
Chairman (1984–1987) and
Director (1981-1984) of ICCRS.
He has also served as the
Chairman of the Renewal Services
in India for several years.
beginning of the Church. The CCR has helped
to make contemporary the book of Acts and the
Letters of St. Paul in a Church that had become
institutionalised and legalistic. And the call
remains to each one of us to continually keep
open to the Holy Spirit and to what he might
be calling us to do in the new situations we
find ourselves in so we can best serve him and
our fellow men and women.
KRISTINA COOPER
Kristina Cooper is a well known
Catholic journalist. She was baptised
in the Holy Spirit in Panama in 1983
and has worked full time for the CCR
in the UK editing the Good News
magazine since 1986.
In the Catholic Church, the famous prayer of Pope John XXIII and the Second Vatican Council are viewed as precursors to a new revival. A revival
of the ‘charismatic’ experience witnessed in the lives of the early apostles and saints like Teresa of Avila, Augustine, Thomas Aquinas, Francis
Xavier and Antony of Padua. This renewal, which in the course of time would touch the lives of an estimated 190 million Catholics in over 235
countries, had its first manifestation in what is today referred to as the ‘Duquesne weekend’ or the ‘Duquesne experience’.
The Duquesne experience was a weekend retreat, where a group of students and professors of Duquesne University, Pennsylvania experienced
a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit’s gifts. It was initiated by a small scripture study group in the university that had for over a year been praying
for a powerful manifestation of the Holy Spirit within the Catholic Church. Today, this weekend retreat is recognized as the starting point of the
Charismatic Renewal within the Catholic Church – a renewal that has been the launchpad for a host of diverse movements including our young
movement, the Jesus Youth.
IN THIS THREE PART SERIES, MS. PATTI MANSFIELD, A SPIRIT FILLED SPEAKER AND ONE OF THE FIRST STUDENTS WHO WAS PART OF THE HISTORIC
‘DUQUESNE WEEKEND’, SPEAKS TO DR. EDWARD EDEZHATH IN DETAIL ABOUT THIS HISTORIC EXPERIENCE AND ITS COUNTLESS FRUITS.

Reliving
the Duquesne
Experience
Q: THE DUQUESNE EXPERIENCE IS TODAY
WELL KNOWN AS THE STARTING POINT OF
THE CHARISMATIC RENEWAL. CAN YOU
LEAD US THROUGH YOUR EXPERIENCE OF
THOSE EVENTFUL DAYS?
A: I was part of a Scripture Study group of
about 20-25 students from the Duquesne
University. In February 1967 this group
made their annual retreat based on the
theme of the Acts of the Apostles. To
prepare for the retreat, we read the first
four chapters of the Acts and the book
‘The Cross & the Switchblade’. As I made
my preparation for the retreat, I found
myself wondering why as a Catholic I did
not experience more of the power of the
Holy Spirit in my life. And so before leaving
for the retreat, I knelt down in my room (I
was a third year University student) and I
prayed a very simple prayer. I was alone
and I said, “Lord as a Catholic I believe I
have already received Your Spirit in
Baptism and Confirmation. But if it is
possible for Your Spirit to do more in my
life than He has done until now, I want it.”
And I am sure now 40 years later that God
did hear my prayer.
It was interesting that each time we left
for a session we used the ancient hymn of
the Catholic Church, ‘Veni Creator Spiritus’
to invoke the Holy Spirit. We began our
retreat in an upper room chapel of a retreat
house in the outskirts of Pittsburgh,
Pennsylvania. And the first event of the
retreat was the meditation on our Lady. The
Professor who presented it was someone I
had as teacher in class. That night he
seemed different. What none of us students
knew at that moment was that this
professor and three others (professors from
Duquesne University and one of their wives)
for months had been praying that they
could experience the Holy Spirit in a deeper
way. They were praying and hoping that
something would happen to us during our
weekend retreat. Well in fact it did.
On Saturday, one of the young men, David
Mangion had a wonderful suggestion. He
said, “Each year we Catholics renew our
Baptismal promises at the Paschal vigil. Why
AS I MADE MY don’t we close this retreat by having a
PREPARATION FOR ceremony where we renew our confirmation?
Now that we are young adults, we can make
THE RETREAT, I FOUND real these graces we received when we were
MYSELF WONDERING young people.” But before even we could get
to that point, the Holy Spirit intervened in a
WHY AS A CATHOLIC very sovereign way. Saturday later in the
I DID NOT EXPERIENCE afternoon I wandered into the Chapel; there
were just a few students there. I didn’t have
MORE OF THE POWER any intention to pray. I was just going to tell
OF THE HOLY SPIRIT any students up there to come down for a
birthday party we were having that night.
IN MY LIFE. And when I entered the Chapel that

