Merry Xmas

Merry Xmas and Happy New Year to all...

KCYM State Committee

Educating Young People in Justice and Peace

In the Holy See Press Office at midday today, a press conference took place to present Benedict XVI's Message for the World Day of Peace 2012, due to be celebrated on 1 January. The theme of this year's message is: "Educating Young People in Justice and Peace".
The conference was presented by Cardinal Peter Kodwo Appiah Turkson and Bishop Mario Toso, S.D.B., respectively president and secretary of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace.

Dates Chosen for WYD 2013: July 23-28

The official dates of the 2013 World Youth Day have been established: July 23-28. 

The dates were chosen at a meeting between the Pontifical Council for the Laity and a local organizing committee, in Rome since Monday for planning.

KCYM UTSAV-2011 Concluded

UTSAV-2011, the state youth festival of Kerala Catholic Youth Movement (KCYM) concluded at Neyyattinkara on December 5^th. Arch Diocese of Trivandrum secured the first position in the arts festival which was conducted on December 3^rd, 4^th and 5^th. Prizes for the winners were distributed by Most Rev. Dr. Soosaipakiam, Archbishop of Trivandrum Latin Archidiocese and head of Latin Catholic Church in Kerala.

Dropping Out: Why Young People Leave the Church

20-Somethings Cite Many Reasons for Disconnect

It's well-known that many young people stop being active Church-goers. A recent book examined extensive research carried out by the Barna Group to find out why so many drop out as they move into adulthood.

Writers should be the voice of society, says K.L. Mohanavarma

In times when the society is facing a crisis, writers should be able to speak for the society and stand for the betterment of the mankind. For this the writers should be down to earth and should be able to know the problems of the common man, said writer K.L. Mohanavarma while inaugurating Thoolika, the literature camp conducted by Kerala Catholic Youth Movement (KCYM).

Pontiff Proposes St. Francis as Model for Youth

As Benedict XVI prepares to journey to Assisi on Thursday, he is proposing the famous saint of that Italian city as a model for youth.

The Pope spoke of St. Francis today at a liturgy to prepare for Thursday's Day of Reflection, Dialogue and Prayer for Peace and Justice in the World, an event that will gather leaders of the world's religions as well as non-believers in Assisi to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the first such celebration convoked by Blessed John Paul II.

The Brazil That Will Welcome WYD

Aid Director Tells of a Church Witnessing 700% Growth in Vocations

When thousands of pilgrim youth descend on Brazil in 2013 for World Youth Day, they will find a Church in the midst of renewal, despite momentous challenges.

José Correa, director of the Brazilian office of the international Catholic charity Aid to the Church in Need, spoke with the television program "Where God Weeps" of the Catholic Radio and Television Network (CRTN), in cooperation with Aid to the Church in Need, about what is happening in the Church in Brazil today.

Onam Wishes

 

Wishing you and family a happy and prosperous Onam.

KCYM State Committee

Pope Announces Venue of Next WYD in Brazil

Rio de Janeiro will host the next World Youth Day, Pope Benedict XVI announced Sunday to hundreds of thousands of young Roman Catholic pilgrims at the close of this year's event in Madrid.

"I am pleased now to announce that the next World Youth Day will be held in 2013, in Rio de Janeiro," the Pope told the faithful assembled to celebrate Mass at a military airbase on Madrid's western outskirts. The crowds of young people from around the globe erupted in cheers at the announcement.

Youth Wish to Hear Word of God, Says Pope

Hundreds of thousands of Catholic youth from around the world have gathered in Spain's capital this week not simply to meet other like-minded young people, or even to see the Pope, but because they wish to hear the word of God, says Benedict XVI.

The Pope said this today during the welcome ceremony, held at the State Pavilion of the Madrid-Barajas Airport, which took place on the first day of his four-day trip to Spain.

Madrid Overtaken by World Youth Day

For participants in Madrid's World Youth Day, this week has been one of a series of hot days of waiting in line to take part in the different cultural programs, including movies, classical and modern music, and art exhibitions.

Residents of Madrid noted that the streets have been flooded with an endless rivers of young people dressed in bright-colored T-shirts, with caps and flags, singing in loud voices and greeting one another with an "hola" with many different accents.

Human Relations Are the Base of Healthy Society: Bp. Joseph Pandaraserry

“Human relations that are rooted in love is the base of a healthy society. We can say the society is developing, when the one can understand his fellow being and tackle his problems.”, said Bp. Joseph Pandaraserry, Chairman of KCBC Commission for Youth. Bp. Pandaraserry was addressing the youth after inaugurating the 33rd state half yearly senate of Kerala Catholic Youth Movement in Amaljyothi Engineering College Kanjirapally.

