There is no life span other than youth that has been well defined and more criticized in humanity. Where youth is respected and accepted, where their creative and artistic abilities of youth are utilized for the good of mankind, there the nation, society and the Church will attain development. Where the youth and their abilities are neglected there happens the degradation of the nation, society and the Church.
The society that could understand the special nature of youth is able to channeled out the innate disposition of the youth for good. Young men and women are the pioneers of new a generation and epoch makers. They have to act as agents of reformation and renewal in the church and society. They have to reform society anew basing on justice. The message of the Second Vatican Council initiated the reawakening of youth-activities. There are three reasons behind this revival and they became the background for the birth of the MCYM. They are historical, social and doctrinal.
HISTORICAL
After the Second World War, there evolved a reawakening among the youth, especially from 1950 onwards. The entire world was divided into two mighty powers, on the one side America and on the other Russia. They heaped up weapons and began continuous conflict among themselves. They accumulated immense wealth by selling weapons. As a revolt against these conflicts of the two nations there emerged a youth-awakening in America called Hippism; men wandering disinterestedly growing long hair and beard to demonstrate their protest against the existing customs and traditions. It was a protest for justice.
SOCIAL
When we think of the social background of Kerala, there was a protest for liberation in 1957. The church stood against the communist government to safeguard her rights. But in the College Riot of 1952, the congress party opposed the stand of Church. These two incidents were an eye opener to the authorities of the Church and faithful. It paved the path for starting a youth movement. Thus the catholic youth movements originated to protect the rights of the Church.
DOCTRINAL
Jesus is the inspiration for youth-reawakening and youth movement. The life, teaching and the modus operanti of Jesus are the sum and substance of all youth movements. The divinely inspired openness of the Church after the Second Vatican Council (11 October 1962 to 8 December 1965) provided the basic vision and inspiration to all laity and youth movements. The council invited the heads of the dioceses to start youth movements. In this respect the Pastoral Constitution, the Church in the Modern World (Gaudium et spes) and the decree on the Apostolate of Lay People (Apostolicum Actuositatem) are more relevant, for they pinpoint the responsibilities of the youth.
MCYM in Dioceses
Even before the Second Vatican Council, some of the dioceses of the Indian Church, succeeded in organizing youth movements, particularly in the dioceses of Thiruvananthapuram and Tiruvalla. In order to conscientize the youth for the growth of their own Church and to develop a right attitude towards the Church in general, the Malankara Church could win over other Catholic dioceses in forming youth movements.
November 17, 1967 is to be recorded in golden letters in the annals of the history of the Eparchy of Tiruvalla, for on that date the Youth Movement took its origin at eht eYouth Convention held at St. Thomas Church, Vennikulam, presided over by Msgr. Mathew Nedungatt, under the title “Kerala Catholic Youth Organization” (KCYO). Cardinal Fustenberg, the then Prefect of the Congregation for Oriental Churches, officially inaugurated the same on 28 February 1968.
In the Archdiocese of Thiruvananthapuram, youth movement was formed in the Malankara Christian Convention held in 1970 in St. Peter’s Malankara Catholic Church, Pathanamthitta. In the Eparchy of Bathery, MCYM originated on 2 February 1979, along with erection of the diocese. MCYM started functioning in the Eparchy of Marthandom after its erection as a continuation of Thiruvananthapuram Archdiocese. Similarly, the Movement started in the Eparchies of Muvattupuzha and Mavelikara.
The relevance of the Malankara Re-union movement has much significance not only in the history of the Indian Church but also in the whole Catholic Church. Though the prayer of Our Lord “That they may be one’’ (Jn 17:21) has not yet fully realized, the re-union movement could pave the path for the union of churches. Even if the MCYM is regional in its structure, its existence is universal in essence. The contribution that the Malankara Catholic Church has been rendering to the mission mandate ‘go into the whole world and proclaim the gospel to all nations’ during the past 75 years is made known to the present world through its fast growth. During these years, our Youth Movement made its presence felt in all strata of social life. And its vitality is shown in full form through the activities of the MCYM. From a doctrinal perspective one could find a living and active cross-section of the Malankara Catholic Church in the MCYM. Being the Church of the Youth it received permanent nature of its existence.
The consequences of the celebration of the international Youth Year in 1985 and the new perspectives it provided had their reflections in the Malankara Catholic Church. It has formed the Malankara Episcopal Youth Commission and initiated certain activities for the necessary growth of the Church of the Youth, both in and outside the dioceses. The whole Malankara Catholic Church supported and encouraged this endeavor. The undeniable and unforgettable encouragement rendered by the former chairman of the Malankara Catholic Youth Commission Moran Mor Cyril Baselios Catholicos has expediated those activities. The consultative meeting conducted in Mar Ivanios College in August 1989 marked a new awakening in the movement. As a conclusion of these thinking and discussions, a joint meeting of diocesan representatives was held at St.John’s College, Tiruvalla on 17 and 18 March 1990 and it became a milestone in the history of the MCYM. It was presided over by the late Archbishop Benedict Mar Gregorios. He, after a long discussion and evaluation, coordinated the MCYM as one of the entire Malankara Catholic Church. This was officially announced by the Chairman of the Commission Moran Mor Cyril Baselios Catholicos through a circular.