JULY 2006 PAGE 5

particular night, February 18th 1967, for the
first time in my life I knew why we Catholics
call Jesus in the tabernacle ‘the real
presence’. Because I really began to tremble
with the sense of the majesty of God and His
greatness. I remember thinking “If I stay here
in the presence of Jesus, something is going
to happen to me”. I felt somewhat afraid and
wanting to kind of run and hide myself. Much
greater than my fear of a total surrender to
Jesus was the need that I had to do just that.
I just prayed a prayer like this –” Father I give
my life to you and whatever you ask of me – I
accept it. And if it means suffering, I accept
that too. Teach me to follow Your Son Jesus
and to love the way Jesus loved.” The next
moment I found myself prostrate before
Jesus in the tabernacle. And I was flooded,
from my fingertips down to my toes, with the
incredible mercy of God’s love. I remember
only one word of prayer that came to my
mind, “Stay, stay, don’t ever leave me!”. I
tasted and I saw for myself the sweetness of
the Lord. I didn’t know then that David had
been into the Chapel a few hours before me
and had an identical experience.
Q: AT THAT POINT DID ANY OF YOU REALIZE
THAT THE EXPERIENCE WOULD RADICALLY
REVIVE THE SPIRITUALITY OF THE CHURCH IN
THE COMING YEARS?
Neither of us knew that what had happened
to us that night February 18th 1967 would
begin a movement in the Catholic Church
called the Charismatic Renewal. All we
knew was that we wanted to renew our
Confirmation, we wanted to accept Jesus as
our Lord, Master and Saviour. After my
experience there was a sovereign
outpouring of the Spirit. Not all but half the
students wound up in the Chapel before the
tabernacle. Some were weeping, some were
laughing. Some others said they wanted to
pray but they knew it wasn’t going to come
out in English. We all prayed in tongues but
we did not know it was the gift of tongues.
Some, like myself, found their arms tingling
and burning. One of the professors walked
in, and witnessing this scene he said,
“What’s the Bishop going to say when he
hears that all of these kids have been
baptized in the Holy Spirit?” I heard those
words ‘Baptized in the Holy Spirit’ for the
first time. I still had no idea that what was
happening would be a grace that would
transform millions in the coming years.
It took some time for us to kind of stumble
into the Charismatic gifts like healing,
discernment of spirits, prophesy and the like.
We did not have any teachers; only these
brothers and sisters from different
Photo Coutesy L’Osservatore Romano
AND SO THERE
WAS THE CHURCH
IN ITS DOCUMENTS
GIVING ME THE
ASSURANCE THAT I
SHOULD OPEN
MYSELF UP TO THE
HOLY SPIRIT
ALONG WITH
THESE WONDERFUL
SURPRISES, WHICH
WERE THE
CHARISMATIC
GIFTS.
denominations. They were helping us but of
course there were no Pentecost Gatherings
in Rome with the Holy Father! It was really
just a matter of being led by the Holy Spirit
day by day. As I commented in the presence
of the Holy Father at the Vigil of Pentecost,
my immediate reaction after the experience
was to take up the documents of Vatican II
and seek references to the Holy Spirit and
Charismatic gifts. I said to myself, “What if
the Church does not approve of such a
thing? “ And I knew that I would sooner
deny my personal experience than ever
think of leaving the Church. So it was with
great joy that I read in Lumen Gentium that
“Charismatic gifts are the tools that are
exceedingly useful for Catholics of every
rank”. And so there was the Church in its
documents giving me the assurance that I
should open myself up to the Holy Spirit
along with these wonderful surprises, which
were the Charismatic gifts.
Q: I WAS ALSO WONDERING, DID YOU
RECEIVE ANY HELP OR HAVE ANY PLAN
FOR FORMATION TO HELP THIS RENEWAL
OF THE SPIRIT GROW? TELL ME, WAS THERE
ANYTHING SPECIFIC YOU PLANNED AS A
COMMUNITY OR IN A PRAYER MEETING ?
A: There were prayer meetings that existed
prior to the outbreak of the Charismatic
Renewal and many young people who made
it to the weekend were part of it. They had
group reunions where they gathered for
reviewing how their week went, praying
with one another. But once we were
baptized in the Holy Spirit, it was natural to
want to be with one another - not to discuss
but to be with one another to pray. And as I
was saying, the gifts of the Spirit were just
beginning to blossom, we didn’t even know
that they were the gifts of prophecy, praying
in tongues, interpretation and the like. So
we were just going to begin a mode of
discovery of these wonderful things. Some
of the marvellous leaders like Ralph Martin
and Steve Clark who experienced the
Charismatic Renewal put together a short
course which came to be known as the ‘Life
in the Spirit Seminar’, an experience of 7
weeks where there were very basic
presentations on the love of God, salvation
in Jesus, the gift of the Spirit, receiving the
Charismatic gifts. There was a week when
people were prayed with, that they might
commit their lives to Jesus as Lord and
allow the Holy Spirit to baptize them. The
last topic was ongoing transformation,
about how the Lord uses trials, difficulties,
sufferings of this life to really conform us
more and more to His image. So it was a
very basic course called the ‘Life in the
Spirit Seminar’ which has been adapted in
different locales, cultures, gone by different
names…but that has been a vehicle for
millions and millions of people being
baptized in the Holy Spirit. In many places it
happens spontaneously, I know in our area
we give weekend Holy Spirit retreats – many
people have been baptized in the Holy
Spirit. There was also this desire from the
very earlier days to form ecumenical
relationships in community. And these
communities have been formed in different
ways all over the world. There are some
here in my country - sometimes called
covenant communities. There have been
others like the Emmanuel community in
France which alone I think, has given birth
to 130 priestly vocations.
(To be continued.)
PATTI GALLAGHER MANSFIELD
From the early days of the Renewal she
has served as a leader through teaching,
writing and pastoral ministry.
Patti is married to Al Mansfield,
Co-ordinator of the Catholic Charismatic
Renewal of New Orleans, Louisiana,
and has four children.
 MATURING
IN THE SPIRIT
As one borne by the waves of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal over the last 15
years, it was with great expectation that I joined Manoj Sunny to attend the
International Leaders’ Colloquium organised by the International Catholic
Allan Panozza, President of ICCRS addressing the Leaders’ Colloquium at Fuiggi
Charismatic Renewal Services (ICCRS) at Fuiggi, Rome from 9 th to 11th June 2006 in
connection with the 40th anniversary of the CCR. As nearly 200 key leaders of the
CCR from all over the world came together for the event, the excitement in the air
was tangible.
The Colloquium was an opportunity for leaders, to share, pray, discuss and reflect
together. The presence of veteran Charismatic leaders, Archbishops and Bishops from
around the world enriched the programme and lent depth to the event. What struck me
most while in the presence of luminaries like Bishop Joseph Grech, Jim Murphy, Allan
Panozza, Charles Whitehead, Sr. Nancy Keller, Patti Mansfield, Michelle Moran and
others, was the way they listened prayerfully and allowed themselves to be directed by
the promptings of the Spirit throughout the sessions. In fact, the whole focus of the
Colloquium was on tuning oneself to the voice of God through prayer and arriving at a
clearer vision for the CCR in the coming years as summed up in the theme of the
Colloquium - ‘Maturing in the Spirit’. Bishop Christopher Prowse & Bishop Joseph Grech greeting the delegates of the ‘Open Conference’

It was uplifting to note that in all the sessions special mention was made of the role of youth and how they need to be continually encouraged to
participate in Renewal activities. Great importance was given to ecumenism. Another constant reference made (one close to my heart) was concerning the
evangelisation of Asia. The Colloquium gave me a greater awareness and a deeper conviction that India, and in particular the Jesus Youth movement, has
much to contribute towards this cause. It came as a pleasant surprise that the majority of people I met at the Colloquium already knew something about
Jesus Youth, mostly through the Rexband. As I listened to the ways the Lord has led different movements and communities around the world, my heart
leaped with joy, for I realized that God has been leading Jesus Youth along the very same path. Participating in the Colloquium has given me greater
clarity regarding the special God-given call of Jesus Youth to work for evangelisation and of the long road that lies ahead.
RAIJU VARGHESE, Co-ordinator, JY India

