Jesus Youth Bangladesh Transforms the Lives of Young Catholics

Since its inception in 2008, Jesus Youth Bangladesh (JY) has been a vibrant Catholic lay movement committed to nurturing young people in faith and service. Rooted in six pillars, Prayer, Word of God, Sacraments, Fellowship, Evangelization, and Option for the Poor, JY empowers youth to live Christ-centered lives and actively engage with the Church and society.

The movement recently hosted its Second National Conference, Encounter 2025, from December 4–7 in Gazipur, just north of Dhaka. About 150 participants, including 50 youth delegates, gathered for four days of spiritual renewal. The Apostolic Nuncio, Archbishop Kevin Stuart Randall; Archbishop Bejoy N.D. D’Cruze, OMI; Dhaka Auxiliary Bishop Subroto B. Gomes; and other Church leaders graced the event, encouraging young people to deepen their faith. The program featured interactive sessions, silent adoration, Holy Mass, healing prayers, panel discussions, cultural performances, and testimonies, all designed to foster a personal encounter with Jesus.

For many, JY has been a turning point. Pranti Reberio, a university student from the Rajshahi Diocese, shared that as a youth, maintaining faith can be challenging. “Sometimes prayer life feels dry, and discouragement sets in,” she said. “But JY activities inspire me and renew my spirit. My faith grows stronger, and I realize God is truly alive.” Pranti, now a full-time JY volunteer in Dhaka, added that through JY, she experienced the power of the Holy Spirit. Her confidence grew, and today she helps organize prayer meetings and programs for JY Dhaka.

Hoimonty Tripura, a teacher from Thanchi parish in Bandarban, echoed similar sentiments. She recalled attending Mass in a hostel run by sisters but admitted her faith was weak. Joining JY transformed her life. The six pillars guided her practice of the sacraments and brought peace to her heart. Hoimonty is preparing to serve as a missionary in India next January. “After joining JY, my relationship with the Church deepened. I actively participate in youth programs and assist the Catholic Youth Commission. JY opened a new chapter of faith and service for me,” she said.

Tias Victor Palma, from Tumulia parish in Gazipur, once dreamed of becoming a religious brother. After leaving the seminary, he felt spiritually drained and depressed. He rediscovered Jesus through JY, and his life is now full of blessings through regular prayer. Tias served as a JY missionary in Uganda for a year and currently works in Caritas Bangladesh’s audit department while remaining active in JY. Practicing JY’s six pillars keeps him Christ-centered. “Young people often prioritize many things but neglect Jesus. JY helped me overcome spiritual dryness and find joy in faith,” he reflected.

Paul Purification, JY Bangladesh coordinator and IT professional, told RVA that the movement has 120 active members nationwide. Their goal is to help youth encounter Jesus deeply. When they do, they become committed to the Church and live Christ-centered lives, something urgently needed today. Paul highlighted the challenges facing young people, noting that many are drifting away from the Church, with some facing despair and even suicidal tendencies. JY offers hope and healing. Those who join find new life and inner peace. Despite his full-time job at a renowned NGO, Paul dedicates his free time to JY because serving the movement gives him peace and purpose. Through JY, he shares the beauty of faith with others.

Church leaders affirm JY’s impact. Father Bikash Reberio, CSC, JY’s National Chaplain, praised the movement, saying JY members live prayerful, holy lives. Many wayward youths have found a new path here, embracing Christian ideals. Their spontaneous prayers and active involvement in the Church inspire him. He noted that three young adults will soon be baptized through JY, and five have already served as missionaries at home and abroad, with more preparing for mission work in the future. He believes those who join JY experience inner conversion and become vibrant witnesses of faith.

Through prayer, fellowship, and service, Jesus Youth Bangladesh continues to transform lives. For young Catholics seeking meaning and direction, JY offers more than activities, it offers a personal encounter with Jesus, leading to inner healing and renewed faith. As Paul Purification summed up: “When youth meet Jesus, everything changes. They live with hope, peace, and purpose. That is the mission of Jesus Youth.”