Catholic Youth Ministry Directory Launched to Strengthen Youth Faith and Mission

PORT MORESBY – The Catholic Youth Ministry Directory of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands (CBCPNGSI) was officially launched during a solemn Eucharistic celebration at the Shrine of Mary Help of Christians, Don Bosco Technological Institute, on Sunday, 19 July 2026.

Mr. Augustine, youth representative from the Southern Region of PNG, receives a copy of the Youth Directory from His Grace Archbishop Maurizio Bravi, Apostolic Nuncio to PNG & Solomon Islands, and the Bishop Deputies of the Youth Commission, His Excellencies Bishop Pedro Baquero and Bishop John Bosco Auram.

The launch brought together Church leaders, clergy, religious, youth coordinators, and young people from across Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands to celebrate the completion of a significant milestone in the life of the Church’s youth ministry.

The Eucharistic celebration was attended by His Excellency Archbishop Maurizio Bravi, Apostolic Nuncio to Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands; His Eminence Sir John Cardinal Ribat, MSC, Archbishop of Port Moresby; Most Reverend Pedro Baquero, SDB, Bishop Deputy of the Youth Commission of the CBCPNGSI; and Most Reverend John Bosco Auram, Bishop of Kimbe and Assistant Bishop Deputy of the Youth Commission.

The launch followed a week-long Youth Ministry Workshop held at the CBCPNGSI Headquarters in Gordons, where diocesan youth coordinators and youth leaders gathered to reflect on the newly completed directory and begin implementing the first two of its seven pastoral priorities. The workshop provided an opportunity for participants to deepen their understanding of the document and strengthen a shared vision for youth ministry throughout the Conference.

His Eminence Sir John Cardinal Ribat, MSC, blesses the Youth Directory during the commissioning rite at its official launching.

The directory marks the culmination of three years of consultation, discernment, and collaboration that began in 2022. Under the leadership of Youth Commission Secretary Sr. Sharon Palencia, OND, the process involved youth profiling workshops, parish consultations, and dialogue with young people across Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands. Their experiences, aspirations, and recommendations played a central role in shaping the final document.

Speaking during the celebration, Bishop Pedro Baquero emphasised that the directory is not merely a document written for young people, but one developed with them through a synodal process of listening, dialogue, and accompaniment. He said the directory reflects the voices and lived experiences of young people while providing a practical pastoral framework to guide youth ministry in the years ahead.

The revised directory is aligned with the CBCPNGSI Pastoral Plan (2022–2027) and draws inspiration from Pope Francis’ Apostolic Exhortation Christus Vivit. It is intended to serve as a pastoral resource for youth animators, chaplains, coordinators, and Church leaders by strengthening youth formation, encouraging active participation in the life of the Church, and nurturing young people in their journey of faith.

One of the most meaningful moments of the celebration was the commissioning of young people and youth leaders as agents of evangelisation and witnesses of Christ under the theme, "Youth in Christ." When invited to embrace their mission, the young people responded with conviction, "Yes, we are," publicly affirming their readiness to serve the Church.

Youth representatives from across PNG and the Solomon Islands join bishops, priests, religious, and coordinators following the Launching of the Youth Directory

During the commissioning rite, the youth also made a solemn pledge to remain steadfast in their Catholic faith, to use their God-given gifts and talents in service to others, and to continue following Jesus Christ with joy and commitment.

As a sign of unity and shared responsibility, symbolic copies of the Catholic Youth Ministry Directory were presented to representatives from the four regions of Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands. The presentation highlighted the collective commitment of the Church to strengthen youth ministry and foster greater collaboration across dioceses.

The celebration concluded with prayers for the successful implementation of the directory, asking God to make it a source of guidance, renewal, and hope for young people throughout the Conference. Through this renewed pastoral vision, the Church continues to encourage young people to become missionary disciples, active witnesses of the Gospel, and joyful reminders that holiness is a vocation to which every person—including the youth—is called.