Institute stages retreat, youths urged to live with Christ

CATHOLIC Bishops Conference secretary for communications and youth Fr Ambrose Pereira has urged young people not to be afraid to live with Christ.
Pereira was speaker during a two-day retreat for staff at the Don Bosco Technological Institute, East Boroko, which ended on May 31.
The retreat was attended by the teaching and non-teaching staff. The theme of the retreat was: “Call to Holiness”.
Students’ activities coordinator Lucy Napitalai said: “The retreat was great. As a new teacher, I am blessed to know that holiness can be found in the little things.”
“The joy that I find in teaching and sharing with the students is holiness for me,” she said.
Academic acting vice-dean Noel Guillermo said: “The retreat brought back to me the lesson that Don Bosco gave his boys – a boy can be holy and joyful at the same time”.
English lecturer Erlene Lorenzo said: “The retreat had a great impact on me as an educator. I realised that to inspire the young people, I must radiate the spirit of Christ”.
English, math and science area coordinator Maria Fatima Alipio said: “I realise that doing good to others draws me closer to God.”
“Through them, I see the love of God. I understand that I am blessed and fortunate in life, so I will stop complaining and asking for too much.”
The retreat consisted of moments of prayer and reflection. The interactive sessions gave the participants an opportunity to share and make sense of the issues they dealt with on a daily basis.
The participants were challenged to ‘switch off’ their phones to dispose themselves to God voice.
The retreat’s highlight was the eucharistic celebration by Fr Pereira and Fr Joseph Dai as spiritual moderators and co-celebrants.