Jesus Youth Commissions 34th Batch of Full-Time Volunteers for Mission Across India

Aluva, Kerala, July 31, 2026: Thirty-four young missionaries were commissioned for evangelisation and pastoral service across India as the Jesus Youth movement concluded its 34th Full-Time Volunteer Formation programme at the Nirmala School campus in Aluva.

The commissioning took place during a solemn Eucharistic celebration presided over by Bishop Ambrose Puthenveetil, who blessed the volunteers before they departed for their mission assignments in different parts of the country.

In his homily, Bishop Puthenveetil urged the young missionaries to become courageous witnesses to Christ by proclaiming the Gospel through their lives as well as their words.

"Mission is not only about preaching by words, but also about living a Christ-centred life that bears witness to the Gospel," the bishop said, encouraging the volunteers to remain steadfast in their commitment wherever they are sent.

The Jesus Youth Full-Time Volunteer Formation is a year-long missionary programme that enables young people to dedicate themselves to prayer, faith formation and evangelisation while living in dependence on God's providence. Since its inception in 1992, the initiative has helped hundreds of young people discern their vocation and prepare for missionary service.

Following their commissioning, the newly formed volunteers will serve in various mission centres across India, supporting the Church's evangelising mission through youth ministry, faith formation and pastoral outreach.

The movement also acknowledged the contribution of the Full-Time Volunteers Facilitating Team, thanking its members for accompanying the participants throughout their formation and preparing them for missionary life.

The commissioning ceremony concluded with the Gospel mandate, "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations" (Matthew 28:19), as the Church prayed that the Holy Spirit would guide and strengthen the new missionaries in their service.

By Catholic Connect Reporter