Syro-Malabar Youth Movement (SMYM) – Europe
Syro-Malabar Youth Movement (SMYM) is the official youth movement of the Syro-Malabar Church. The Syro-Malabar Church has more than 1.6 million Catholic youth across the world.
The Laity Commission of the Syro-Malabar Church initiated efforts in 2011 to coordinate youth apostolates and bring young people together. With the approval of the Synod of Bishops, SMYM officially commenced on 30 August 2014, and the Syro-Malabar Youth Commission was constituted in the first session of the Synod of Bishops in 2015.
Though still in its formative stage, SMYM has a growing presence in dioceses and mission centres in India and abroad, and continues to promote the faith, traditions, and values of the Syro-Malabar Church for the Kingdom of God and society.
Youth Apostolate in Europe
During the Apostolic Visitation, pastoral care of Syro-Malabar youth in Europe was noted as one of the most serious concerns. Challenges such as inadequate faith formation, cultural crisis, addictions (including alcoholism and pornography), and the influence of different ideologies (secularism, atheism, consumerism, etc.) highlighted the need for a structured Youth Apostolate.
Considering these realities, Fr. Binoj Mulavarickal was appointed Director of the Youth Apostolate for Europe in 2016. This apostolate works in three key areas of formation.
Syro-Malabar Teens Ministry
Teenagers require special pastoral care as “youth in the making.” Along with catechism instruction, they need formation that builds fellowship and identity.
- Initially started in Belfast with multiple three-day programmes, showing strong impact.
- In Germany, teen programmes were mainly conducted online due to migrant family realities.
- During COVID, regular monthly online prayer meetings were held; “Grace Time” was planned for biblical studies.
- The first European Teens Fellowship was held in Malta (28–30 December 2023).
Syro-Malabar Youth Movement (SMYM)
SMYM is a formation movement preparing youth as tomorrow’s Church leaders in pastoral care — as priests, religious, and committed lay leaders. The main activities focus on three areas:
- A. Spiritual, liturgical, catechetical, and ecclesial formation
- B. Formation of Unit Executives, Regional Team, National Team, European Team, and Animators’ Team
- C. Group building and vocational discernment programmes
Major Programmes and Initiatives
These flagship programmes support spiritual renewal, formation, fellowship, leadership, and mission engagement among Syro-Malabar youth across Europe.
Awake
Awake is a unit-level and national-level programme for selected youth, centred on prayer, Eucharistic adoration, confession, reflection, and Holy Qurbana. It aims at spiritual renewal and a positive outlook towards life with a clear Christian vision, including vocational reflection.
Rejoice
Rejoice is the follow-up of Awake. It is a non-residential youth programme that continues formation and fellowship, helping youth to remain connected and active in faith within their units and regions.
Grand Awake
Grand Awake is a European-level programme where selected youth from different countries gather once a year. Interactive sessions, workshops, and seminars help youth deepen their understanding of Catholic teachings and the rich liturgical, theological, spiritual, and disciplinary patrimony of the Syro-Malabar Church.
Next Grand Awake: To Be Announced
Arise
Arise is a global combined mission endeavour where youth from Melbourne, Chicago, Mississauga, Great Britain, and the Apostolic Visitation of Europe joined hands in Rome. The challenges of migrant youth are often similar, and their roots are shared; this gathering helped participants reflect on their ecclesial identity through prayer, reflection, and fellowship.
A highlight was meeting Pope Francis for an hour. The gathering included 5 bishops, 15 priests, and 75 participants, along with pilgrimage experiences in Rome.
Faith Formation and Prayer Initiatives
Faith Hub
Faith Hub began mainly during the COVID time as a monthly Q&A online session. There were meaningful discussions on topics such as Holy Qurbana, Confession, Marriage, Sacraments, Moral Life, Theology of the Body, Faith and Reason, Science and Religion, Theism and Atheism, and more. This monthly programme had 15 episodes.
Food for the Soul
Food for the Soul is a regular Sunday prayer gathering for youth across Europe. It is a one-hour prayer evening meditating on the mysteries of the Most Holy Rosary, usually including a short message by a priest, and concluding with praise and worship.
Leadership and Formation Programmes
- Scuola Fidei – Training programme for the whole European youth, deepening Church teachings (planned to begin later this year).
- Cenacle – Leadership training programme with workshops on Christian leadership skills.
- Promise – Second-level leadership programme for those who have completed Cenacle.
- Companion – Six-month monthly module for the formation of youth animators.
- Three-Month Counselling Course for Youth Mentors – Professional training (mainly for women religious) in formation psychology and counselling. The first session commenced on 8 November 2023.
Journeying Forward
SMYM in Europe continues to grow as a developing and mission-oriented youth apostolate, responding to the pastoral realities of migrant youth. Through formation, leadership development, prayer initiatives, and mission engagement, SMYM seeks to form young people who are rooted in faith, confident in their identity, and committed to the mission of the Church.