On October 25, 2024, the Diocese of Katsina made history by welcoming two prominent leaders of the Jesus Youth Mission to their Cathedral.
Jesus Youth, an international association within the Catholic Church, emerged in Kerala, India, in the late 1970s as part of the Charismatic Renewal and has since spread to over 40 countries. With a strong focus on evangelizing youth and nurturing missionary initiatives, the movement inspires young people to live out their faith actively and share the Gospel.
Since its first steps in Africa in 2010, the Jesus Youth movement has grown steadily across East Africa, in Uganda, South Sudan, Kenya, and Tanzania, hosting vibrant Jesus Youth communities, and now in West Africa, Nigeria, and Sierra Leone. The movement brings together young people and families who commit to mission work, sacramental life, and Eucharistic-centered worship through Jesus Youth’s unique “six pillars” of spirituality, which guide members to live in holiness and mission in today’s world.
This growth continues as the need for Gospel outreach in Africa becomes ever more essential, especially in youth evangelization.
In Nigeria, one of Africa’s fastest-growing countries, the Jesus Youth Mission aims to build a strong foundation for youth formation and sacramental life under the guidance of Most Rev. Dr. Gerald Mamman Musa.
This dynamic mission initiative in Katsina gathered hundreds of the faithful, especially youth, for a two-day event hosted at the Cathedral and Malumfashi Deanery. The distinguished guests included Mr. Santosh Mathew, Coordinator of the Jesus Youth African Mission Team and Animator for the International Jesus Youth Council; and Mr. Tony George, Africa Mission Team Member and Animator for the Dubai Jesus Youth Mission Team.
Throughout the event, the guests led impactful talks and interactive sessions, covering topics such as:
– Mission and Proclamation: Encouraging youth to embrace their role in spreading the Gospel.
– Embracing Your Uniqueness: Self-awareness and discovering personal vocation.
– Overcoming Africa’s Challenges: Exploring ways to respond to societal issues with faith.
– The Six Pillars of Jesus Youth: A framework of spirituality to strengthen Christian life.The event also featured cultural dances by the Block Rosary Crusade and the Hausa community, along with a stage drama performed by the Hausa Christian community, celebrating faith through local culture.
Representatives from various youth apostolates, including Sabon Rai, YOMM, YCS, NFCS, CYON, and NACC, participated in the conference, with plans to carry its message back to their parishes. Members of the Catholic Women Organization and Catholic Men Organization were also present, bringing added grace to the gathering.
Group photos captured the joy of this milestone โ Jesus Youth’s inaugural event in Nigeria, held in one of the country’s newest dioceses and under the leadership of its youngest bishop. This event signifies a powerful step for Jesus Youth Ministry.
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