जाgo 2025, the National Youth Conference, emerged as a landmark moment of grace for the Church in India, drawing the participation of over 10,000 young people and youth mentors from across the country. The conference stood as a powerful testimony to the Church’s faith in the young generation and its commitment to walking with them in hope, renewal, and mission.
The gathering was graced by the presence of 22 bishops, including the Apostolic Nuncio to India, His Excellency Archbishop Leopoldo Girelli, and three Cardinals—His Eminence Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrao, His Eminence Cardinal Anthony Poola, and His Eminence Cardinal Jacob George Koovakad—along with five Archbishops. Their presence strongly affirmed the Church’s trust in young people and their vital role in shaping its future.
The conference was formally inaugurated by Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrao, who set the spiritual tone for the days that followed. A deeply moving highlight was the offering of Apostolic Blessings by Archbishop Leopoldo Girelli, uniting the assembly with the Universal Church in a profound and grace-filled moment.
At the heart of each day was “Jaago Utsav,” the main stage program that seamlessly blended musical worship, inspiring testimonies, creative presentations, formative inputs, and powerful moments of Eucharistic adoration. The conference unfolded through four progressive themes—Encounter, Healing, Hope, and Witness—guiding participants on a spiritual journey aligned with the Jubilee Year theme, “Pilgrims of Hope.”
Beyond the main stage, the campus came alive with a rich tapestry of spiritually enriching parallel experiences. Responding to the realities and aspirations of today’s youth, Jaago 2025 introduced innovative optional sessions addressing spirituality, personal transformation, apologetics, faith integration, self-development, mental health, Catholic teachings on contemporary issues, and mission.
The entire venue was thoughtfully transformed into a living spiritual space. The “Garden of Joy” offered a serene environment for the Sacrament of Reconciliation, while the Divine Garden invited participants into silence and contemplative prayer. Meditation huts accompanied by Gregorian chants, personal prayer corners, and Bible-reading spaces helped young people rediscover the depth and beauty of silent communion with God. Continuous prayer remained the backbone of the conference, sustained by 24/7 intercession throughout the event.
Adding further depth were art galleries, an exhibition featuring 1,500 relics of saints, and a pro-life exhibition. Creative initiatives such as “Coffee with Bishops,” podcasts, “Foot of the Preachers,” cultural showcases, “Jaago on Knees,” and “Selfie with Saints” blended prayer, technology, and creativity, ensuring meaningful engagement across age groups. These initiatives were imaginatively led by young leaders of the Jesus Youth movement, reflecting their dynamism and missionary creativity.
A notable hallmark of Jaago 2025 was its strong commitment to sustainability, achieved through fully paperless operations. All registrations, program schedules, transport coordination, accommodation details, and updates were efficiently managed through the dedicated mobile application “Converge.”
The conference also hosted several focused gatherings and summits. A Bishops’ Summit, held on December 29 and 30, provided space for dialogue and shared discernment. Separate gatherings for priests, religious sisters, seminarians, and novice candidates focused on synodality, leadership, youth animation, and mission. These were complemented by interactions with various religious congregations, offering participants deeper insight into consecrated life.
The conference concluded with a solemn Holy Mass celebrated by His Grace Archbishop Andrews Thazhath, whose prayers and blessings sent forth the young participants with renewed faith, clarity of mission, and apostolic zeal.
Beyond the structured programs, Jaago 2025 vividly reflected the core charisms of the Jesus Youth movement. A vibrant culture of prayer flourished, genuine fellowship was nurtured, and friendships blossomed across cultures, languages, and regions. Months of preparation—marked by late nights, intense discussions, collaboration, and shared sacrifice—were united by a single vision: to lead every young person into a personal and transformative encounter with Christ.
The abundant spiritual fruits of Jaago 2025 continue to inspire young people across the nation to live with renewed conviction and hope. Building on this grace-filled momentum, Jaago 2027 has been officially announced and will be held from October 7–10, with a renewed commitment to placing young people at the heart of the Church and inviting them to embrace the transforming love of Jesus and a life rooted in joyful Christian spirituality.
