A Gift of Love – Honoring Five Jesus Youth Missionaries
Dear Friends,
This year marks the 25th anniversary of the tragic bus accident that took the lives of five Jesus Youth members who were on a missionary outreach. As a tribute to their sacrifice, Jesus Youth members and friends have built six homes for families in need.
The accident occurred on March 11, 2001, near Pookkipparambu, close to Kottakkal in Kozhikode district. The five young missionaries were returning from a 10-day outreach program in Rajapuram, Idukki, when the bus they were traveling in met with an accident and caught fire. Most passengers were asleep at the time. Among those who lost their lives were Roy Chuvappunkal, Rajani Mathew, Reena Sebastian, Shiji Thomas, and Bindu Devassy. Roy managed to escape the burning bus but went back inside to rescue others, tragically losing his own life while attempting to save more passengers.
A Meaningful Memorial Initiative
On the 25th anniversary of this tragic incident, Jesus Youth members have built six homes in their memory. Five houses were constructed in Koodathayi, Kozhikode district, and one in Koorachund, given to families affected by the Wayanad and Vilangad landslides.
The homes were built under Jesus Youth’s “Nalla Ayalkaran (Good Neighbor)” project, funded entirely by contributions from members’ tithes. The key handover ceremony will be led by His Excellency Bishop Remigiose Inchananiyil of Thamarassery Diocese.
On the evening of April 26 2025, a Holy Mass will be offered at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Koodathayi, led by His Excellency Bishop Alex Vadakumthala of Kannur and Ecclesiastical Advisor for the Jesus Youth India. Families of the deceased, benefactors, and volunteers will gather to remember the departed and reflect on their sacrifice.
A Testament to Faith and Generosity
The project was coordinated by Reji J. Karot, a former Jesus Youth Kerala Coordinator,and International Mission Team member, and teacher at St. Mary’s High School, Koodathayi. The initiative was supported by Fr. Abraham Pallivathukkal SJ, Prafull Varghese, Bins Puthakadiel, and other Jesus Youth from Kozhikode, who played key roles in bringing this vision to life.
Despite starting the construction with very little, the team moved forward with faith, relying entirely on the generosity of Jesus Youth members in India and abroad. The “Nalla Ayalkaran (Good Neighbor)” initiative, originally launched during the 2018 floods, has since expanded to include medical aid and relief efforts. During the COVID-19 pandemic, it provided food, medicine, and shelter for those in need.
The key handover will be a private event, not a public ceremony, reflecting the Gospel teaching:
“Do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing.” (Matthew 6:3)
This initiative is a reminder that small acts of love can create a lasting impact. The generosity and dedication of those who made this possible challenge us to do more. Can we find ways to serve those in need? Can we give, not just from our abundance, but from our hearts? Let this be an invitation for each of us to become a Good Neighbor, making a difference in our own communities.
With prayers and gratitude,
Dr. Midhun Paul
Jesus Youth International Coordinator
