YOUTH LEADERS IGNITE JESUIT SPIRIT AT KJES YOUTH ANIMATORS' GATHERING
Hassan, Biccodu: With energy, reflection, and
renewed purpose, young leaders from across Karnataka gathered for the youth
animators gathering held on 14 and 15 June 2025. Organised by the KJES, the
two-day gathering aimed to strengthen the Jesuit youth ministry by deepening
faith, leadership, and community among youth animators.
The gathering opened with a welcome and keynote
address by Fr Joel Fernandes SJ, setting the tone for a spiritually engaging
weekend. A prayer session led by Mr Shan followed, invoking the guidance of the
Holy Spirit. A key highlight of the first day was a session by Dr Fr Maxim Dias
SJ, who gave an in-depth explanation of the Jesuit Youth Ministry. He spoke
about nurturing a culture of service and faith, the importance of time
management, and growing in personal spirituality. He also introduced key
Ignatian values such as AMDG, Magis, Discernment, Cura Personalis, and Finding
God in All Things.
Fr Maxim also introduced the Spiritual Exercises of St
Ignatius of Loyola and shared insights into Jesuit Communities like Jesuits
Nivas, Joseph Nivas, and Loyola Mandir. He highlighted the Karnataka Province’s
contributions to the South Asian Conference and explained the organizational
unity within the Jesuit mission. KJES Youth Works expressed its deep gratitude
to Fr Rayan Pereira SJ and the Hassan Jesuit community for their generous
support and warm hospitality in hosting the gathering.
Following the session, KJES animators took part
in group activities, preparing presentations for future use. The evening concluded
with dinner, games, and bonding activities. On the second day, after a morning
prayer and reflective nature walk, Fr Joel led a review and planning session
introducing and re-introducing the initiatives like Magis Digital Home, the Youth Commission, Youth Animators and the
KJES website.
The new KJES Youth
Committee was also announced:
● Programme Coordinators: Lerin Dias and Nelisha Lobo
● Media Team: Raoul and Abhishek M
● Orientation Planning Team: Jassica Santhmayor, Linnea Noronha, and Shaik
Salman
● AICUF Coordinator: Shaik Salman
The gathering concluded with lunch, leaving KJES
animators inspired and united in mission