ST. JOHN'S STUDENTS INVOKE THE HOLY GUIDANCE OF HIS HOLINESS

April 24, 2025, was undoubtedly a momentous and auspicious day at St. John's School, marked by the gracious visit of His Grace Dr. Youhanon Mar Demetrios, Metropolitan of the Delhi Diocese. His Grace warmly accepted the school's invitation, reflecting his profound affection for engaging with the younger generation—the torchbearers destined to represent and shape the nation's future. Chairman Rev. Fr. T. J. Johnson and Principal Ms. Reeja Ninan welcomed the esteemed visitor with heartfelt enthusiasm.

The highlight of this remarkable occasion was the insightful and engaging interview conducted by the student’s representative, representing the voice of the student body. Addressing the curiosity about his spiritual journey and reflections, His Grace illuminated the profound integration of worldly existence and spirituality. He emphasized that every calling, whether to priesthood, medicine, or engineering, emanates from God. His own call to priesthood became evident during his school days, illustrating that spirituality involves embracing and serving the world through compassion, love, and steadfast faith.

When asked what he would question God if given a chance, His Grace poignantly replied that he would inquire about the reason behind suffering, particularly among innocent children. Despite this challenging contemplation, he affirmed a resilient belief in God's inherent goodness, acknowledging that an enduring relationship with the divine sustains positivity and hope even amidst profound trials.

Regarding his favorite time of day as a Bishop, His Grace fondly highlighted the early morning hours. Rising around 5 a.m., he dedicates peaceful moments to prayer, reflection, and reading, accompanied by a refreshing cup of coffee. He described these moments as tranquil yet energizing, setting a positive tone for the day's duties. Moreover, he finds immense joy in simple acts of kindness, emphasizing that even minor gestures can profoundly uplift both giver and receiver.

Addressing daily joy, His Grace candidly discussed the complexity of time management, acknowledging that although mornings have a structured routine, the remainder of his day is often unpredictable. He advised students to cultivate discipline, strategic planning, and prayer to manage time effectively. He stressed that training the mind for focused study and structured work periods is crucial for academic success.

Providing invaluable counsel to the younger generation, he underscored the importance of discipline, resilience, positivity, and nurturing habits rooted in love, service, and prayer. He advised students to identify and strengthen their weak areas, wisely manage their schedules, balance academics with leisure activities, and consistently engage in physical exercise. Most importantly, he urged cultivating inner strength to resist negative influences and making choices that build resilience and character.

When a student voiced concerns regarding criticism often directed at Generation Z and Alpha, His Grace responded reassuringly, reminding them that every generation has faced scrutiny. He encouraged maintaining core values such as respect, patience, perseverance, and compassion to overcome societal criticisms effectively.

Reflecting on his memorable encounter with Pope Francis, His Grace shared deeply inspiring anecdotes highlighting the Pope's extraordinary humility, genuine warmth, and profound love. These interactions left an indelible mark, inspiring him and resonating deeply with all listeners.

In response to a query from a candidate aspiring to become Head Boy about essential leadership qualities, His Grace succinctly stated that an exemplary leader must embody compassion, justice, humility, and a servant-leadership ethos. Such a leader actively listens, leads with kindness, and exercises decisive firmness.

Addressing the concern regarding brain drain from India, His Grace emphasized the significance of acquiring global knowledge but firmly advocated for using such expertise to uplift one's homeland and community. Additionally, in response to whether artificial intelligence could surpass human empathy and wisdom, he emphasized the unmatched power of human emotional intelligence and ethical judgment. Technology, although powerful, should augment rather than replace the warmth of human compassion.

On the critical subject of environmental sustainability, His Grace passionately advocated for practical steps such as planting trees, reducing waste, and conserving resources. He firmly asserted that collective small-scale efforts by communities could yield significant environmental improvements.

The presence of His Grace Dr. Youhanon Mar Demetrios radiated joy, enlightenment, and inspiration throughout the gathering. His profound wisdom, affable personality, and articulate responses immensely satisfied the students' curiosity, rendering the occasion deeply enriching and profoundly memorable.