CAMP-U-S '08 - A Report

CAMP-U-S '08 Album

In the history of JY Mumbai, the first ever Campus Meet "CAMP-U-S '08" took place from 24th evening to 27th with the blessings of the Bishops of Kalyan, Bombay, Vasai and Nagpur at St. Mary’s High School, MHADA, Juhu Versova, Andheri (W), Mumbai.

Day Zero (24th)

The event was inaugurated with lighting of the lamp by Rev. Fr. (Dr.) Francis Eluvathingal (JY Mumbai Spiritual Director), Rev. Fr. Jaison Kollanur (JY Mumbai Asst. Director), Sr. Serena, and Mrs. Soney Noble (JY Mumbai Animators). This session ended with the Consecration of CAMP-U-S '08 into the Immaculate Heart of Mother Mary.

After the inauguration, the program started with some lively songs from the Music Ministry followed by a keynote by Rev. Dr. Francis Eluvathingal. Then the team from JOYFUL NOISE led a time of ice-breaking with a few games followed by DJ with Hip-hop Christian songs to sign-off for the day.

Day One (25th)

The next day started with 170 participants and 80 volunteers from around sixty campuses of Mumbai celebrating life with a time of praise and worship. Bro. Elvis Kottooran gave powerful sessions about the loving presence of God in our life. Later he led the participants through the adoration, surrendering their life completely into the Lord's hands.

The day was graced by Rt. Rev. Dr. Agnello Gracious, the Aux Bishop of Bombay who celebrated the Holy Mass along with Fr. Francis Eluvathingal and Fr. Sheen Chittatukara (The In-Charge of St. Mary's School). On the same day evening, we had the esteemed presence of Rt. Rev. Thomas Dabre, the Bishop of Vasai, who motivated the youngsters to "Arise, Shine Out".

The same evening saw some great performances from the Audio Visual, Dance and Music Ministries encouraging the youth to use their talents for the glory of the Lord. Fr. Antony, the Assistant Youth Director Mumbai Archdiocese motivated the youth with his cheerful words of appreciation and blessings.

Day Two (26th)

On 26th morning, the participants began to feel the vibe of CAMP-U-S '08. The day, focused on looking into oneself, was wonderfully led by Bro. Fritz Mascarenhas. Through his beautiful sharing and his testimonies, he transformed the life of many youth present there. He explained the values of life, role of sin in separation of man from God and the purpose of living for the Kingdom of God. Participants and volunteers had a good confession, followed by Inner-Healing Adoration which touched many hearts. The day ended with the Eucharistic Celebration by Rev Dr. Francis Eluvathingal.

Day Three (27th)

The final day was filled with colors of joyful praise and worship, talks on Evangelization and Holy Spirit by Bro. Jose Sebastian. He rocked the crowd by leading them through a time of prayer and praise. He made them dream loud for the campuses of Mumbai and dared to live a life witnessing Christ. Later Rev. Dr. Francis Eluvathingal led a wonderful panel sharing on Six Pillars of Jesus Youth through the personal experiences of our volunteers, challenging the youngsters to live a lifestyle witnessing Christ. A presentation on Jesus Youth was given by JY International Full-timers Stenson Johny and Livin Varghese. The final occasion was graced by Rt. Rev. Dr. Abraham Viruthukulangara (Archbishop of Nagpur). Archbishop celebrated the Holy Mass and commissioned the participants and volunteers to evangelize filled with the power of the Holy Spirit.

A new Campus Team consisting of 17 members was formed and commissioned by Rt. Rev. Dr. Abraham Viruthukulangara, Fr. Francis Eluvathingal and Fr. Sheen Chittatukara.

-- Prepared by Arun Jose, IIT Bombay