Catholic Diocese of Kundiawa hosts Youth Convention

Kundiawa: Siure Three Kings’ Parish in the Catholic Diocese of Kundiawa hosted a four days youth convention. The convention was held from April 7 - 11 with more than three thousands youths from all parishes in the Dioceses attending.

Picture: His Lordship Bishop Paul Sundu with the youths

The convention was officiated with an inauguration Mass presided by the Local Ordinary, Most Reverend Bishop Paul Sundu with other priests and religious of the Diocese. The Convention was held in accordance to the pastoral letter endorsed by CBC PNGSI following the year of youth declared by his Holiness, Pope Francis.

The theme of the youth convention, "Pilgrims of hope for the young people to walk in synodality" was derived from the theme endorsed by CBC PNGSI "Journeying in communion with Youths in Christ". According to the theme, the convention was held to promote young vibrant Catholic faithful in the diocese to foster communion, solidarity and collaboration towards holiness of life.

In his homily, Bishop Sundu, challenged the youths to live a life of Gospel Value. He said that young people have many choices to make therefore they must be wise and careful to make the right decision to choose and secure a better part of life.

He further encouraged the youths to hold fast to their Catholic faith and make use of it in their daily works of life.

"Live the Catholic faith and do not just listen and forget about it. Christ is alive! He is our hope and he wants us to be alive just like him. So how can we, the youths in Kundiawa Diocese be alive? We should be alive by way of working on our faith and not just listening and forgetting it".

He added that all baptized Catholics, both young and old should live their faith by way of expressing it in their works of love and service, and to participate in communion with one and other.

"We are called to be Salt and Light of Christ to the world. Our communion, participation in the works of love and services can thus reflect our faith in Christ to others".

He called out to the youths to ground their Christian faith in the Catholic Church, to stay connected to one another and to be part of devotional groups like the Legion of Mary or Charismatic etc., and adapt their Charisma (spirituality). This can help them become good and active evangelizers of the gospel.

Bishop Paul also stressed on self-reliance as the way forward to sustain Catholic faith in the diocese. He encouraged the youths to start developing self-sustainable skills and innovative vision to rely and walk through in their lives.

"Let's not be liability to our parents, it's time now so let's wake up and be creative to live as mature young men and women. We must be ready to choose and walk the right path which God intended for us, that is holiness of life".

Following the Eucharistic celebration were other programs such as Religious Vocation Promotion, Apologetic discussion, Mercy Works skills and products display.

Distinguished guests and representatives from each offices in the diocese, such as Family Life, Youth, Catholic Health and Education were also present and delivered their speeches to the youths.

At the end, the Youth Convention was a success in the diocese. It was meaningfully held with collaboration and participation from the youths, religious priests and laity of the diocese.

While the sent forth Mass was again presided by the Local Ordinary as he commissioned the youths to go and live the life of Gospel value, to be salt and light of Christ to others.