KCYM Half Yearly Senate to Begin Today

The 32^nd state half yearly senate of Kerala Catholic Youth Movement will begin on 29^th July 2011 at Kanirapally. The annual senate which will conclude on 31^st July 2011 will be held at Amaljyothi Engineering College, Koovappally in Kanjirapally.

Youth representatives from the 30 catholic dioceses in Kerala will participate in the three day senate, which will be hosted by Yuvadeepthi-KCYM Kanjirapally Diocese.

Holy See on the Rights of Youth

"Each and Every Child ... Should Grow Up in a Family Environment"

Archbishop Francis Chullikatt, the permanent observer of the Holy See gave a statement at the United Nations. He was speaking at the high-level meeting on youth.

Archbishop: Church Must Learn Language of Youth

To evangelize young people, the Church must understand their culture, in which liberty and science are dominant values, say the president of the Pontifical Council for Promoting New Evangelization.

Archbishop Rino Fisichella said this Wednesday during the summer course "Young People and the Catholic Church: Points for a Youth Ministry for Today,"

Study centre for young civil services aspirants

The Bethany Sisters have opened a study centre in Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, to help young men and women prepare for the civil services examinations.

Though the students will get coaching in professional centres in Delhi, the study centre will provide them with a library and computer facilities. Residential facilities will also be provided to these students.

Youth Day Wishes

"Planted and built up in Jesus Christ, firm in the Faith" (Col 2:7) Today Catholic Church in Kerala is observing as Youth Day. A day to pray exclusively and remember the youth and youth ministry. On this occasion, wishing you all a youthful and vibrant youth day. With our firm faith, let us be planted and built up in Jesus.

To read the Youth Day Circular from KCBC Youth Commission, Click here

Pope to Youth: Grow in Friendship With Christ

Says Man Has Questions Scientific Knowledge Can't Answer

Benedict XVI encouraged the youth of the Diocese of San Marino-Montefeltro to grow in friendship with Christ so as to be an example for their peers and to build a more just world.

The Pope said this Sunday in an address to a gathering of youth, held in the Piazza Vittorio Emanuele of Pennabilli. The event took place at the end of the Holy Father's one-day pastoral visit to the diocese.

Pope Invites Youth to Trust in The Lord

Pope Benedict XVI travelled by Popemobile to Josip Jelacic Square, Zagreb's main square, capable of accommodating 50,000 persons, where he held a prayer vigil with the youth. Before the Pope's arrival some young people carried in procession the image of the Virgin of the Stone Gate, protectress of Zagreb, and placed it at the podium.

After reading some verses of the Letter of St. Paul to the Philippians, two young people offered their witness.

Fr. Franklin to Become New National Youth Director

Fr. Franklin D’ Souza

Fr. Franklin Philip D’ Souza has been appointed as the Secretary of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India’s (CBCI) Office for youth. He will replace Father Alwyn D’Souza on August 15.

Archbishop Leo Cornelio of Bhopal, SVD, who is also the Chairman of the Office for Youth, made the announcement in New Delhi on May 24.

Bp George Alencherry Elected as Head of Syro Malabar Church

Bishop George Alencherry, the Bishop of Diocese of Thuckalay, has been elected as new Major Arch Bishop of the Syro-Malabar Church. The official declaration came in at 3.30 PM IST, at Mount St. Thomas, the headquarters of Syro Malabar Church, and Vatican simultaneously. The installation of the Major Archbishop will be held on 2011 May 29 at St. Mary’s Basalica, Ernakulam.

KCYM’s First State Director Passed Away

Fr. Thomas Moor CMI, KCYM’s first state director, passed away. Funeral of Fr. Thomas Moor will be held on 21/05/2011, in Chethipuzha, Changanaserry at 2.30 PM.

Fr. Moor was the person who worked

KCYM’s KAIROS Expo Concludes

KAIROS Education Expo – 2011 organized by KCBC Youth Commission and Kerala Catholic Youth Movement in association with Edfactors concluded here in Thiruvalla. The meeting that was held in S.E.S. Dr. Alexander Marthoma Hall was inaugurated by Anto Antony, M.P. of Pathanamthitta. The event in Thiruvalla was hosted by KCYM Archdiocese of Thiruvalla.

KCYM’s KAIROS Expo Completes Seventh Venue in Thodupuzha

KAIROS Education Expo – 2011 organized by KCBC Youth Commission and Kerala Catholic Youth Movement completed its successful seventh venue in Thodupzha today. The education expo that was held in St. Sebastian’s Parish Hall, Thodupuzha was inaugurated by T. J. Joseph, Municipal Chairman of Thodupuzha. The event was hosted by KCYM Diocese of Kothamangalam.

