The Wind Blows from On High - To Canada JY 2026 (BJMM057)

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  The Wind Blows from On High

As Canada JY approaches its 25-year anniversary.

(By Dr. Edward Edezhath, for Canada JY by the end of 2025)

I live in the United States, but over the past year, I’ve made many trips to our neighbors in Canada, visiting Jesus Youth groups and families. There’s a small joke among friends: whenever the US Jesus Youth teams try to reach me, it often turns out that a group in Canada has already “claimed” me for a visit. Some even teasingly call me Canada Eddy! I mention this only to highlight how often I have traveled there and how deeply I value these encounters.


Throughout my travels across various countries and communities, one question constantly remains in my mind: Which way is the wind of the Spirit blowing? My simple desire has always been to notice it, encourage it, sometimes express it more clearly, and whenever possible, share these beautiful movements of grace with Jesus Youth and the broader Church. So I keep asking myself: Where is the wind blowing today?



Here are some directions where I see the Spirit moving in Canada:

• Building a Culture of Joy and Connection

Jesus Youth is often described as a way of life filled with joy. In Canada, I have witnessed this through creative initiatives, gatherings filled with gratitude, and many chances for young people to come together to praise God and enjoy each other's company. Each gathering aims to create an atmosphere of joy.

• Young People Eager to Serve

A clear sign of the Spirit at work is the number of young people asking how they can serve—whether by helping the poor, using their talents for God, or engaging with groups near and far.

• Families Looking for Clear Guidance

During a time when marriage and family life face unprecedented challenges, Jesus Youth groups across Canada have launched several innovative and vital initiatives to strengthen, guide, and support families.

• Growth of Small Communities

Since fellowship is the lifeblood of Christian life, the movement has always supported small communities. In Canada, there is a renewed effort to form and maintain these close-knit groups where faith can be shared and genuinely lived.

• Personal Deepening

Helping individuals grow in an inner journey with Christ remains core to Jesus Youth. This focus shows in trainings, programs, and daily life in JY communities, where personal formation is always emphasized.

• Coming Alive in the Church

As an ecclesial movement, Jesus Youth finds its mission within and alongside the Church. It is encouraging to see young people and families starting ministries in parishes and dioceses across the country.

• Remembering the Poor

A genuine concern for those in need—and the willingness to take concrete actions to serve them—continues to guide the mission of Jesus Youth in Canada.

• Welcoming Everyone into the Tent

In a multicultural environment, the temptation can be to stick with familiar groups. However, Jesus Youth communities in Canada intentionally work to welcome people from different cultures, ethnicities, and even ritual traditions, ensuring that no one feels excluded.

As I travel across this beautiful country and meet Jesus Youth leaders and groups, I continually ask myself—and invite others to reflect as well—how these new inspirations of the Holy Spirit can be nurtured and lived more deeply. As Jesus Youth in Canada approaches the important milestone of 25 years in this country, may the Spirit of God bestow greater light, strength, and courage to pray, discern, and work toward making God’s Kingdom more present in a meaningful and impactful way.


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