History of Jesus Youth in India

Jesus Youth, an initiative of youth themselves, is all about Spirit filled youth reaching out to other young people and building a network for the Lord. It all began in Kerala, India. This is a special place, the picturesque coastal state in the southern most tip of India, with its rich cultural backdrop and Christian tradition of three different Catholic rites and numerous other churches. A wind of Catholic Charismatic Renewal (CCR) swept through the churches in 1976-77, touching some young people, leading to the formation of scattered youth groups.

By the early 80’s, these groups were already evolving into a vibrant presence. In 1985, the International Year of the Youth, these groups came together with a name, Jesus Youth, and a clearer vision for themselves and for the wider youth reality in the Church.

The movement has grown over the years.

The growth of these young people came through commitment to ministries. An eagerness to share and serve children (Teens Ministry), college students (campus Ministry), those in parishes( Parish Ministry), Nurses , Working Professionals(Professionals Ministry) and the poor and suffering (Outreach) and the like.

By the 90’s, the move had started to spread to different parts of India. Jesus Youth leaders who were active in Kerala reached different places outside the state for job /studies. Only because of their eagerness and zeal to take initiative for the Lord and to bring young people to the Lord, they started prayer groups. Slowly these prayer groups became active ministry / movement in that region. Ahmedabad, Delhi, Mumbai, some places in Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu developed JY roots over a period of time.

Slowly this move spread to many other places of India. Due to the necessity of a team to co-ordinate all these new pockets or areas, in 1998 the first Jesus Youth National Team was formed. Fr. Abraham Pallivathukal SJ was the pastor and Mr.Manoj Sunny the present international co-ordinator was the co-ordinator of first Jesus Youth National Team. The present national team is headed by Adv.Raiju Varghese.·

Started in Kerala in 1985·
By 90’s reached other parts of the country·
First National Team was formed in 1998 to co-ordinate.·
Active in Delhi, Mumbai, Nagpur, Rajasthan, North-East and South India.