Mr. Alvito Barreto and Miss Jothi Bai Moorthi introduced me to YCS/YSM in 1973, when I was teaching in St. Theresa’s High School, Ooty. At First I wondered, why to have another movement. There are so many organizations for youth in the villages, schools and parishes where young people come together to spend their youthful energy for some constructive work. All these organizations provide youngsters opportunities for teamwork, to develop their talents and leadership, to serve the society etc. Then why there must be another group.
What is special about YSM Movement? When I understood the YCS/YSM Methodology, was impressed
I saw Miss Jothi conduct YSM Cell Meeting, first time, with my students. Starting from small event in the student’s life, the cell members reached the level of Gospel values. It was like this.
Previous day a small group in the school compound was calling a fellow student a nickname ‘crow’, because she was rather dark in colour. Raising a few questions Miss Jothi helped the cell members analyse the event.
“What was her feeling”?
“Do you have similar experiences?”
“What would be your feeling if it happened to you?”
“What is the worth of a person- is it his/ her colour, height, shape of the nose etc?”
“If God/ Jesus were to be in your place? What would HE do?” etc
Finally the group resolved to meet the girl and make her their friend. Their action plan made them feel that they were agents of God in their classroom. They were so happy and their eyes were bright to be instruments in the hands of God.
YCS/YSM review of life is very powerful. It helps the students to meet God in their daily life. In fact God encounters us in every moment of our life- in each event and situation. Through the reflection process YSMers discover God’s presence. YSM Methodology helps them to hear the invitation of God to participate in His Plan and to build His Kingdom.
Thus students discover the deeper meaning of their life.
YSM Movement gives a new vision of the world- a world of equality and freedom. The present society is unjust in social/ political and economic aspect. Consciousness of injustice, challenges the young people. They have to learn to take a stand, not only when injustice is done to them but also when neighbor is a victim of unjust treatment. This struggle of people for a new society of justice and love is God’s work. Through YSM methodology, students see God’s Hand in this project.
Once I saw YSMers analyzing caste system. People are marginalized on the basis of birth. Students expressed their feelings when their friends refused to visit some houses and to receive their hospitality because of the caste. In the reflection, the animator suggested the gospel incident, where Jesus visited Zacahaus. Jesus acted bodily in spite of public criticism. Student’s conclusion was beautiful- when working for a change God is actively working with them. We only carry out God’s design.
In the tragedies of Life, there are two positions. We can remain a silent witness as an outsider or we get involved as participants. Strength of the peer group in YSM cell enables the students to jump into action. God respects our Freedom. God waits for our free choice to get involved and to take risk. YSM helps the students to make a conscious decision ti be responsible to their brother/ sister. Thus YSM Action becomes an expression of their faith and their religious commitment.
Fr. M. C. Michael
Former National Chaplain