By Christine Maden

       Rabaul, East New Britain, Papua New Guinea, 28 July 2021 -- Thirty-two youth leaders of the Mary Help of Christians (MHC) Parish, Rapolo, attended an intense one-day formation training at the Haus Sekan Retreat Center, Rabaul.

       These young people were the elected leaders and animators of their youth groups in their own respective sub-parish. The program commenced with multiple Team Building games animated by the parish priest of the MHC Parish, Fr. Moise Paluka, sdb, who derived leadership tips from each game and pointed them out to the young people.

       Gathering at the conference room for the first session, Fr. Moise spoke to the young leaders on the Salesian Youth Spirituality. He oriented the participants on the notion of the Oratory and the Salesian Youth Ministry (SYM). Emphasising the Salesian way of life, he went on to simplify the meaning of each spiritualities. He dwelt on: Spirituality of daily life, optimism and joy, Church and Mary, friendship with Jesus and of responsive service. He encouraged the participants to truly understand and familiarize themselves with the spirit of Don Bosco so that they would be able to better animate their peers.

​​​​​​​       The afternoon session was animated by Mr Noli Genovia, a Salesian Cooperater and instructor at Don Bosco Technical School. Dealing with the aspect of planning, he tried to instill in the young leaders the culture of planning and evaluating whatever activity they intend to do in their own communities. After the talks, the participants drafted the upcoming youth camp program.

​​​​​​​       The formation concluded with a well-animated Eucharistic celebration presided over by Fr. Moise who invited the youth leaders to reflect on the Gospel of the day. He challenged them to remain focused without being lost in the allurements of the world if they wanted to bear much fruit.

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​       The participants left for their own villages with a spirit of satisfaction and motivation to put into practice what they learnt and be able to share their experiences of being part of the Salesian family.

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