“… you are striving in
union with the whole
Church for renewal -
spiritual renewal, authentic
renewal, Catholic renewal,
renewal in the Holy Spirit.
[…] Yes, dear sons and
daughters, this is the will
of Jesus that the world
should see your good
works, the goodness of your
acts, the proof of your
Christian lives and glorify
the Father who is in heaven
(Cf. Matt. 5, l6). This
indeed is spiritual renewal
and only through the Holy
Spirit can it be
accomplished. And this is
why we exhort you earnestly
to “desire the higher gifts”
(1Cor: 12, 31).”
POPE PAUL VI at the 3rd
International Congress of
the Catholic Charismatic
Renewal (May 19, 1975)
“The Church and the world
need saints! And all the
baptized without exception
are called to be saints! (...)
Let your communities,
therefore, be more and more
“genuine schools of prayer,
where the meeting with Christ
is expressed not just in
imploring help but also in
thanksgiving, praise,
adoration, contemplation,
listening and ardent devotion,
until the heart truly “falls in
love”. For this is what the
saints are: people who have
fallen in love with Christ. And
this is why the Charismatic
Renewal has been such a gift
to the Church: it has led a
host of men and women,
young and old, into this
experience of the love which
is stronger than death.”
POPE JOHN PAUL II
at the 7th International
Meeting of the CFCCCF,
Rome (22 June 2001)
POPES AND
THE RENEWAL
“The vigour and
fruitfulness of the
Renewal certainly attest
to the powerful presence
of the Holy Spirit at work
in the Church in these
years after the Second
Vatican Council. Of
course, the Spirit has
guided the Church in
every age, producing a
great variety of gifts
among the faithful.
Because of the Spirit, the
church preserves a
continual youthful
vitality, and the
Charismatic Renewal is an
eloquent manifestation of
this vitality today, a bold
statement of what “the
Spirit is saying to the
churches” (Rev. 2:7).”
POPE JOHN PAUL II at
the 6th International
Leaders’ Conference,
Rome (15 May 1987)
“The Catholic Charismatic
Renewal has helped many
Christians to rediscover
the presence and power of
the Holy Spirit in their
lives, in the life of the
Church and in the world,
and this rediscovery has
awakened in them a faith
in Christ filled with joy, a
great love of the Church
and a generous dedication
to her evangelising
mission. In this year of the
Holy Spirit, I join you in
praise of God for the
precious fruits which he
has wished to bring to
maturity in your
communities and, through
them, in the particular
Churches.”
POPE JOHN PAUL II
at the 9th Leaders’
Conference, Fiuggi,
(30 October 1998)
“I therefore say to you, dear
friends of the Movements:
act so as to ensure that
they are always schools of
communion, groups
journeying on in which one
learns to live in the truth
and love that Christ
revealed and communicated
to us through the witness
of the Apostles, in the heart
of the great family of his
disciples. May Jesus’
exhortation ceaselessly re-
echo in your hearts: “Let
your light so shine before
men, that they may see your
good works and give glory
to your Father who is in
heaven” (Mt 5: 16). Bring
Christ’s light to all the
social and cultural milieus
in which you live.”
POPE BENEDICT XVI at the
2nd World Congress on
Ecclesial Movements and New
Communities (22 May 2006)

