Jesus Youth is an International Youth Movement in the Catholic Church. The Movement evolved as an outcome of the Charismatic revival that spread across India in the mid-seventies. The movement invites the Youth in the movement to follow a lifestyle based on the life of Jesus Christ.
The Lifestyle is based on 'six pillars' as it is called that
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The Jesus Youth Movement has its origin in Kerala,a state in the southern part of India. In 1985, the International Year of Youth, many young people from different parts of the state came together for a 3 day Youth Conference titled 'Jesus Youth Conference'. After the conference, the youth who participated in this conference began to be identified as a 'Jesus Youth'.[1] Five years after the movement started, in the Nineties, Jesus Youth began to spread to other parts of India. Gradually, many Jesus Youth who traveled abroad for employment opportunities, took with them this lifestyle they followed and spread the movement in many other Asian countries including South East Asia and in the Middle East. It is also presently active in Australia, New Zealand, various parts of Europe such as United Kingdom, Italy, Germany, Ireland, etc., and in the North American Continent, namely United States and Canada.
On 29 October 2008, Jesus Youth received the approval from the Catholic Bishops' Conference of India (CBCI) and His Grace Archbishop Abraham Viruthakulangara was appointed as the Ecclesiastical Advisor.[2] The process of being recognised as an ‘International Private Association of Christian Faithful of Pontifical Right’ officially began on 24 August 2009 with the Pontifical Council for the Laity.
Jesus Youth members seek to grow as faithful disciples of Christ, through the six pillars of the movement.
A daily ‘quiet time’ with the Lord leading to an experience of the companionship of Jesus, enables one to have a joyful attitude in daily life.
A regular time for a meditative reading of the Sacred Scripture helps one to seek God’s guidance and shape his life according to God’s will.
Frequent and active participation in the Sacraments of the Eucharist and Reconciliation contributes to a life of wholeness and strength and are integral to a person’s growth in holiness.
Christian life, a call to live the life of the Trinity in communion with one’s brothers and sisters in Christ through mutual support, encouragement and gentle correction, is an important element in the movement. Cells, small groups, prayer groups, service teams and friendship circles help to make Jesus Youth a family.
Personal renewal in Jesus leads to a commitment to share the person and message of Jesus with others. This commitment to evangelisation is central to the life of every Jesus Youth.
Following the footsteps of the Master who brought the Good News to the poor, Jesus Youth stretches out a helping hand to those burdened with poverty and deprivation.
Individual spiritual direction and various Jesus Youth Formation Programmes also contribute to a member’s faithful discipleship and growth in holiness.
Jesus Youth ministries are founded on a firm spiritual basis and flourish in the context of growing fellowships. The formation teams that gather together to develop the ministry and engage in the apostolate provide mutual support and promote spiritual growth.