Include youths in ministerial obligations, says priest

Youths should not be brushed aside from ministerial obligations, Vangeke Institute Programme coordinator Fr Robert Gigmai says.
He was speaking at a six-week ongoing formation programme for Melanesian priests from Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands which started in Goroka on Sept 27 and will end on Nov 8.
“Our youth should not be brushed aside from ministerial obligations,” Gigmai said.
The programme was established by the Bishops’ Conference of PNG and Solomon Islands in 2008.
The theme for the year’s programme – Priest, called to the fullness of life and love – is in line with the year of youth this year.
Eighteen priests, including three from Solomon Islands, are undertaking studies for this year’s programme.
This year’s is the eighth programme held since the first in 2010.
The programme has seen 152 priests and two deacons participating since it started.
It so far has had sessions on medical check-ups, health, self-care, diet and hygiene and identity and ministry of priests.
“The programme is a time for the priests to reflect on their ministry as they interact and share moments of prayer and reflections with their brother priests,” Bishop Dariusz, Bishop of Goroka and the organiser of the programme, said.
“It is wonderful to have them reflect and renew themselves here at the centre.”
Dariusz said the aim was for the priests to share, strengthen and enjoy their priesthood because they were all called to the fullness of life and love.
Robert said it was a joy to be with the facilitators as they shared different aspects of their personal and priestly ministries, leading them to understand their role as pastors.