Jesus Youth fellowship transforms lives in Canberra

When Raifiel Cyril was in her 20s, a powerful encounter with God changed her life.

“I grew up in a Catholic family, but I wasn’t convinced about Jesus,” she admitted.

“My father was an evangelist, and his message was hard for me to accept when I was young.”

Raifiel searched for answers in various religions but could not find what she was looking for.

“When I came across Jesus Youth, I could see they were experiencing something that was real; there was a glow about them and a peace on their face that really called out to me,” she said.

“I was hungry for that.”

Jesus Youth, a Catholic charismatic group with a focus on youth, started in India and has spread internationally, offering prayer meetings, retreats, and conferences around the world.

Raifiel started attending the retreats in India, hoping for a personal encounter of her own.

“My prayers were answered in 2008, when I came to the realisation that Christianity was the way,” she said.

“I had a really powerful encounter that totally flipped everything I had in mind for my life, because I had met Christ. It fulfilled me deeply, and I am so grateful to Jesus Youth because that is where I experienced the Lord in that magnificent way.”

When Raifiel moved to Canberra in 2017, she immediately joined the local group.

“I can’t even tell you how important that fellowship and community is,” she said.

“Jesus Youth is a place where there is a lot of joy and generosity. You come in, and you feel that people are happy to see you there, and they are constantly giving to you without counting the cost. It is a whole family, a place to belong and feel loved. When I moved to Australia, you cannot imagine how cushioned I felt. We didn’t know anyone personally, but they opened their homes and hearts to us.”

Now a mentor figure in Jesus Youth, Raifiel said the group gives young Catholics an opportunity to experience encounter for themselves.

“You can believe in God, but until you experience his love in your heart – that is what changes human beings,” she said.

“It really propels them to live in the way that God has designed for us to live. Young people are hungry for love and affirmation and only Christ can provide it.”

Sam Kunnel, who joined Jesus Youth about five years ago, agreed the fellowship aspect is particularly critical for young people.

“I came along, and I found people who were Christian and also my age as well,” he said.

“Jesus Youth created the pathway to become deeper in my faith, and now that faith is the fundamental core of my life. The movement was there for me in difficult times, directing me towards God, and that helped me realise what really matters.”

Sam said it was valuable to have more experienced mentor members in the group to guide the young people.

“They have often grown up in the movement and have been through what you are going through, so can give you advice,” he said.

“There are pathways for music ministry, overseas missionary work, whatever you are into.”

Jesus Youth members come together for weekly prayer meetings and play an active part in community events such as the Marian Procession.

“Our Lord gave us community for a reason,” Sam said.

“Youth groups are really important for creating a family that is growing up on the same journey as you at the same time.”