JULY 2006 PAGE 7

 CROSS QUESTIONS
5 Questions on Visual Media and Christian Values
When did you realize that your talent lay in the area
of visual media?
Right from childhood, I used to have a group of friends
who were very interested in theatre and drama. In
school, we spent a great deal of time in writing and
staging plays. In College too we were very passionate
about acting, theatre and the arts, often winning prizes
in University level competitions.
How did your personal experience of Jesus influence
your talents?
I come from a non-Christian background and my
experience of Jesus was life changing. I was not sure as
to where my talents would fit into this experience until I
found Jesus Youth. Here with a group of like-minded
friends I discovered that theatre, plays and dances can
all be effective vehicles to express the beauty of God’s
presence in our lives. I also discovered the power of the
visual media to attract young people. Thus together
with many other talented people, we were able to
develop a unique style that became characteristic of the
Jesus Youth Audio Visual ministry.
All the films and plays that you have directed have
very strong messages – both social and spiritual. Is
it part of a conscious decision?
Whether we like it or not, visual media, unlike other
professions, influences, inspires and communicates to
the audience. So whenever I have had a choice, therefore
I have always insisted that the message be an
expression of some angle of my faith – often not directly,
but indirectly. Personally, I get deeply involved in every
independent project of mine – from conceptualizing to
filming and editing. The themes have also been
controversial topics like abortion, evangelization,
divorce, and the like. And for me, the highest reward is
when viewers call me up to say that a film or
documentary has in some way changed their negative
attitude to life.
That’s not an easy stand to take. How has that
affected your career?
Well, if I look at it financially, it’s been very hard. Of
course it helps that my family understands my vision and
supports me. And God has been faithful in more ways
than I ever imagined. Recognitions from the State
Government and even International awards have come in
– most often when I needed an affirmation about my
decisions. Anyway, over the years, people in the industry
have also come to respect my attitudes and have
understood that there are certain things I will do and
some that I will not.
How does your faith make a difference as an
associate director in the secular film industry?
The secular film industry in India is built on hierarchies,
and those in the lower rungs are treated with contempt.
Here I often try to treat everyone on the set with respect
and spend time with the ones who are mostly ignored.
I’ve noticed that even actors and directors sometimes
feel open enough to share their problems and seek
prayer. Today there are many people of faith entering this
field that was neglected so far. Lets pray that their faith
and values permeate their projects and creations.
LEO THADDEUS
A senior JY leader, Leo completed his visual
media studies from the Gregorian University
of Rome and from ICPE Poland. His recent
project for JY, a short film, ‘ Tree of Life’,
recently won the Niepokalanow 2006
Grand Prix Award. He lives with his wife
Shaly and son Jasrel in Kochi, India.
PENTECOST VIGIL 2006
A JY-READING OF THE PAPAL HOMILY
“The wind blows where it wills… No one knows
whence it comes and whither it goes!” The
organizers of the Pentecost Vigil of 2006 in St
Peter’s Square probably did not foresee such a
great multitude of people being drawn by the
enigmatic blow of the Spirit. Two days prior to
the event the Italian newspapers had reported
that the Vigil would bring together about
30,000 people. But on the following day the
same journals reported of about 400,000 participants! It was a mega event fully
falling in line with a similar meeting that took place in the same Square with beloved
Pope John Paul II in 1998. About 45 Jesus Youth, representing Europe, were among
the joyous crowd that thronged the square experiencing a fresh outpouring of the
Spirit.
The Holy Spirit we have received is a Spirit of Life, Freedom, Unity and Mission –
this is the essence of the Holy Father’s message to the members of the Ecclesial
Movements and New Communities. “Where the true source of life no longer flows,
where people only appropriate life instead of giving it, wherever people are ready to
dispose of unborn life because it seems to take up room in their own lives, it is there
that the life of others is most at risk.” A life indulged in corporal and material well
being alone renders life “empty” and “useless” as in the case of the prodigal son.
This Petrine message reminds us of our basic commitment to transmit the real beauty
and worth of life to the young people around us. Perhaps a Jesus Youth should put
this question to himself/herself: Is mine an empowering presence?
The Pontiff closely links the terms ‘life’ and ‘freedom’ and goes on to say, “The
ecclesial movements want to and must be schools of freedom.” The Holy Spirit “teaches
us to look at the world, others and ourselves with God’s eyes”. He is the liberating
Spirit and only through Him can Jesus Youth go beyond racial, ritual, cultural,
linguistic and national barricades. Our commitments need to be evaluated in the light
of the words of the Holy Father. Let us not forget that Vatican was the hill on which
Peter was crucified head upside down. In the face of this formidable memory every
Jesus Youth must sincerely reflect on his/her sense of complacency regarding personal
faith and ecclesial commitment. Let one thought haunt us: I am still not a martyr!
“The Spirit blows where he wills. But his will is unity”, we are reminded by the Pope who
is known as the theologian of Communion. True exercise and experience of freedom fosters
unity. The Holy Spirit never scatters, rather, unites as was witnessed on the day of
Pentecost. His “breath is not wasted but brings us together because the truth unites
and love unites”. Perhaps we need to seriously examine our efforts in the field of
Ecumenism. Even after many years of presence and experience of Jesus Youth in places
like Taizé, we still seem to be wary of ecumenical moves in the Church.
Pope Benedict XVI lays great emphasis on mission: “Anyone who has come across
something true, beautiful and good in his life-the one true treasure, the precious pearl-
hastens to share it everywhere, in the family and at work, in all the contexts of his life”. He
says too that the presence of the Holy Spirit “is finally shown above all in missionary zeal”.
This reads to me as an appreciation of the missionary zeal of all Christians, especially of the
Jesus Youth. Missionary spirit has proved to be the mark of our identity all through the past
years. Let all of us in the Jesus Youth respond wholeheartedly to the call of our Holy Father:
“Dear friends, I ask you to collaborate even more, very much more,
in the Pope’s universal apostolic ministry, opening doors to Christ.”
FR. JOSHY MAYYATTIL
From the Diocese of Cochin, currently pursuing a doctorate in
Biblical Theology at the Gregorian University, Rome.
Former Pastor, JY Campus Ministry, India.
FROM COLOGNE TO SYDNEY
SYDNEY
AUSTRALIA
15 - 20 JULY
2008

“YOU WILL
RECEIVE POWER
WHEN THE HOLY
SPIRIT HAS COME
UPON YOU; AND
YOU WILL BE MY
WITNESSES”. The Sydney management team presented the
(ACTS 1:8) logo for WYD 2008 to start the countdown to
Presentation of the WYD Sydney logo and other logistics by the Australian WYD Organising Team headed hosting the world’s largest youth event in
by Most. Rev. Anthony Fisher (Auxilliary Bishop of Sydney) along with Msgr. Francis Kohn (Secretary,
Youth Section, Pontifical Council of Laity)
2008.

With a youth styled tag line - WYD SYD 08

‘Da Colonia A Sydney ’ was nothing less than a perfect occasion to convene, observe, share and
- the inspiring, energetic and highly
bond with numerous eminent individuals representing diverse countries and varied walks of life.
spiritual image unveiled for the Sydney
Hundreds of youth delegates from around the world gathered in Rome, Italy for the International
event encapsulates five separate stories
Gathering of World Youth Day Organisers - from the 7th to the 9th of April 2006, organised by the
within the one logo, representing Christ our
Pontifical Council for the Laity. Manoj Sunny and I represented Jesus Youth.
Saviour, the Catholic faith, the Pilgrimage
The three-day programme began with an evaluation of WYD 2005 in Germany, which received an that is World Youth Day, the youth
outstanding response and was hailed as a great success on many fronts. Germany had succeeded participants (Pilgrims) and the host city
in delivering the WYD mission to reach out to the next generation of Catholics, demonstrate Sydney.
confidence in them, rejuvenate the Church, and carry forth its teachings.
PROMINENT IMAGES:
The Flame in red and yellow
represents the fire in the heart of
God and the gifts of the Holy
Spirit.

The white Cross represents Jesus

Christ the light of the world, and
the life of witness, which the Holy
Spirit enables.

The shadow of the Opera House, an

internationally renowned symbol of
Sydney, the host city for World
Youth Day 2008.

The blue colour of the text reflects

the oceans that surround
Australia, the pilgrimage across
the oceans, the waters of Baptism
and the Blessed Virgin Mary.

