Meet helps youths build relationship with Christ

Young people had an inspiring and enjoyable day with a variety of activities at Vunapope, East New Britain, during the National Youth Convention on Sunday.
“Prepare” and “repent” were the key words of Bishop Rolando Santos, as he spoke to the congregation at the eucharistic celebration on the Second Sunday of Advent.
The morning sessions gave pointers for reflection and had inputs that prompted relevant questions of faith, vocation, life and love.
“Always listen, encounter and awakening” were the points that Bishop Peter Baquero SDB dealt with in his session.
Baquero shared that at the synod on youth, the focus was on listening – to the young, above all to the spirit speaking to the young.
He dwelt on having an encounter with God and each other and challenged the participants to new and committed ways of life.
“Young people have to be involved and empowered,” Baquero said as he called all to holiness.
Santos encouraged young people to pray and not be afraid to be witnesses to Christ. His session, The Eucharistic in your Life, gave practical tips on how young people could build up a relationship with Christ and understand the dream of the Father for each of them.
In the afternoon, participants did work of mercy and visited patients at St Mary’s Hospital, Vunapope.
The participants prayed while they went in procession from the Diocesan Hall to Vunapope Hospital.
Different groups visited different wards at the hospital.
Patients said they were happy and blessed to have young people visit, speak, pray and share God’s word with them.
The campfire at the end of the day was a time to celebrate the events of the day, enjoy each other’s company and draw closer in fellowship and friendship.
It was opened by Bishop Rochus Tatamai, the CBC president for PNGSI.
Present for the event were Cardinal Sir John Ribat, Bishop Rolando Santos, Bishop Pedro Baquero and a number of religious and friends.