Title: The Digital Evangelist
Publisher: Carmel International Publishing House
ISBN No: 978-9347211058
Available at: Amazon and Carmel International Publishing House
Price: Rs. 240.00
Sr. Dr. Teresa Joseph fma –
Verghese Joseph Vadakkethala’s book on Jerin Thobias Vakayil: The Digital Evangelist, is an evocative life thriller that explores the power of a life lived for others. The author expresses it eloquently: “In the heart of everyone, there are lives that shine as beacons illuminating the path for others, not through grand gestures or worldly acclaim, but through the quiet, steady glow of faith, love, and service. This book is a tribute to such a life.”
A short life—merely 23 years—yet one in full blossom, overflowing with generous giving to the Church and those around him. Agile and competent with technology, Jerin embodied so much more.
Mrs. Lakshmi Athreya, author and IT consultant, has already contributed a glowing tribute to the book and its author.
What made Jerin’s life so special? What was the secret of his success? What message does he hold for today’s youth? Greater joy awaits in discovering answers to these profound questions that touch the essence of life—through a careful reading of Jerin Thobias Vakayil: The Digital Evangelist. To spark curiosity: know that the best of Jerin’s life he owed to his parents.
Passionately in love with Jesus Christ and the Blessed Sacrament, Jerin gladly served through Jesus Youth ministry, lighting up the minds and hearts of those he encountered. He contributed significantly to the national Jesus Youth Conference, Jaago, held in Bengaluru—from well-designed digital posters to leading online promotional efforts. His commitment was of the highest class and quality. He showed tremendous zeal on digital platforms, receiving Jesus with reverence each morning. Spurred by his love for Jesus and Mother Mary, during the terrible pandemic, Jerin streamed Holy Mass and shared the Word of God. His active role in Jesus Youth left a lasting legacy that continues to motivate young and old alike.
Mar Sebastian Adayanthrath, Bishop of Mandya, powerfully expressed how Jerin “played a stellar role in enabling St. Norbert Church to pioneer live broadcasts among churches in the Mandya Diocese—a testament to his entrepreneurial spirit. Moreover, his diverse talents included proficiency in programming; he was part of the team to develop the Cloud Catholic mobile application associated with Kairos media magazine, besides being an active Jesus Youth member and contributing to the media wing of the youth conference at Christ University. In a way, Jerin embodied the spirit of Carlo Acutis within the Mandya Diocese.”
Are you still besieged by the loss of a dear one? Grappling with the why and what of youth ministry? Searching for ways to motivate today’s young people? Doubtful about their choices? In the decision process for the right gift for yourself or a friend? If so, grab a copy of Jerin: The Digital Evangelist and find a quiet corner to explore it.
The author has succeeded in capturing the Vakayil household—Blessed Mother Eliswa Vakayil—and every aspect of Jerin’s being. He has crafted a masterpiece for us all. Words can scarcely describe the profound experiences. Unlike other books, this volume traces the promptings of the Spirit that led the author to interview more than 100 people closely associated with Jerin, penning a marvelous text rich in experiences that portray the deep human and divine qualities that made him stand out.
Young Jerin displayed fascinating media skills from his early activities. His heart was always set on the altar; with profound trust in God’s providence, he went about doing good. “Jerin’s entire life [was] woven by divine design”—his mother Blessy’s distinctive conviction.
If “the grace on his face made him look like a saint,” can we not wait in hope to see him declared as one? The call to holiness and sainthood remains ever relevant, even in this era of advanced technology. Pope Francis, in Gaudete et Exsultate (“Rejoice and Be Glad,” n. 32, 2018), affirms: “Do not be afraid of holiness. It will take away none of your energy, vitality or joy. On the contrary, you will become what the Father had in mind when he created you, and you will be faithful to your deepest self.”
Jerin Thobias Vakayil’s sonnet concludes, “Death, thou shalt die.” Jerin has passed on, but his legacy will inspire generations. We hope and pray that one day this Digital Evangelist may become our saint.
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Sr. Dr. Teresa Joseph fma is a Salesian Sister of the Bombay Province, India. She holds a Master’s degree in the Science of Education with specialization in Catechetics from Pontificia Facoltà Auxilium, Rome, and a PhD in Missiology with specialization in Inter-religious Studies from the Gregorian University, Rome. Sr. Teresa has authored and co-authored several books and contributed numerous articles to journals in India and abroad. She was one of the 20 panelists on the Global Sisters Report panel, “The Life.”