28/12/2024
*Jesus Youth – Nursery of Vocations*
Dear Friends,
As we prepare for the joyous birth of our Savior and welcome the New Year, I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! I wanted to take a moment to share the joy I am experiencing these days. I recently received invitations from three deacons preparing for their ordination during the Christmas season.
Deacon Justin pursued his B.Tech. at NIT Calicut, where he was very active in Jesus Youth. After discerning his call, he joined the Vincentian congregation and is set to be ordained in January. Similarly, Deacon Joseph, who studied engineering at MA College of Engineering, Kothamangalam, was also very active in Jesus Youth during his college days. After completing his engineering studies, he took a one-year missionary commitment as a Jesus Youth full-timer. Later, he joined the CMI congregation and is also preparing for his ordination during this season. Deacon Tejas, who is preparing for his ordination for the Archdiocese of Thrissur during this Christmas season, was an active member of Jesus Youth while studying in Mangalapuram.
They also shared about other deacons who were very active in Jesus Youth and discerned their vocations through our movement, including Deacon Jackson, Deacon Sumesh, and Deacon Jubin, who are being ordained for various congregations and dioceses during this time. I am sure this list is much longer, but these are the ones I have personally come to know.
It is truly heartening to see so many from the Jesus Youth movement discerning their vocations and responding to the call of priesthood. Let us keep these brothers, along with all those in different stages of priestly formation, in our prayers during this blessed season.
May the Jesus Youth movement continue to inspire and nurture vocations, bringing many more into the fold of Christ's service.
Wishing you all a joyful Christmas filled with blessings and a grace-filled New Year.
Regards,
Midhun Paul