On the evening of Saturday, March 29, 2025, the Jesus Youth Canada – Scarborough Unit gathered at St. Thomas Church, Scarborough, for a profound encounter with the Lord. Around 80 vibrant young adults, along with a few elders, came together in faith for an hour of Eucharistic Adoration, during which the Sacrament of Reconciliation was made available, followed by the celebration of the Holy Eucharist from 7 pm to 10 pm. This sacred gathering served as a spiritual preparation for Easter and an integral part of their monthly fellowship.
The evening was led by Fr. Shaji, whose pastoral presence, encouraging words, and sacramental ministry nourished the souls of these young men and women. He commended their commitment to making time for Christ amid their busy lives and encouraged them to be bold witnesses of His love in their daily interactions. As Chaplain of the Ontario Jesus Youth Regional Council, Fr. Shaji continues to strengthen faith-based communion among young people, actively supporting their initiatives through Holy Cross Family Ministries (HCFM). It was truly a God-filled experience—a powerful testimony to the thirst of young hearts longing for spiritual renewal and a deeper relationship with Christ. Their presence, prayers, and desire for holiness echoed the words of Jesus: “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled” (Matthew 5:6).
The sight of these young men and women kneeling before the Eucharistic Lord, setting aside all worldly distractions to renew and strengthen their faith, was nothing short of inspiring. This gathering was not just an event—it was a movement of grace, sparking renewed zeal for Christ and His mission. Recognizing the transformative power of such gatherings, HCFM and Jesus Youth Canada are prayerfully discerning and planning collaborative initiatives for the near future. With hearts burning with love for the Lord, they seek to motivate and inspire many others through their witness, networking, and evangelization efforts. “Let no one despise your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity” (1 Timothy 4:12). May this flame of faith continue to ignite hearts, leading many more to a joyful encounter with the Risen Lord!
