Jesus Youth International Team Meeting
Parish of All Saints - Rome, Italy - September 2003  For the first time in the history of Jesus Youth, twenty-three pastors, animators, and leaders met in Rome from September 11th - 18th, 2003 to give shape to Jesus Youth (JY) International. These individuals represented the following 7 countries: Canada, Germany, India, Singapore, the United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom and United States of America.
The first part of the gathering was an optional 3-day pilgrimage in Rome. Though only half the Jesus Youth International Team (JYIT) were able to participate, it was, nonetheless, an enriching experience. With the assistance of expert historians, they walked the path of our founding fathers in the Church, in the land where where our faith sprouted first.
The meeting officially started on the morning of the 15th, and the entire group experienced the powerful guidance of the Spirit right from the beginning. A parish center was used as the venue for the meeting which was, incidentally, held in the typical Jesus Youth (JY) style: all stayed together at the same venue, sleeping on the bare, hard floor. Food was prepared in JY homes and brought each day to minimize expenses.
On the morning of the 16th, the JYIT celebrated Holy Mass in the crypt of St. Peter's Basilica, consecrating the entire JY family all over the world, and also re-committing the JY movement to the mission of the Church. Tuesday, September 17th, was a memorable day for the JYIT – they had the privilege of an Audience with the Holy Father, Pope John Paul II, where they submitted the new document "Jesus Youth - Its Charisms and Style of Working" to him. The Holy Father also invoked his apostolic blessing on all the members and their families. This meeting with the Holy Father was a true moment of blessing for JY everywhere. After the formalities, the Apostolic Nuncio of Ghana, Archbishop George Kocherry (a well-wisher of JY) invited the team for lunch. Later, in the afternoon, there was a meeting with the founders of the GOGICC (Glory of God International Covenant Community), which is recognized by the Holy See. Several initiatives have risen as a fruit of this community: IWE (Institute for World Evangelisation), YAI (Youth Arise International), Project 2008 (a project for the Evangelisation of China), etc. During the evening hours, there was a consultation with Fr. Antony Kollamparampil (Congregation for Divine Worship) on Jesus Youth’s spirituality, charisms and working style in the context of the Church. Another very important meeting was also held that night with Fr. Francis Kohn, the Youth Director of the Pontifical Council for Laity who is in charge of organizing World Youth Day.
On the whole, the meeting was very fruitful, tackling many issues and concerns in a period of four days. As a result of the various discussions, a core team was selected to facilitate & coordinate the JY International Team for the next 3 years. Likewise, continental coordinators were selected to help coordinate the JY activities of their respective regions as well. After the meeting, a few of the JYIT had the privilege of continuing their discussions with Cardinal Seppe (President, Pontifical Council for Evangelization) and Archbishop Rylko (Secretary, Pontifical Council for Laity), etc. All of them were very happy about the work JY was doing in the Church, and encouraged us to go ahead with the unique work that we do.
Overall, during these days Jesus Youth defined & internalized the importance of its call and mission as youth in the Church, and in the world at large. The JYIT meeting concluded on the 18th with final remarks and a time of prayer in thanksgiving for a successful gathering, and a hopeful future.
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