Bangalore - The Jaago Jesus Youth National Conference India 2023 (Wake Up and Reach Out) has rekindled missionary spirit among young individuals, uniting over 17,500 Christians in Bangalore for a four-day event. The Jesus Youth Jaago National Conference 2023 successfully concluded, equipping the youth with the fervor to become effective missionaries for the Church.

Taking place at Dharmaram College, Bangalore, the event inspired approximately 17,500 young people to become distinct and united members of the Church.

The conference conducted from October 21st to 24th, prepared youth from all corners of India to lead a missionary life while striking a balance between their personal, familial, and missionary responsibilities for a fruitful existence.

The conference featured a relic of Pope Saint John Paul II, which had previously toured 28 states and visited over 500 parishes, touching the lives of over half a million faithful. This relic was venerated at the Jaago Conference, seeking intercession for the youth and their future missions.

Key highlights of the conference included a keynote address by Msgr. Juan Pablo Cerrillos Hernandez, Counsellor of the Apostolic Nunciature to India and Nepal, who conveyed a message of assurance to Christian youth in India, emphasizing their intrinsic worth and divine purpose.

Young people were encouraged to embrace a missionary role in serving Christ and His Church, with Msgr. Hernandez urging them to make room for Christ in their lives, especially when facing life's challenges.

Following an energizing performance by the Rex Band, Stephen Devassy, a member of the band, shared his insights, emphasizing that true success lies in inspiring others through one's work for the glory of God. He recounted his own experiences as a missionary for Christ, encouraging the youth to be enthusiastic and to use their talents in service of their mission.

The Rex Band, India's first Catholic band, which was invited to perform at World Youth Day in 2002 and subsequent years in over 20 countries, contributed to the event. Various other speakers covered topics such as education, finance, work, and achieving success in both student and professional life.

The "Jaago Exhibition" served as a platform to showcase the history of the Jesus Youth Movement, highlighting its milestones and missions, and educating young people about its role in strengthening the Church's foundation through faith.

The exhibition also aimed to sensitize young individuals to important life aspects, including marriage, family, fidelity, and sexuality, drawing inspiration from Pope Saint John Paul II's "Theology of the Body." This served as a representation of missionary life, empowering missions and encouraging the youth to be missionaries in their daily lives.

One particular session, titled "God's Women: Embracing Femininity," focused on the role of women in the Church and the world, providing a platform for women to share their missionary journeys within both the Church and their families.

YOUCAT India conducted study groups, Q&A sessions, and introduced modules to help youth understand the teachings of the Church and relate them to their personal experiences, using them as building blocks on their spiritual journey.

The Jaago Conference became a testament to the working of the Holy Spirit, positioning Jesus Youth as a significant force within the Church in India, bridging the gap between young people and the missionary Church to spread the Good News and live lives that reflect Jesus and His teachings.

Participants had the opportunity to grasp the essence of being a missionary. Every member of the Catholic Church is called to be a missionary of Christ's universal Church and a shepherd to guide His people.

The Jesus Youth Council of India expressed its intention to train youth in evangelization and facilitate their participation in missionary activities both in India and worldwide, emphasizing humility, community, and fellowship.

As the conference drew to a close, Archbishop Peter Machado of Bangalore offered a vision of hope and purpose for the youth, encouraging them to take leadership roles and embrace their responsibilities rather than avoiding challenges.

Through the pillars of prayer, fellowship, and evangelization, young people were invited to live a sacramental life. Jesus Youth aims to use this spiritual enrichment to become missionaries who provide comfort and support to people through their daily missionary endeavors. The youth have been inspired to be "missionaries of the Church and champions of society."