It was the fruit of almost 2 to 3 years of prayer. Now when we look back on how the Youth Alive Catholic convention transformed the lives of almost 2000 young people we can’t but praise the Glorious name of Jesus.
It all began when Elvis Chettan lead a retreat at the Benzigar Memorial Hall, Vazhuthacaud a couple of years back. Then a message of the Lord revealed His will for a youth convention in Trivandrum Zone. This was an approval from the Lord for a long cherished dream.
Youth Alive took place on 26, 27 & 28 January 2007 at Mar Ivanios college. About 2000 youth attended from 9am-5pm while about 600 of them stayed behind at the venue. Separate sessions were conducted after 6.00pm for those who stayed back.
The sessions were handled by Thankachayan, Fr Benny Mundanatt, Fr. Varghese Parakkal, Dr. Priya Alencheri, Dr. Cessal, Thomas Michael, Shaji Vaikkathuparambil, Saji Arakulam.
The Blessings and prayers of Rt. Rev. Dr. M. Soosai Pakiam, Arch Bishop, Thiruvananthapuram Latin Archdiocese, was a chief event of the opening day. The challenging and inspiring talk delivered by his Excellency indeed moved the hearts of many. His Excellency asked the Youth of the present day to lead a live not merely listeners of the word of God, but to put them into practice. His Excellency expressed heartfelt joy in seeing so many youth gathered to hear and experience the Power and love of Jesus.
The major session of the 1st day was Man’s search for God lead by Thankachayan. Thomas Michael shared how the loving heart of God is in constant search of man in the 2nd major session. Holy mass was celebrated by Fr. Sony, Asst. Parish priest Lourdes Forane Church, Trivandrum.
Second day was devoted to repentance and inner healing. Fr. Freddy Solomon, youth director of Tvm Latin Arch Diocese expressed his joy and surprise listening to the heartfelt confession of many youth who have never approached the confessional for years. Fr. Varghese Parakkal led the young people into a session of sin and repentance followed by adoration and confession. Talk and media presentation on sexuality and inner healing by Dr. Priya Alnechery was an informative and challenging session. The day concluded with Fr. Benny Mundanatt leading a session on inner healing followed by Holy Mass and Inner healing Adoration. By now the young faces started lighting up and bowed heads started looking up.
The third day began with a thunderbolt session by Shaji Vaikkathuparamibil. He went into the depths of youth life and shared many of his own personal experiences which revealed God’s work in a human begins. A panel sharing was led by Dr. Cessal who interviewed Seenu chechi, Shimmy chettan, Sonia, Agnel and Stalin. All of them revealed how God lead them through the ups and downs of life. A Media presentation on Holy Eucharist prepared the youth for the Holy Mass consecrated by Fr. Freddy, Fr. Varghese Parackal etc
Fr. Varghese led the Holy Spirit anointing prayers. When he asked who all felt joy after the anointing prayer every single young person put up their hands.
The Audio Visual ministry deserves a special comment. They began from nothing a week ago. The lord finally anointed them and used them so powerfully that the skit on Evangelization made many of the participants to offer their lives for Christ. Danish we just want to say we are proud of you. Tito your skill has added to the splendor of the event.
Music ministry too did their job in the best way. There were about 40 volunteers in all to control and guide these 2000 people. They were all deeply praying always as they helped in smooth functioning of the convention. Sanal Chettan of KCYM expressed his surprise at the perfect coordination. He told He could feel the powerful presence of God’s hands among the volunteers. Sarovodya School Principal Fr. Varkey expressed his surprise to see the volunteers taking initiative in doing big and small things without any ones prompting.
And there was one person beyond compare behind all these. He is Fr. Samuel Kattukallil, Principal, Mar Ivanious College. He became our constant support and guide and so is Sr. Animus whose prayerful prayers and thoughts fullness aided us in many critical situations.
Well, as I wind up I wish to add just one more thing….
When there was sufferings and pain in the initial days of the planning and mobilization we never knew that the Lord has such a great feast ready for us. How little are our sufferings pain and fatigue when compared to this powerful expression of Abba Daddies love!! If only we had known this, how much more we would have readily suffered. How much more should we allow our faces to be tanned and body weakened…
How many more days we would have fought with sleep in font of the Blessed Sacrament… sleepless nights for Vimal chettan, George and Sibi our little full timer.
By the way, do you want to know the real secret of this great harvest? There was a 24/7 perpetual adoration set up one week before the Youth Alive which lasted till 28th evening.
Yes the Lord continues to do His majestic works!
Happy are we to see it and experience it. Praise be to God.