KAIROS Education Expo Successfully Continues in Sixth Venue

KAIROS Education Expo – 2011, organized by KCBC Youth Commission and Kerala Catholic Youth Movement, is successfully continuing its journey in the sixth venue here in Aluva. The education expo that began on May 4^th in St. Xavier’s College, Aluva will conclude on May 6^th and will move to Thodupuzha. 

KAIROS Education Expo Concluded in Kottayam

In its fifth venue KAIROS Education Expo – 2011, organized by KCBC Youth Commission and Kerala Catholic Youth Movement, was held in Mount Carmel High School, Kanjikuzhi in Kottayam District. The expo in Kottayam was inaugurated by Rev. Fr. Jaison Kollannur, Secretary of KCBC Youth Commission. The event was hosted by KCYM Diocese of Vijayapuram.

The Expo that will be organized by KCYM in association with Edfactors, will be run from 2011 April 26 to 2011 May 12. KAIROS – 2011 will include the stalls from professional colleges, career guidance

KAIROS Completes Fourth Venue in Irinjalakkuda

KAIROS Education Expo – 2011 organized by KCBC Youth Commission and Kerala Catholic Youth Movement entered its fourth venue today. The education expo was held in Don Bosco School, Irinjalakkuda, Thrissur District. The expo in Irinjalakkuda was inaugurated by Rev. Fr. Devassy Kollamkudiyil, Rector of Don Bosco Sschool. The event was hosted by KCYM Diocese of Irinjalakkuda.

KAIROS Education Expo Enters Chemberi

The third day of KAIROS Education Expo– 2011 organized by KCBC Youth Commission and Kerala Catholic Youth Movement was held in Chemberi, Kannur District. The event that was held in the Nirmala High School was inaugurated by Msgr. Mathew M Chalil, Vicar General of Archdiocese of Tellicherry.

M.I. Shanavas M.P. Inaugurate KAIROS Education Expo in Kalpetta

KAIROS Education Expo – 2011 organized by KCBC Youth Commission and Kerala Catholic Youth Movement entered its second day. On the second day the expo was coordinated by the KCYM Diocese of Mananthavady. The event in Kalpetta was inaugurated by M.I. Shanavas, M.P. from Wayanad Parliament Constituency.

Mar Andrews Thazhath Lights Lamp for KAIROS Education Expo – 2011

The KAIROS Education Expo– 2011, organized by KCBC Youth Commission and Kerala Catholic Youth Movement was inaugurated by Mar Andrews Thazhath, Archbishop of Thrissur and President of KCBC. The event that was scheduled on 2011 April 26 was hosted by KCYM Archdiocese of Thrissur at Dolours Basalica Auditorium.

Anish Omakkara, KCYM State Vice President presided the inaugural meeting for which Titu Thomas, KAIROS – 2011 event manager and ICYM National Delegate delivered the welcome note. Fr. Jaison Kollannur, KCYM State Director delivered the introductory address. Fr. Thomas Pooppady, KCYM Archdiocesan Director, Saji Joseph KCYM Archdiocesan President, Jibi Mathew Edfactors M.D. and C.L. Ignatious felicitated the meeting.

The venues of the Education Expo are mainly small towns, by which KCYM aims to bring benefit to more students in the rural area. The venues include, Thrissur, Kalpatta, Chemberi, Thiruvambadi, Irinjalakkuda, Kottayam, Aluva, Thodupuzha, Kothamangalam, Neyyattinkara, Thiruvanathapuram and Thiruvalla.

This is the second successive year KCYM is organizing an education expo which is indented to help youngsters find the courses and colleges they prefer. Last year, the program Education Expo was organized in the name Education Kerala-2010. The event that began on April 21 will conclude in Thriuvalla on May 12, 2011.

KAIROS Education Expo – 2011 Goes Online Tomorrow

The KAIROS – 2011, the Education Expo organized by KCBC Youth Commission and Kerala Catholic Youth Movement will begin in Thrissur, on 2011 April 26. The event that is scheduled in Doulars Basalica Auditorium will be inaugurated by Mar Andrews Thazath, Archbishop of Thrissur and President of KCBC.

This is the second successive year KCYM is organizing an education expo which is indented to help youngsters find the courses and colleges they prefer. Last year, the program Education Expo was organized in the name Education Kerala-2010.

The Expo that will be organized by KCYM in association with Edfactors, will be run from 2011 April 26 to 2011 May 12. KAIROS – 2011 will include the stalls from professional colleges, career guidance by eminent career counselors including Prof. B.R. Venkittaraman and quiz competitions in all venues with a laptop for the winner.

