“The Chosen Encounter” Draws 4,000 Faithful in Mumbai

Drawing a large gathering, “The Chosen Encounter – A Catholic Experience”, a large-scale Catholic faith initiative organised by the Catholic Charismatic Renewal (CCR) in coordination with The Chosen India, was held at the grounds of Holy Cross Church, Mumbai, on December 6. The encounter brought together around 4,000 participants, including more than 75 priests and about 150 religious sisters, and was supported by YU4C (Youth United For Christ), the youth wing of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal.

Gracing the event, Cardinal Oswald Cardinal Gracias expressed appreciation for The Chosen Encounter initiative and encouraged the responsible use of digital technology for the spread of the Gospel, while emphasising the need to engage social media and Artificial Intelligence with due discretion.

The Chosen is an international television series that portrays the life of Jesus Christ through scenes from the Bible, with the mission of making Jesus known. Participants were informed about upcoming projects linked to the series, including Season VI focusing on the Crucifixion in 2026, a feature film on the Crucifixion planned for theatrical release in 2027, and a project on the Resurrection scheduled for 2028.

Nearly 100 youth dressed as disciples led praise and worship through Jewish-style dances, while five reflections from Gospel passages on the life of Jesus were presented along with short video clips from The Chosen.

Those present also heard addresses by Mr. Ashish Nag, Country Manager for The Chosen India; Mr. Ajin Joseph, Catholic Engagement Manager for The Chosen India and National Coordinator for YU4C; and Mr. Francis Mendes, Archdiocesan Coordinator of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal. Eucharistic Adoration was led by Fr. Michael D’Cunha, Spiritual Director of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal, and Gospel music was rendered by the YU4C band.

A central focus of the encounter was the presentation of five powerful clips from The Chosen, accompanied by reflections from local preachers and teachers. Contemporary dance by the youth brought several Gospel scenes vividly to life. During the clip depicting Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead, the performance visually echoed the Scripture. In another moment, as the multiplication of the loaves and fishes was shown, youth dressed as disciples moved through the crowd distributing bread to each person.

These visual enactments brought the Word of God alive for many participants, leaving a deep and lasting impression. Several in the gathering were moved to tears as Scripture was not only heard but also seen and experienced. For those encountering The Chosen for the first time, the scenes resonated deeply, with many relating them to their own struggles, doubts and hopes reflected in the lives of the disciples.

The encounter witnessed a strong response from the youth, with more than 1,000 young people joining in joyful singing and dancing for Jesus, led by the YU4C Gospel music band.

By Ajin Joseph