The unveiling of the WYD08 logo

also heralds the launch of the new
website for World Youth Day 2008-
www.wyd2008.org

Papal Mass on Palm Sunday in St. Peter’s Square

More than 500,000 young people, including 135,000 international pilgrims, are expected to
attend the forthcoming World Youth Day in Sydney, Australia from 15 to 20 July 2008 that will
focus on the theme, “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will
be my witnesses”. (Acts 1:8)
The Archbishop of Sydney, His Eminence George Cardinal Pell, led an Australian delegation of
World Youth Day organisers to Rome. It included Federal MP Malcolm Turnbull representing the
Prime Minister of Australia and the New South Wales Premier Morris Iemma. 70 young people
representing all the Australian Dioceses received the World Youth Day Cross and Icon of Our Lady at
the close of the Papal Mass on Palm Sunday in St. Peter’s Square.
BIJU THOMAS, Former Co-ordinator, JY UK

JULY 2006 PAGE 9


Mission
Europe
J E S US Y O U T H L E A D E R S ’ G AT H E R I N G
It was a joyful occasion for us the Jesus Youth leaders of Europe as we
gathered in Rome for prayer, fellowship, and pilgrimage from 30th May to
5th June. We stayed in the beautiful campus of Roma Camping, which is
reasonably close to the centre of the city.
The JY from Ireland were the first to reach the camping village. Though the
ministry there is still in its infancy, eleven leaders represented Ireland.
Then arrived the delegates from Germany. As the university exams were
going on, many of the active JY from there could not make it to Rome this
time. The UK delegation was the last to arrive. There were nineteen of
them, and baby Daniel aged 9 months was the youngest pilgrim from UK!
JY E U R O P E A N G A T H E R I N G
REPORT
Delegates of the European Gathering at the Pontificio Collegio Urbano
The programme was divided into three parts - a
3-day pilgrimage to Rome and Assisi, the Pentecost
Vigil in St Peter’s Square with the Holy Father, and
the Jesus Youth Leaders’ gathering at Pontificio
Collegio Urbano. The days spent in Rome, visiting
great sites and praying in places where the
champions of our faith gave up everything including
their lives for the sake of the ‘treasure they found’,
were enriching, and spiritually challenging. One of
the most memorable events for me was when we
gathered in St. Peter’s Basilica and went in
procession to celebrate Holy Mass in a chapel very
close to Pope John Paul II’s tomb.
The pilgrimage to Assisi was a great experience.
Though nearly eight hundred years have passed since
the birth of “the second Christ”, the spirit of Francis
and Clare is still powerfully felt in the narrow alleys
and serene valleys of Assisi. The pilgrimage to Assisi
saw all of us taking time for confession, prayer and
reflection.
Around noon on Saturday, 3rd June, with great
enthusiasm and expectation, we joined the hundreds
of thousands of Catholics from across the world for
the Pentecost Vigil with the Holy Father in St. Peter’s
Square. The place was so filled with crowds of young
 JY E U R O P E A N G A T H E R I N G

and cheering Catholics singing and praying that for many

of us, it was a sort of ‘unexpected World Youth Day ’!
On the last day, we had the Jesus Youth Leaders’
gathering. We were blessed that our programme was
organised at Pontificio Collegio Urbano, that shares its
>>
“I felt it was my responsibility to work for the renewal of
Europe through a deeper commitment and personal
holiness. We need to make a more creative and united
effort as we strive to revive the Church.”
GRINSON GEORGE, Co-ordinator, JY Rome

>>
boundary with St. Peter’s Square! Though many Jesus
Youth from Rome made themselves available through
out the pilgrimage days, it was on the last day that
every one was present. It was a beautiful time of
fellowship, prayer and of course, fun and many photo
sessions!
The long day ended with a planning session at Camping
Roma, where the ministry representatives from four
“Our visit to the holy places, specially the place where St.
Paul was beheaded, and the climb up the Holy Steps on our
knees, was a touching experience. We were enriched by the
many facts we learnt about our faith, which has led to a
deeper awakening of our call in life. We feel privileged to
be part of God’s wonderful plan.”
ANIL ISRAEL, Co-ordinator, JY Germany

“It was the fulfillment of a long cherished

dream. The Rome pilgrimage enabled us to
touch the very heart of Christianity. At the night
vigil with Pope Benedict XVI and 400,000
pilgrims from all parts of the globe we felt a
close bond with Catholics of other nations. The
Jesus Youth gathering was a wake up call filling
everyone with enthusiasm and implanting in all a dream for
Europe. We left convinced that we belong to one family.”
FR. SEBASTIAN ARIKAT, UK
Animator, Jesus Youth International Team

Rejoicing in the Lord with action songs in the typical JY style.

At St. Peter’s Bascilica after celebrating Holy Mass with Fr. Varghese
Kelamparambil CMI, Fr. Sony Palathara CMI and Fr. Sebastian Arikat.
“I was very happy to be part of the Jesus Youth
Europe gathering held in Rome. It was a golden
opportunity to be with a group of youngsters
who have a passion for the person of Jesus and
want to be “different” for the Lord in the highly
secularized society of today. It was encouraging
to see that they long to communicate the love of
the Lord to as many as possible, even when they are all busy
with their own commitments. I am sure that the Lord has
wonderful plans for the Jesus Youth in Europe. I hope we will be
able to open our hearts to the inspiration of the Spirit
and respond to the call the Lord is placing before us. Let us
remember the tremendous graces we have received from the
Lord and always keep in mind that the more graces we receive,
the greater our responsibility before the Lord.”
FR. GEORGE KUMBLUMOOTIL OP, ROME
Renowned speaker and JY Animator, currently pursuing a doctorate in
Theology at the Pontifical Institute, Angelicum, Rome.

>>
countries – UK, Ireland, Germany, and Italy - discussed
the future of the ministry in Europe. We all felt the
pressing need to have more combined programmes for
the ministry in Europe, to reach out to those countries
on the continent where Jesus Youth is either not
organised or has not reached out yet. In order to
strengthen the communication between the Jesus
youth leaders from various countries, it has been
“ I could feel the blood of the martyrs speaking to me,
challenging me to greater commitments and leading me to
stronger decisions. Since then my only prayer and desire is to
be led by the Spirit, not according to my plans but according
to His will in my life.”
PRADEEP MATHEW, Co-ordinator, JY UK

>>
decided to form a mailing group. There was also a
suggestion that we have a Jesus Youth Europe “The pilgrimage to Rome helped me understand that the
conference next year. We left with the hope of faith that we have today is the result of the toil and
meeting again in UK for the forthcoming Leaders’ martyrdom of many early Christians. I have come to realize
Training Programme in July. how much we need, in our own humble way, to contribute in
taking the faith forward. From a Jesus Youth perspective,
the European gathering was a tremendous experience of
the JY fellowship.”
JOSE MATHEW, UK
RAJESH JOSEPH, Co-ordinator, JY Ireland
Co-ordinator, JY Europe