In 1990, a central organization was formed in the Church to coordinate the youth movements of the various eparchies. A constitution was formed in the 62nd Re-union celebrations which was held on 20 September 1992 at Kollam for the youth movements of all the eparchies and mission centers of the Malankara Catholic Church by the late Moran Mor Cyril Baselios Catholicos and thus constituted the All India Malankara Catholic Youth Movement. In the meeting of the eparchial representatives conducted at St. John’s College, Tiruvalla in 1990, the first governing body of the MCYM was formed with Rev.Fr. Geevarghese Nediath as the Director, Mr. Monson K. Mathew as President and Adv. Lalu John as General Secretary. The formation of the central body played an active role in developing unity among eparchies. MCYM formed a large number of eminent leaders in the social and political fields. We can indubitably say that the present progress of the Church is the contribution of the MCYM. It is an organization aiming at the integral development of young men and women and the complete liberation of the society. After having attained the status of an official organization of the church, it could form unified youth movements outside the mission centers of Kerala. Being the only youth movement of the Malankara Catholic Church, all young men and women have to become members of the MCYM. The vision of the Church to be realized through the MCYM is to become a Church of the Youth.
The communion perspective of the whole Catholic Church could be seen in the structure of the MCYM. The coordination and integral growth of the six Malankara Catholic eparchies in Kerala, mission centre units outside the Church territories and youth movement among the Malankara Catholics outside India are the specialties of this structure. Without denying the existence of its central body, the MCYM maintains its right of self sufficiency and growth. It safeguards the special nature of the Universal Church i.e. the ‘communion of communions’. The central body has precisely defined that the movement has to form itself basing on the integral development and complete liberation of the Church.
DIFFERENT STAGES IN GROWTH OR DEVELOPMENT.
MCYM acts in unit/regional/ecclesiastical district/mission centres/diocese/ archdiocese/church. MCYM works in parish units, in regional or ecclesiastical districts, in mission centres, in eparchies or archieparhies, in the Church as a whole .
The following is a brief description of the permanent action-plan of the central body, developed during the past fifteen years. It organizes six major activities in a year.
1. National Meet/Global Meet, Annual Senate
National Meet, Annual Senate, Directors’ Meet are organized in the month of May from 2004 onwards and now it is conducted as global meet.
- 1994- Santhinilayam, Tiruvalla.
- 1995- Santhinilayam, Tiruvalla
- 1996- Malankara Seminary, Thiruvananthapuram.
- 1997- Santhinilayam, Tiruvalla
- 1998- Chennai
- 1999- Tiruvalla
- 2000- Kanyakumari
- 2001- Thiruvananthapuram
- 2002- Santhinilayam, Tiruvalla
- 2003- Pune
- 2004- Dharsana Pastoral Centre, Peechi
- 2005- Santhinilayam, Tiruvalla
- 2006- Prathiksha Youth Centre, Bathery.
- 2007- Kanyakumari.
Along with the Re-union celebrations, the youth convention is being conducted in September and it commences with the Flaming Light Procession, and Flag Procession.
- 1990-Bathery
- 1991-Vennikulam
- 1992-Kollam
- 1994-Kattapana
- 1995-Kattanam
- 1996-Nilambur
- 1997-Piravam
- 1998-Thiruvananthapuram
- 1999-Sulthan Bathery
- 2000-Tiruvalla
- 2001-Mylapra
- 2002-Chengaroor
- 2003-Bathery
- 2004-Tiruvalla
- 2005-Mavelikara
- 2006-Muvattupuzha
- 2007-Kodenchery
The youth conventions are conducted under the leadership of the central body and each eparchial unit.
3. Commemoration of Mar Ivanios
On the day before the commemoration of the late Archbishop Mar Ivanios, the founder of Malankara Re-union Movement, the MCYM conducts memorial meetings at the tomb of Mar Ivanios.
4. MCYM Day - October
The Sunday close to the Feast of St. Francis Assisi is celebrated as the MCYM Day in the units.
5. Study Circle on St. Francis Assisi
A seminar is being held every year on the life and visions of St. Francis Assisi, the heavenly patron of MCYM, is and it is conducted in the eparchy where the youth convention is held.
6. Malankara Youth Convention Outside Kerala
This convention is organized for the youth of the mission centres outside Kerala during the months of October and December and the members of the central secretariat actively participate in it.
7. Eparchial Camps
Central unit conducts three days camps for each diocese basing on the theme of the central unit and leadership training programs.
