“YOV”, means “Youth” in native telugu language, and is pronounced as “YUVA”. The theme was chosen keeping in mind particularly the “Youth of Vijayawada”.Yuva was an official one day program for the Vijayawada Diocese organized by Fr. Don Bosco (Youth director of Vijayawada diocese) with the consent and blessings of the most. Rev. Prakash Mallavarapu (Bishop of Vijayawada).Vijayawada is one of the most urban cities in the state of Andhra Pradesh. There are many youth in this region all anxiously and eagerly waiting to know more about JY and carry on its mission in this part of Andhra.
It is with this intention that JY members from Hyderabad took it upon themselves to be an instrumental part in “YOV”, to instill in the youth a sense of direction towards Jesus, and a recognition in Jesus Youth.
“YOV” was an endeavor to bring together all the youth of Vijayawada, channelize their efforts and stir them up to “burn for the Lord”. It was also an attempt to elect representatives for all the future ministerial programs.
There was a huge gathering of almost 300 people that attended “YUVA”. Among these, most of the youth came from villages with at least 2 representatives from 80 Parishes of Vijayawada diocese, and almost 100 were from Vijayawada city parish with major roles being played by Pezzonipet and Gunadala parishes. There were also participants from Stella college and Loyola college V’wada.
The program started off at 9:30 am after some initial electricity failures. Chakry (JY-V’wada) and Vignan (JY-Hyd) started with a bang with Action songs ably supported by Chaitanya (JY-Vwada) on the keyboards and Rajesh(JY-Vwada) on the pads, while Sundar(JY-Hyd) was the MC for the day.
After the initial warm ups, there was a prayer song by the JY Stella college campus, followed by “Lighting of the prayer candle”.
Fr. Lamu Jaya Raju (Director-Pastoral Center) then gave his greetings and message to the audience. This was then followed up by a prayer dance(classical) by JY Stella college campus members.
At about 11 a.m the MC invited Vijay Anthony (JY-Hyd) to lead the members into a time of “Praise & Worship”. This was well taken by everyone and it ended with the sharing word of God inter mixed with Vijays’ personal testimony.
Soon after this most Rev. Bishop Prakash had joined in the celebrations. He presented Vijay with a momento as a small token of love and for remembrance. Bishop Prakash them gave his message in which he mentioned, that the YOUTH should become like Saints and be a living witness to others by their testimony and encouraged them to join the Jesus Youth ministry.
Annette (Full-timer JY-Hyd), on behalf of everyone, then presented thanks to Bishop and this was followed by a session on JY and its activities from Shibu( JY –Hyd)
Everyone broke for lunch at around 1.30 pm. Lunch, apparently was very delicious and liked by all. The menu consisted of chicken curry & biryani , sambar, curds and a banana. It was a memorable fellowship meal.
Immediately, after lunch there was music and some action songs by the JY of Pezzonipet parish and Stella campus members.
An half hour “Career Guidance” power point presentation was was conducted by “Disha”. They provided information about the various educational courses and the employment opportunities available for the youth.
Fr. Selvin sj (Director of AICUF from Andhra Loyola college) then presented a talk.He then divided youth in different groups on basis of Vicariates and they elected two representatives from each Vicariate.
At about 3:45 pm Shibu, conducted a session on Jesus Youth. This was a power point presentation which included a five minute movie clip about Jesus Youth and all its past present and future activities. This ideally, would have cleared any apprehensions regarding JY in the minds of all the participants.
At 4 pm, there was Eucharistic Celebrations by Fr. Don Bosco. In the homily Rev. Fr. quoted one verse in Bible which was very striking and it wasA rich young man once asked Jesus, "Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?" (Mat 19:16).
And He said to the Youth, If you want Eternal Life come and join In JESUS YOUTH.Everyone present actively participated in the mass.
When Yuva was being planned, it was meant to be a “Vijayawada Diocese” program with a 3-hr participation of JY. But as it turned out to be “God’s ways are different”, likewise the program turned out to be 9-hr Jesus Youth Program and everybody loved it with all the speakers urging and encouraging the youth to join in Jesus Youth.
Some of the best highlights elicited from the program which inspired many were Vijay Antony’s Testimony & Shibu’s sessions on JY.
The fact that the youth were taken up so much was they repeatedly requested to have these programs once in a month and most of them expressed their willingness to join Jesus Youth. Some merchandise like JY magazines, JY Telugu Handouts were bought eagerly by some participants.
GOD has been kind to Andhra Pradesh and the very fact that wherever GOD leads the JY-Hyd members to reach out, they have always been accepted and overwhelmingly appreciated for their involvement in JY and in spreading GOD’s word.
Among the various programs organized, “YUVA” certainly stands tall, and is an inspirational testimony of the no. of youth being blessed and inducted into the JY family in Vijaywada ….. The fire is lit, “YOV” will now burn Vijayawada, let this be our sincere prayer !!!!!!