JULY 2006 PAGE 11

The National Nurses’ Conference, the
first of its kind, saw 1200 nurses
from across India come together for a
life-changing encounter with Jesus
at Christ College, Bangalore from 12th
to 14th May 2006. The objective of
the conference was to enlighten the
participants about the potential of
their profession as a vocation to
extend God’s healing ministry. The
presence and blessings of
Archbishops Ignatius Pinto and
Alphonsus Matthias (both Emeritus
Archbishops of Bangalore) added
significance to the programme. The
programme based on the theme ‘To
be His Healing Hands’ was a
kaleidoscope of activities with
JESUS YOUTH NATIONAL NURSES’ CONFERENCE
12 - 14TH MAY 2006, CHRIST COLLEGE, BANGALORE
TH
“We give you our facilities
and you pray for us.
I have noted the
enthusiasm with which
you pray. This hall is filled
with the fragrance of
your prayers and the
education we impart is
blessed by your prayers.”
FR.THOMAS
CHATHANPARAMBIL
Principal, Christ College,
Bangalore
TO BE
HIS
HEALING
HANDS
“Every nursing school is a
formation centre - a ‘seminary’
for nurses’. With the correct
formation and training,
nurses cannot but go across the
world and give Jesus to those
who need Him.
Since you find nurses in
every corner of the world,
it is important to give them
faith formation and a vision for
evangelisation.”
ADV. RAIJU VARGHESE
Co-ordinator, JY India
panels, skits, testimonies, music,
and powerful input sessions by
eminent speakers like Fr. Fio
Mascarenhas, Colin Calmiano,
Mario Joseph, Dr. Br. Mathew
Abraham, Dr. Edward Edezhath,
Alex Njavally, M.A.Joshy and C.C.
Joseph. Throughout the
programme, issues like abortion,
the increasing apathy of health
professionals for the suffering, and
the need to encourage the culture
of life, were strongly emphasised.
The young participants left deeply
convinced about their role and
mission, and with a joyful zeal to
use nursing as a channel for
evangelisation in India.
“For the first time in my life “220 nurses from Tumkur
I saw prayerful youth taking attended the Nurses’ Meet
initiatives for the Lord. It was a and now we have five
new awareness for me because prayer groups in our place.
usually I see religious people Through the programme,
organizing programmes like we all got a deeper
this. The world can change conviction about our call
through people like this who are to this profession. We
very committed and prayerful. realized that we are the
The way they prayed touched Healing Hands of Jesus
me. I am very much interested Christ in this world! Praise
in their working style.” the Lord!”
SR.SANCTA, Hyderabad ARUNA, Tumkur,
Karnataka
GLOBAL NEWSWATCH
JY Retreat, Florida, USA
USA
n JY Retreat
Fifty-one young participants from
Gainesville, Tampa, Miami and Fort
Lauderdale gathered for a retreat at the
Morning Star Renewal Centre, Miami from
14th – 18th June 2006. It was conducted by
the Florida Regional Service Team supported
by the National Team, based on the theme
“Therefore go and make disciples of all
nations – Mt. 28:19”. There was 24 hours
adoration before the Blessed Sacrament
throughout the retreat. Fr. John, Vicar of the
Syro Malabar Church, Florida extended his
full support for the retreat. Prayer groups
have been initiated in all four places.
n JY Connect
JY Connect - an initiative to build strong
fellowship between the youth and the elders,
was launched on 29th April 2006 at the St.
Thomas Syro Malabar Church, Bronx. During
this informal gathering, small groups of
youth of the same gender and age were
formed and then linked with one elder from
the region.
n Night Vigil
On the first Friday of every month three JY
groups comprising of adults, youth and
teens, come together to spend twelve hours
in prayer, intercession, and reflection in the
presence of the Blessed Sacrament. This
night vigil begins and concludes with the
celebration of the Holy Mass.
‘Ephatha 2006’, Ireland
n Youth Fest
The Mid-Atlantic region hosted this
summer’s Youth Fest in Baltimore, Maryland
on 17th June 2006. The main speaker for the
programme was Pete Ascosi, who spoke on
the day’s theme -‘The Holy Body and Blood
of Christ‘. During the afternoon session,
small group discussions were held, based
on a passage from ‘Deus Caritas Est’.
- Jyothini Malaickal
IRELAND
n Ephatha 2006
The first JY programme in Ireland ‘Ephatha
2006’ was conducted on 25th March 2006
with 125 participants at St. Joseph’s School
for the Visually Impaired, Drumcondra,
Dublin, based on the theme ‘Listening to
God’s voice and answering His call’.
Mr. Gerard Gallagher (Co-ordinator, Catholic
Youth Care - Archdiocese of Dublin),
Fr. James George, Jose Mathew (Co-
ordinator, JY Europe) and Fr. Sony Palathra
CMI were the main resource persons.
- Rajesh Joseph
UK
n South Zone Gathering
After the formation of zones in JYUK, the
first ever zonal programme was held on 13th
May 2006 at St. Peter’s Catholic Church,
Dagenham for UK South Zone based on the
theme ‘Living in Him’.
JY Family Gathering, UK
‘Youth Fest’, Baltimore, USA
n Day of Re-renewal
The Jesus Youth in London celebrated 17th
June 2006 as a ‘Day of Re-renewal’. With an
attendance of 60 participants, the programme
witnessed the coming together of JY prayer
groups from different parts of London for
Mass, Praise & Worship, input sessions,
planning, reflection and a time of powerful
intercession.
n Discipleship Formation Programme
The second gathering of the Discipleship
Formation Programme took place in
Birmingham on 6th - 7th May 2006. The
sessions focused on growing in relationship
with Jesus, tackling problem areas in
Christian growth, Biblical basis of Catholic
faith etc.
n JY Teens Gathering
JY Liverpool had its first teens gathering on
23rd June 2006 at the Holy Name Church. The
programme included interactive sessions,
group discussions, and a time of prayer and
reflection.
n JY Family Gathering
Around 30 JY couples gathered at Holy Name
Church, Liverpool on 25th June 2006 to
participate in the Family Gathering organised
by JY Liverpool. There was a session on
Christ-centred family life by Dr. Julio and his
wife Dr. Anju.
- Pradeep Mathew
JULY 2006 PAGE 13
GLOBAL NEWSWATCH
‘Chalo Kashmir’, India
CANADA
n Input sessions & Night vigil
JY Canada organised several input sessions
by Fr. Alex Tharamangalam and Ms. Philo
when they visited Canada in April 2006. A
night vigil was also organised on 28th April
2006 during their visit. Philo inspired many
by her testimony while Fr. Alex conducted
discussions on the life of Christ in the
context of present day Christian challenges.
n Guests from Divine Retreat Centre
The regular Friday prayer meeting on 26th
May 2006 was blessed with the presence of
Fr. Augustine Vallooran, Glen La’rive and
