Port Moresby, PNG 8 January 2024 -- Close to a hundred children and youths from Sabama, Gabutu and Sere Kone came together on Friday the 5th and Saturday the 6th of January 2024, at Don Bosco Technical School, Gabutu to participate in a two-day catechetical and value-based program.
The participants were divided into two groups: 8 to 12 years and 13 to 20 years. They were able to nurture their personal relationship with God and learn from sharing and interacting with their companions. They were challenged to be a light as they lived and bore witness to Christ in their lives.
A variety of topics were taught and discussed throughout the two-day period. The children were taught the importance of the bible and helped to understand the different liturgical elements. They were challenged to read the bible and discover the secrets and promises of God. The young people were helped to discover God’s Love for them, the dignity and sacredness of life, the Sacrament of Reconciliation, and the Sacrament of Marriage.
The program was accompanied with visual aids, materials, dance, and action songs. The Missionaries of Charity sisters were inspiring, and the sessions were well-received by the participants. It allowed the participants to enjoy God’s presence, listen to God’s Word, pray, and reflect on the beauty of creation and God’s abiding love for each of them.
The participants expressed their happiness in these or similar words: “I was able to understand the great love that God has for each one of us”, commented Pamela Wambon; While Gideon Doa said, “I realize that the sacraments nourish my life.”
At the end of each day, the participants were given a snack and cool beverage before they left for home. They look forward to more programs in the future.
The program was conducted by the Missionaries of Charity, Sr. Joachina MC, Sr. Johnila MC, Sr. Joy MC and Sr. Arul Cecil MC. Sr. Kanchan of the Missionary Sisters of Mary Help of Christians (MSMHC), catechists from the parishes, animators, and parents accompanied and assisted the children. The program was coordinated by Fr Ambrose Pereira SDB, parish priest of Mary Help of Christians parish, Sabama, together with Fr Pedro Sachitula SDB, Br Philip Hwang SDB, Fr Angel Fazzini SDB, and Br Conrad Vimalit SDB.
