August 9, 2025, marked another historic moment for Jesus Youth. Two seminarians from the USA, preparing for ordination as priests for Jesus Youth, took the next step in their journey to the priesthood.

Mathew Jacob from Jesus Youth USA was ordained a deacon this August and will be incardinated into the St. Thomas Syro-Malabar Eparchy of Chicago. His Excellency Bishop Mar Joy Alappatt of the Eparchy of Chicago ordained Mathew at the Sacred Heart Provincial Chapel in Rajagiri, Kalamassery, Kerala. Mathew, who was born and raised in Kochi, has been an active JY since his teens. He completed his engineering studies at Rajagiri and has been involved in teens, campus, and professional ministry in India, as well as campus and national ministries in the US. He immigrated to the US about 10 years ago for work, where his journey of discernment began, and he entered seminary six years ago. He will continue his seminary formation at St. Vincent de Paul Seminary in Florida for another year before being ordained a priest in 2026.

Anthony Kunnumpurath, also from Jesus Youth USA, took his next step toward priesthood as he received the minor orders of subdiaconate along with Deacon Mathew Jacob.

Currently, Jesus Youth has four priests ordained for the movement and incardinated into various dioceses across the world. The movement also has six seminarians in formation (from India, USA, UK & Uganda) studying to be priests for the movement. We give thanks to God for inspiring the hearts of so many to be ordained as priests for Jesus Youth!

Here’s a news article about Dcn Mathew Jacob & Anthony Kunnumpurath: https://www.mathrubhumi.com/news/kerala/us-engineer-doctor-become-priests-1.10820876

Here is the full video : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5q1tUWWJSNg&t=6971s

Here's a short YouTube video featured in a local catholic news channel about their vocations:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?si=1a8V1yHSHC3YiLfY&v=Ad_VWCH13Bc&feature=youtu.be