Tresa La’rive from the Divine Retreat Centre,
Kerala. The uplifting session of prayer and
music included a testimony by Glen and an
inspiring message by Fr. Augustine.
n National Team Re-constitution
The National Team of JY Canada was re-
constituted on 13th May 2006. The new team
with Leny Veliyathuparambil as Co-ordinator,
Sindhu Michael as Asst. Co-ordinator and Fr.
Jose Thaiparampil as Pastor include Biju
Davies, Bosco Jerome, Joy Kittan, Tony
Chiryinkalam, Manju Francis, Bobby Jose,
Roy David, Johnson Irimban, Binu
(representing Hamilton) and Mathew
(representing Ottawa). JY Canada expresses
its heart-felt gratitude to Bosco (former Co-
ordinator) for his inspiring leadership during
JY Full time Volunteers’ Training, Kerala, India
‘Koinonia’, Kerala, India
the past 2 years and solicits prayers for the
new team.
- Leny Veliyathuparambil
INDIA
n Full time Volunteers’ Training
The 15th batch of the JY Full time Volunteers
comprising of 21 participants from different
parts of India, completed their 40-day
training period and were commissioned on
25th June 2006.
n Teens 2006
‘Teens 2006’- an initiative of the JY Teens
Ministry, was conducted at Nagpur from 8th
to 9th June 2006 based on the theme ‘A New
Way, A New Generation’, There were 520
participants (including 80 volunteers) from
different parts of India like Bhopal, Nagpur,
Amravati, Chandrapur, etc.
n Koinonia
‘Koinonia’, the joyful celebration of South
Indian Campus Leaders was held in
Ashirbhavan, Cochin from the 30th June to
2nd July. 200 Campus Leaders from more
than 25 zones across 4 South Indian states
and Pondicherry participated.
n Chalo Kashmir
‘Chalo Kashmir’ - a unique project initiated
by the JY Teens Ministry, saw 17 teenagers
from Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu
outreach to Jammu & Kashmir in April 2006.
After a 3-day training in Bangalore, they
were divided and sent to 5 different parishes
in Jammu to conduct programmes. They also
‘Penuel’ - JY Gathering, UAE
visited the Jammu prison. A culmination of
this mission was the ‘Teens Meet’ held at St.
Peter’s School on 30th April with over 210
teenage participants.
- Soji K. Joseph
UAE
n Penuel – JY Gathering
A one-day gathering ‘Penuel’ held on 21st
April 2006 with 120 young participants
marked the beginning of Jesus Youth in the
Emirate of Ras-Al-Khaimah. The gathering
was blessed to have Fr. Joy - Spiritual
Director, JY Dubai for the Eucharistic
Celebration. A weekly prayer group has also
been initiated in the Emirate.
n Devotion to Mother Mary &
the Sacred Heart of Jesus
The months of May and June saw the JY of
Abudhabi gathering in almost 60 homes, and
the JY of Fujairah in around 15 houses, for
praying the Church’s traditional devotions to
Mother Mary and the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
Many miracles and healings were
experienced during the days.
n New Ministries
A Liturgical Ministry was formed in Abudhabi
to support the parish in the Eucharistic
Celebrations. JY Dubai has a new Pro-Life
ministry. JY Fujairah’s involvement in parish
activities has led them to initiate a music
ministry during the Holy Week and lead the
adoration in English for the parish.
‘Seeloha’, UAE
GLOBAL NEWSWATCH
Post Marital Course, UAE
n Post Marital Course
Jesus Youth together with the Malayalam
Community in Abudhabi, conducted the first
ever Post Marital Course in Malayalam for
the parish on 23rd June 2006. The course
drew around 500 couples, some of whom
have been married for the last 15 years, to
renew their relationships with the Lord.
n Seeloha - JY Seminar
A one-day seminar ‘Seeloha’ was conducted
in St. Michael’s Church, Sharjah on 23rd June
2006 for about 700 youth. Fr. Angelo (Vicar,
St. Michael’s Church) inaugurated the
programme while Fr. Joy Menachery and Dr.
Joseph Lukose gave the main input sessions.
n Adieu
A farewell function was arranged for Mr.
Joseph Lonth, the Animator of the Jesus
Youth National Team for the last two years,
who is returning to Kerala after a long
involvement with Jesus Youth from its
beginning in Dubai. He is actively involved in
Joynet - the JY e-mail fellowship.
n Thoolika
The Newsletter of Dubai - ‘Thoolika’ has
seen an increase in content and pages over
the months, evolving into a highly
anticipated weekly inspiration. The 100th
issue was released on Easter Sunday.
- Prejomy Jose
The new JY National team, Australia
JY Gathering, Kuwait
KUWAIT
n Weekly Gathering
Jesus Youth in Kuwait began its weekly
gathering at Holy Family Cathedral on 1st April
2006. Fr. Joseph Edappullavan OCD
inaugurated the gathering and Fr. Mathew
Kunnelpurayidam OCD delivered a talk on the
vision and mission of the JY movement. The
gathering continues to be held regularly each
Saturday with prayer, group discussions,
workshops, Bible study, music, etc.
n Prayer on the day of Pentecost
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and
anointing prayer was held on 3rd June 2006
to celebrate the feast of Pentecost. The
prayer service was led by Fr. Thomas
Vadakedam.
n Jesus Youth Gathering
A J Y Gathering was initiated at Our Lady of
Arabia Church, Ahmadi on 19th June 2006. Fr.
Antony Pulluvila OCD inaugurated the
gathering. This gathering will be held on the
third Monday of every month.
- Biju Antony
MALAYSIA
n One-day programme
‘Shine Jesus Shine’ , a groundbreaking
programme in Malaysia organised with the
support of JY Singapore, was held for 150
participants at St. Joseph’s Church, Kuala
Lumpur on 2nd April 2006 under the guidance
of Fr. Abraham Pallivathukkal - one of the
‘Shine Jesus Shine’, Malaysia
National Leaders’ Gathering, Australia
founder members of Jesus Youth and an
animator of the JY International Team. Fr.
Abraham and Mr. Pius conducted the input
sessions.
- Biju Joseph
NEW ZEALAND
n Youth Alive
A retreat for youth and teens was held on
13th-14th May 2006 at Our Lady of Sacred
Heart Church (OLSH), Epsom, Auckland led
by Manoj Sunny along with Mayrose Pius and
Karen Hopkins on the theme “I came that
they may have life, and have it abundantly”.
Fr James Mulligan, Asst. Parish Priest of
OLSH and Spiritual Director of JY New
Zealand was a constant support during the
retreat.
- Liza Johnson
AUSTRALIA
n Leadership Training Programme
A Leadership Training Programme was held
on 6th May 2006 at the All Saints Church,
Sydney. Following the programme the JY
Sydney team met with Manoj Sunny to form a
service team for Sydney. Stephen
Ratnakaran was chosen as the Co-ordinator
with Noby Joseph and Jaison Thomas as the
Asst. Co-ordinators.
n National Meeting
Representatives from five states of Australia
- South Australia, Victoria, New South
Wales, Queensland and the Australian
‘Youth Alive’, New Zealand
JULY 2006 PAGE 15
 GLOBAL NEWSWATCH

