Port Moresby, Boroko, PNG, 4 November 2024 -- "Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity." - 1 Timothy 4:12.
The youth and students from various institutions across Port Moresby gathered at Don Bosco Technological Institute, Boroko (DBTI) to embrace and express their faith without fear or shame. Enthusiastic participants from Sacred Heart Teachers College, Bomana; Jubilee Catholic Secondary School, Hohola; De La Salle Secondary School, Hohola, Don Bosco Technical Secondary School, Gabutu; Port Moresby National High School, and of course, the hosts DBTI, met under the banner of the Association of Mary Help of Christians (ADMA).
A well-loved saying goes, "When things seem out of control, run to Mom." This resonated with the animators, who recognized the importance of holding the ADMA camp, despite the challenges faced, because everyone needed to "run to Mama Mary." Although postponed twice earlier in the year, the coordinators’ dedicated planning made it possible from October 25th to 27th, with the theme, “I will give you a Teacher.”
The ADMA youth camp aims to make Catholic - and even interested non-Catholic - youth aware of the significance of upholding Christian values in the Catholic faith.
As a student from Port Moresby National High School (PomNaths), attending the camp alongside 14 other students was an incredibly enriching experience. We participated in two inspirational sessions with Fr. Pedro and Sr. Alice Fulgencio, FMA. Sr. Alice reminded us, "If you pray the Rosary and trust in Mary, the mother of God, you will witness miracles." Fr. Pedro recounted Don Bosco’s vision at the age of nine and emphasized the power of Mary’s intercession, the importance of prayer, and the dangers of sin, quoting Don Bosco’s words from his dream: "Sin is deadly, and virtue is beautiful."
PomNaths’ participation in the ADMA camp, our first, was both a rewarding experience and a challenge, especially amidst a heavy workload. Gathering Catholic students in a government institution was like finding a needle in a haystack, but it was undoubtedly worth it.
This program not only promotes our spiritual growth but also empowers us to become young leaders and fosters a network of youth united for Mama Mary. Awardees were recognized by Sr. Alice at the ADMA camp on Sunday, October 27, 2024.