Jeena Grace, Trivandrum
It all began when Elvis Chettan lead a retreat at the Benzigar Memorial Hall, Vazhuthacaud a couple of years back. Then a message of the Lord revealed His will for a youth convention in Trivandrum Zone. This was an approval from the Lord for a long cherished dream.
Youth Alive took place on 26, 27 & 28 January 2007 at Mar Ivanios college. About 2000 youth attended from 9am-5pm while about 600 of them stayed behind at the venue. Separate sessions were conducted after 6.00pm for those who stayed back.
The sessions were handled by Thankachayan, Fr Benny Mundanatt, Fr. Varghese Parakkal, Dr. Priya Alencheri, Dr. Cessal, Thomas Michael, Shaji Vaikkathuparambil, Saji Arakulam.
The Blessings and prayers of Rt. Rev. Dr. M. Soosai Pakiam, Arch Bishop, Thiruvananthapuram Latin Archdiocese, was a chief event of the opening day. The challenging and inspiring talk delivered by his Excellency indeed moved the hearts of many. His Excellency asked the Youth of the present day to lead a live not merely listeners of the word of God, but to put them into practice. His Excellency expressed heartfelt joy in seeing so many youth gathered to hear and experience the Power and love of Jesus.
The major session of the 1st day was Man’s search for God lead by Thankachayan. Thomas Michael shared how the loving heart of God is in constant search of man in the 2nd major session. Holy mass was celebrated by Fr. Sony, Asst. Parish priest Lourdes Forane Church, Trivandrum.
Second day was devoted to repentance and inner healing. Fr. Freddy Solomon, youth director of Tvm Latin Arch Diocese expressed his joy and surprise listening to the heartfelt confession of many youth who have never approached the confessional for years. Fr. Varghese Parakkal led the young people into a session of sin and repentance followed by adoration and confession. Talk and media presentation on sexuality and inner healing by Dr. Priya Alnechery was an informative and challenging session. The day concluded with Fr. Benny Mundanatt leading a session on inner healing followed by Holy Mass and Inner healing Adoration. By now the young faces started lighting up and bowed heads started looking up.
The third day began with a thunderbolt session by Shaji Vaikkathuparamibil. He went into the depths of youth life and shared many of his own personal experiences which revealed God’s work in a human begins. A panel sharing was led by Dr. Cessal who interviewed Seenu chechi, Shimmy chettan, Sonia, Agnel and Stalin. All of them revealed how God lead them through the ups and downs of life. A Media presentation on Holy Eucharist prepared the youth for the Holy Mass consecrated by Fr. Freddy, Fr. Varghese Parackal etc
Fr. Varghese led the Holy Spirit anointing prayers. When he asked who all felt joy after the anointing prayer every single young person put up their hands.
The Audio Visual ministry deserves a special comment. They began from nothing a week ago. The lord finally anointed them and used them so powerfully that the skit on Evangelization made many of the participants to offer their lives for Christ. Danish we just want to say we are proud of you. Tito your skill has added to the splendor of the event.
Music ministry too did their job in the best way. There were about 40 volunteers in all to control and guide these 2000 people. They were all deeply praying always as they helped in smooth functioning of the convention. Sanal Chettan of KCYM expressed his surprise at the perfect coordination. He told He could feel the powerful presence of God’s hands among the volunteers. Sarovodya School Principal Fr. Varkey expressed his surprise to see the volunteers taking initiative in doing big and small things without any ones prompting.
And there was one person beyond compare behind all these. He is Fr. Samuel Kattukallil, Principal, Mar Ivanious College. He became our constant support and guide and so is Sr. Animus whose prayerful prayers and thoughts fullness aided us in many critical situations.
Well, as I wind up I wish to add just one more thing….
When there was sufferings and pain in the initial days of the planning and mobilization we never knew that the Lord has such a great feast ready for us. How little are our sufferings pain and fatigue when compared to this powerful expression of Abba Daddies love!! If only we had known this, how much more we would have readily suffered. How much more should we allow our faces to be tanned and body weakened…
How many more days we would have fought with sleep in font of the Blessed Sacrament… sleepless nights for Vimal chettan, George and Sibi our little full timer.
By the way, do you want to know the real secret of this great harvest? There was a 24/7 perpetual adoration set up one week before the Youth Alive which lasted till 28th evening.
Yes the Lord continues to do His majestic works!
Happy are we to see it and experience it. Praise be to God.
Jeena Grace, Trivandrum
1 comment:
Yes indeed the memories of Youth Convention in Trivandrum is still Alive! in the hearts of many...
May He keep inspiring our JY's to have similar endevours... a big leap in faith.
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