The new JY National Team, Singapore JY Retreat, Italy JY leaders at Bangna Campus, Thailand

Capital Territory (ACT) - came together in Fr. William Goh (SACCRE Spiritual Director),
Sydney for the first National Meeting on 5th Oka (Asst. Co-odinator - SACCRE Youth),
May 2006. Manoj Sunny animated the Edwin D‘Souza (Singapore Diocesan Youth
meeting while Fr. Mathew Thekkedath, In-charge), Mathew Jacob and Manoj Sunny.
Chaplain to the Syro-Malabar community and The new National Team members are Biju
JY Sydney, concelebrated Mass along with Fr. Joseph (Co-ordinator), Lejen James (Asst.
John Aravankara, Pastor, JY Australia. A Co-ordinator), Roy Peter (Ex-offcio),
national team was formed with Rajesh Thomson (Animator), Andrew (Animator), Joy
Thalappillil as Co-ordinator, Mayrose Pius as
Asst. Co-ordinator, Fr. John Aravankara as
Thomas, Rosmy, Joshy, Jays John, Michael
Koshy, Ajith Jacob, Davis, Dexon J Netto,
Bouquets
Pastor, and Dr. Preshy and Gene Thallappillil
as Animators. Other members include
Seema, Minto and Jeril Joseph.
n Growth Retreat for Leaders
of blessings!
Suzette Morris, Milan Chacko, Cicily Ponnor, A Growth Retreat for 60 leaders was held Jesus Youth congratulates Cardinal
Stephen Ratnakaran, Ajith Lobo, Maria Paul, from 7th to 9th April 2006 at the Choice Ivan Dias, Archbishop of Bombay, on
Cinnil Thomas, Tito Jose and Bony Abraham. Retreat Centre, Boon Lay led by Rev. Fr. his appointment by Pope Benedict XVI
as the Prefect of the Congregation for
Following this there was a meeting with Abraham Pallivathukal SJ.
Evangelization of Peoples. His Eminence
elders and families of the Kerala Catholic n Jesus Net
has always been an inspiration to Jesus
Community (Sydney) to discuss WYD 2008 Jesus Net - JY Singapore’s central prayer
Youth. We gratefully acknowledge his
and present the role of Jesus Youth in WYD gathering which was started in April 2006 is
encouragement and support, and specially
2008. conducted on the first Saturday of each
cherish the catecheses he led for us at the
n Couples’ Meet month in the Novena Church. It includes an WYD 2005, held in Cologne, on the theme
A Couples’ Meet based on the theme of input session based on the JY Bible calendar ‘Searching for truth, the deepest meaning
‘Becoming a true Christian in our family and concludes with the general Novena held of human existence’. We pledge our
lives’ was held at Liverpool on 3rd May 2006. in the Church. prayers as His Eminence takes charge of
n Leadership Workshop - Biju Joseph his new office at the Vatican.
A one-day workshop on leadership was held THAILAND
on 7th May 2006 at McKillop Conference Hall, n Training Programme
St. Francis Church, Melbourne, with 20 The Jesus Youth in Bangkok organized and
participants who had earlier attended the conducted a training programme for potential
‘Yes Lord’ retreat in December. leaders and the music ministry on 9th and 10th
n Children & Teens’ Workshop July 2006. Students of different nationalities
A three-day workshop ‘Jesus for Me’ for 25 studying in Assumption University
children and 20 teens was carried out along participated in the trainings. Manoj Sunny
with the church community retreat at Box was the main resource person for both the
Hill, Melbourne from 10th to 12th June 2006. days. The participants left with a deep
-Mayrose Pius conviction of the love and mercy of the Lord.
SINGAPORE -George Devassy
n National Team Re-constitution ITALY
The new Jesus Youth National Team was re- n Youth Retreat
constituted during a 3-day programme held Jesus Youth in Rome organised a half-day O Mary our Mother,
from 18th to 20th May 2006 at Choice Retreat retreat for 65 participants on 18th June 2006. teach us to wait upon the Spirit
Centre, Boon Lay. 50 key leaders The retreat was led by Fr. George and to go wherever he leads us.
representing the different JY ministries Kumblumootil and Fr. Joshy Mayattil. There Help us on our journey to discern
attended the programme. Two delegates was also a farewell ceremony for Fr. Mathew the signs of God’s powerful hand.
from JY Thailand were also present. The key and Fr. Macqwin. Lead us in joyful proclamation of faith
speakers for the programme included in Christ our Saviour. Pray for us,
- Siju Chacko
your children, now and always!

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Website : www.jesusyouth.org n Editor-in-charge: Shelton Pinheiro n Editorial Team: Beena Manoj, Anu Pinheiro & Deepa Sabu n Layout: Sanil C.A.n Printed by SR Graphics, Kottayam, Ph :+91 481-2301142