- 29 December, 2025
Bangalore, Dec 29, 2025: Describing JAGO 2025 not merely as the inauguration of a conference but as the launch of a movement of hope, Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrao officially declared the Jesus Youth gathering open on December 28, 2025, in Bengaluru. The event, held from December 28–31, 2025, at Christ Academy Educational Institutions, brought together over ten thousand young people from across India for a journey of faith, fellowship, and spiritual renewal.
Speaking at the opening, the Cardinal addressed the youth with hearts full of gratitude to God and deep expectation for what the Lord desires to accomplish through them. He noted that the launch coincided with the conclusion of the Jubilee Year 2025, also known as the Jubilee of Hope, observed across dioceses worldwide, reminding participants that hope is not something humans manufacture but a gift received when trust is placed in Christ, who sends believers forth as His witnesses in the world.
Reflecting on the theme Generation Hope, Cardinal Ferrao affirmed the Church’s confidence in young people, stating that the Church does not view them with anxiety or fear, but with trust. He said the future of the Church’s faith, mission, and renewal passes through the hearts of young people who dare to take Christ seriously.
To illustrate this call, Cardinal Ferrao highlighted the life of Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati, a 24-year-old who lived his faith with joy, courage, and action, and was recently canonized alongside Carlo Acutis by Pope Leo. Pier Giorgio was described as an ordinary young man who loved friendships, studies, sports, and the mountains; yet beneath his joyful exterior was a life deeply rooted in Christ. His days began with prayer and the Eucharist and flowed naturally into service to the poor, the sick, and the forgotten.
The Cardinal observed that what stood out in Pier Giorgio’s life was that he never separated faith from life. For him, prayer led naturally to action, and love for Christ led to love for others. Cardinal Ferrao said his witness reminds the Church that Christianity is not a private comfort but a public witness. Pier Giorgio’s simple phrase to his friends, “verso l’alto” — to the heights — was presented as a way of life, calling young people to aim high not merely in ambition, but in holiness, service, and courage.
Addressing the Indian context, the Cardinal acknowledged that young people today live amid immense opportunities but also intense pressures — to succeed, to compete, to prove themselves, and to conform. Against this backdrop, he said Pier Giorgio’s life reveals that true greatness lies not in self-promotion but in self-giving.
Explaining the meaning of JAGO, the Cardinal said it is a call to wake up and reach out — to awaken from comfort, indifference, and fear, and to reach out to the poor, the lonely, the wounded, and those who are searching. JAGO 2025, through its journey of encounter, healing, hope, and going forth, invited young people to rediscover their identity as missionary disciples. Cardinal Ferrao stressed that the Church does not ask young people to withdraw from the world, but to transform it — beginning with families, campuses, workplaces, parishes, and digital spaces.
He expressed gratitude to youth mentors, priests, religious sisters, seminarians, and bishops present, thanking them for walking with young people in faith and hope. Their presence, he said, was a reminder that the Church journeys together across vocations and generations.
In a world that often confuses freedom with isolation, mentors and shepherds model commitment rooted in love and service, reminding youth that vocation is not a loss but a response to God’s generous invitation. Cardinal Ferrao also acknowledged the unseen sacrifices, prayers, and silent struggles of those who accompany the youth and prayed that the gathering would renew their joy in mission and strengthen their resolve.
As the conference was consecrated to Mother Mary, the Cardinal invited all present to entrust themselves to her, recalling that she trusted God completely and walked forward without knowing the whole plan. He prayed that she may teach all to say “yes” generously, courageously, and joyfully.
Concluding his address, Cardinal Ferrao said India needs witnesses of hope, the Church in India needs young hearts on fire with faith, and the world today needs the courage, creativity, and compassion of its youth. As pilgrims of hope, he urged them to walk together, support one another, and never be afraid to go against the current for the love of Christ.
By Catholic Connect Reporter
Image credit: Jesus Youth India
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