Titu Thomas, convener of KAIROS – 2011 said, “The main aim of the event is to help the students who are deprived of finding new professional courses. There are many new courses that the students and the public are unaware of these days. Due to the lack of facilities to search and enquire about the courses, the normal trend, joining for usual conventional courses like engineering and medicine, is followed. The event will highlight many new courses that are available today.”

KAIROS-2011 aims to find the economically backward students in the rural area and help those in need though the student sponsoring facility. At this Education Expo, the students and their parents have an opportunity to find the reliable colleges and courses without being deceived, said Titu.

The venues of the Education Expo are mainly small towns, by which KCYM aims to bring benefit to more students in the rural area. The venues include, Thrissur, Kalpatta, Chemberi, Thiruvambadi, Irinjalakkuda, Kottayam, Aluva, Thodupuzha, Kothamangalam, Neyyattinkara, Thiruvanathapuram and Thiruvalla.

Happy Easter

"He is not here, he has risen as he said." - Matthew 28:6 

KCYM Family Wishes You and Your Family a Happy Easter

Pope Exhorts Youth to Draw Light From the Cross

Encourages Group in Opus Dei Event to Rediscover Christ

Benedict XVI concluded today's general audience with two special greetings for young people.

He made mention of the international gathering of youth in the annual UNIV event, sponsored by Opus Dei.

"I hope that these Roman days will be for all of you an occasion to rediscover the person of Christ and of strong ecclesial experience so that you can return home animated by the desire to witness the mercy of the heavenly Father," the Holy Father told them.

Citing the founder of Opus Dei, St. Josemaría Escrivá, he expressed his wish that "your behavior and your conversation be such that in seeing you and hearing you everyone will be able to say: here is one who reads the life of Jesus Christ."

UNIV has been gathering students since 1968. Participants gather in Rome for various cultural encounters, conferences, roundtables, showrooms and concerts, all aimed to delve more deeply into matters relevant to the university, particularly highlighting a spirit of service.

The Pontiff also greeted young people with his traditional message to conclude the general audience.

"Tomorrow we will enter into the Sacred Triduum which will bring us to relive the central mysteries of our salvation," he said. "I invite you, dear young people [...] to look at the cross and to draw from it light to walk faithfully in the footsteps of the Redeemer."

The Bishop of Rome added: "For you, dear sick, may the passion of the Lord, culminating in the glorious triumph of Easter, constitute always a source of hope and comfort.

"And you, dear newlyweds, dispose your hearts to celebrate with intense participation the paschal mystery, so that your existence becomes every day a reciprocal gift, open to the fruitful love of goodness."

Courtesy: zenit

Spokesman Calls "Youcat" a Miracle for Youth

Says Faith Must Be Articulated in a Way That Answers Questions

The youth catechism just presented in Rome is a "great miracle" that seeks to help Christ speak to the young people of today, says Jesuit Father Federico Lombardi.

The director of the Vatican press office offered this evaluation of "Youcat" when he spoke about the little yellow book on the most recent episode of Vatican Television's "Octava Dies."

Youcat will be distributed to participants at World Youth Day this August in Madrid.

“The great Catechism of the Catholic Church, composed at the request of John Paul II under the guidance of Cardinal Ratzinger, already was a ‘miracle,’ because few people thought it possible to arrive at a common, unitary, systematic and complete formulation of our faith during this time of rapid development of mentalities and languages, of explosive variety and cultural fragmentation," Father Lombardi reflected.

“The miracle of the unity of faith in the tempestuous journey of history,” he added, “[is the] miracle of a centripetal force that draws [us] toward Christ despite the countless centrifugal forces that act to disperse us in the Babel of the world.”

“But this one faith,” Father Lombardi continued, “must be spoken in languages capable of reaching the mind and the heart of today’s youth. It must be articulated in answer to the questions that they pose every day. If this isn’t done, it will gradually become more and more irrelevant to life."

Translating faith

Father Lombardi spoke of the need to study the Catechism with young people and make it accessible to them.

"We must translate the book of faith so that Jesus Christ might speak again today to young people, and not only to the young people of one country, but to those of many different countries, who have not only music and fashion in common, but also share the perennial decisive questions,” he said.

“Marvelous adventure! Most courageous undertaking!" the spokesman said. "Youcat was not born perfectly, but it is a great miracle that we have in our hands.

"Together we must improve it and make it grow, in pace with new generations, with the passion of the unity of faith that responds to their profound desire for community and hope.

"Bon voyage, Youcat, as you teach young people the road to happiness!”