8. Amendment of Constitution
Timely amendment in the constitution of the Central Body has been made on 14 May 2005, and it was published by Moran Mor Cyril Baselios Catholicos, the first Major Archbishop of Malankara Catholic Church.
9. Yuvachetana
‘Yuvachetana’, The official organ of the MCYM is being published every year by the central unit and at the time its 15th anniversary in 2006, a special issue was published as Souvenir.
10. Catholicos Flag Procession
In connection with the elevation of Malankara Catholic Church as a Major Archiepiscopal Church MCYM and MCA jointly organized the Catholicos Flag Procession in two phases from 29 March to 13 May 2005. Mr. Thomas John Thevarath, the president of the MCA and V.C. Georgekutty, the president of the MCYM were the captains. It started from the diocese of Bathery and ended in the Archdiocese of Thiruvananthapuram. Most of the priests and diocesan leaders actively participated in it.
OFFICE BEARERS
1990-1993
Director : Rev. Fr. Geevarghese Nediyath
President : Shri Monson K. Mathew, Thiruvananthapuram
Vice-President : Shri M.K. Geevarghese, Bathery
: Ms. Soosan T. Thomas, Tiruvalla (1990-1991)
: Ms Kochumol Abraham, Tiruvalla (1992-1993)
General Secretary : Shri. Lalu John, Tiruvalla (1990-1991)
: Shri Abraham Pattiyani (1992-1993)
Joint Secretary : Shri Antony Chandanapally, Thiruvananthapuram
Treasurer : Shri Philip Ninan, Bathery
1993-1996
Director : Rev. Fr. Mathai Kadavil OIC
President : Shri Shibu Varghese, Tiruvalla
Vice-President : Shri Benedict K.Y, Thiruvananthapuram
: Ms. Sherly Raju, Bathery
General Secretary : Shri. V.P. Thomas, Bathery
Joint Secretary : Shri Jacob Mathew, Tiruvalla
: Shri Paulson Manapurath, Mumbai
Treasurer : Shri James Daniel, Thiruvananthapuram
1996-1998
Director : Rev. Fr. Sajeev Thekkecheruvil OIC (‘96-‘97)
: Rev. Fr. Joshua Kuttiyil OIC (’97-’98)
President : Shri Jose Manackthottam, Bathery
Vice-President : Shri Jose Alexander, Pune
: Smt. Salamma D., Thiruvananthapuram
General Secretary : Shri. Liju George, Thiruvananthapuram
Joint Secretary : Shri Jose Parakkumthanam, Bathery
: Shri Reji M.M., Tiruvalla Mumbai
Treasurer : Shri Babu Kallumkal, Tiruvalla
1998-2000
Director : Rev. Fr. Joshua Kuttiyil OIC
President : Shri Joseph Cherian
Vice-President :
General Secretary : Shri. Robin Mathew
: Shri Shaji Mathew
Treasurer : Shri T.G. Raju, Bathery
2000-2002
Director : Rev. Fr. Joshua Kuttiyil OIC
President : Shri A Raj, Marthandom
Vice-President : Shri Anu S. Samuel, Tiruvalla
: Shri Daniel Babu P, Mumbai
General Secretary : Shri. C.A. Johny, Thiruvananthapuram
Joint Secretary : Shri Biju George, Delhi
: Shri Shibu T. Joseph, Tiruvalla
Treasurer : Shri Sabu Ponvayalil, Bathery
2002-2004
Director : Rev. Fr. Joshua Kuttiyil OIC
: Rev. Fr. Job Kalluvilayil
President : Shri V.C. Georgekutty, Tiruvalla
Vice-President : Ms. Sindhu Kiran, Bathery
: Shri Jojo Mathew, Outside Kerala
General Secretary : Shri. Rajeev Koshi, Thiruvananthapuram
Joint Secretary : Shri Santhosh John, Outside Kerala
Treasurer : Shri T John, Marthandom
2004-2006
Director : Rev. Fr. Job Kalluvilayil
President : Shri V.C. Georgekutty, Muvattupuzha
Vice-President : Renny Varghese, Bathery
: Ms. Shiny T. R, Thiruvananthapuram
General Secretary : Shri. Binu Abraham, Tiruvalla
Joint Secretary : Shri Aji Daniel, Thiruvananthapuram
: Ms. Manitha Mary, Marthandom
Treasurer : Shri Jojo Mathew, Banglore
2006-2008
Director : Rev. Fr. Job Kalluvilayil
President : Shri Jose Mathai, Thiruvananthapuram
Vice-President : Shri Anil Pananthanathu, Bathery
: Ms. A. Pravitha, Thiruvananthapuram
General Secretary : Shri. Eji Parapattu, Tiruvalla
Joint Secretary : Shaiby C. Baby, Muvattupuzha
: Shri Saju John, Outside Kerala
Treasurer : Shri Paul Raj, Marthandom
